(ot) (Slightly) Politics + electronic Music

[kyle jones <kyle@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi folks, I just got done listening to a discussion on political music on my 
local community radio station.  Quite frankly I was extremely disappointed 
as to the contents of the discussion, namely that the only surprise was a 
mention of Stevie Wonder, and that the usual suspects, like Woody Guthrie, 
and Bob Dylan abounded (lyrical political music).  I have been arguing of 
late that the desktop musician is the closest thing to true democracy in 
music.  I posit that anyone with a small amount of money can create, record, 
distribute and promote from the very same box for far cheaper than doing 
things in a non-digital way, with better results.  I know this claim doesn't 
take into account the people who can't afford even used desktops, 
electricity or net connections, but still it is far closer than someone with 
a guitar who is limited by playing ability and all of the equipment needed 
to make a "commercial" success (ie at least a couple of mics and recording 
equipment).  I know this is a mishmash of poorly presented thoughts, but I 
would like to hear your thoughts on this.  I think this topic has many 
facets, from warez, to freeware to the fact that digital files are arguably 
better for the environment and more accessible to the common person.  I find 
that the progressive political community has a kind of luddite approach to 
technology and digital music and I think a discussion like this could 
enlighten and give at least me, a case to take to my political peers.  I 
would also like some explicit examples of non-lyrical political electronic 
music, and political labels (I have heard a little about Rice and Beans(?)). 
Oh and while conservative, or right wing politics are not my forte, I would 
still be interested in examples of those as well and not exclude them from 
the discussion.



Thank you for your time and thoughts, 

Kyle Jones