Here's a great Music for America interview with activist/musician/geek Lisa Rein, whose open-invitation concert/party is this Saturday in San Francisco.
I believe that music is a good way to approach the emotional side of these controversial political issues. I believe that the cultural aspects of, for instance, copyright — and the common man's loss of our history and heritage in exchange for big business to make more money on it's intellectual property — are explained better through song.
I also believe that music is a good way to raise awareness about important issues. If you can write a song that's good in its own right, in that it's a catchy tune and people like it no matter what it's about — that they might eventually read the lyrics and learn more about the issue you're singing about.
I try to follow John Lennon's model in raising awareness. He was able to eventually stop the vietnam war with this song and the feeling of love and community that he was able to bring to people at large. I hope to do the same thing and encourage others to climb on board.
