Stereoboard Look At Some Of The Most Influential Protest Bands (Pussy Riot, RATM, Anti Flag Feature)
Monday, 29 October 2012
Written by Heather McDaid
Music is a universal language. It's an outlet for every emotion - love, anger, angst - and it is often used to be a voice, be it one of inspiration, or one of the people. Pussy Riot have been in the press a lot this year for their anti-Putin protest in an Orthodox church, and people have rallied behind the women for their cause. Coinciding with them being found guilty, the band released a single titled 'Putin Lights Up The Fires', refusing to back down even from behind bars.
With lyrics declaring, "This state may be strong than time in jail' / 'The more arrests, the happier it is' / 'Every arrest is carried out with love for the sexist", the band reaffirmed their dedication to their cause, and reminded everyone in the power music can possess. It's not all electronic for the sake of a good dance, or quirky lyrics for the sake of a good sing-along - music can be real, it can provoke change and it can stand for something.
Pussy Riot have been exploited in their punishment for this artistic expression, yet we'll avoid going into the politics of their situation. Few protest artists will suffer by the sword quite like these women have so far, and continue to do, yet there are still others out there who stand up on their altar, the stage, and use both their words and their songs to stand for something.
One of the most prolific protest bands out there is Rage Against The Machine. Formed back in the 90s, they have used their vast success to promote their political views, and use this as a base for activism. One of their key viewpoints surrounds the domestic and foreign policies of the US Government. Naturally, they have spoken far and wide on the issue, but one Tom Morello quote cites, "America touts itself as the land of the free, but the number one freedom that you and I have is the freedom to enter into a subservient role in the workplace. Once you exercise this freedom you've lost all control over what you do, what is produced, and how it is produced. The only way you can avoid bosses and jobs is if you don't care about making a living. Which leads to the second freedom: the freedom to starve."
Their track 'Killing In The Name' was also used as part of a protest against the corporate domination of Simon Cowell and the X Factor regarding the Christmas #1 in the UK. Against the young winner Joe McElderry's 'Keep The Faith', the lyrics 'Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me' were a statement from a nation sick of manufactured pop acts and predictability and a nation willing to support the protest, though many would not have a real love of the track. The band seemed humbled to be a part of this musical revolution, as cited by them as they headlined Download Festival the following year. It seems that even when a humble DJ in Essex wanted to make a statement, Rage Against The Machine were there to help.
It's not just within the band that they are vocal of their beliefs. Though Morello's work with Audioslave in the years between Rage was ultimately apolitical, he started his own solo alter ego - 'The Nightwatchman' - which allowed him to continue is politically charged writing. Having seen him perform in this suit, it's a truly exceptional experience. With Rage, we are often in awe of Zack de la Rocha as he boldly declares his views, but here Tom as the stage, he has the mike and he's as impassioned here as anywhere else. At the time he toured supporting Rise Against in 2011, he openly spoke about the Occupy movement which swept the world at the time, adding with a sense of humility and belief that everyone has the power to step outside their front door and change the world. It's these same notions that filter through his songs, mixed with that of Rage Against The Machine.
Rise Against are a band who have openly admitted they take inspiration from Rage, so it proved no surprise that they considered it an honour to have Tom Morello tour with them. Punk rock and ready, the band use their stage to support progressive causes. They, like Rage, actively involve themselves in groups. Back in 2004, the band was part of Punkvoter, appearing on the compilation 'Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1' to raise money for the then presidential candidate John Kerry. In the next election, they then openly supported Barack Obama. Following this success, they openly posted, "Few things are more exciting than watching Bush finally release America as his eight year hostage."
Their track 'Hero of War' typifies their stance on war. The band were anti-war, pro-troop and they work closely with Veterans Against The War. Back in 2009, the band cancelled their performance at a military-funded event and came under fire for their decision. A statement that subsequently appeared on their website stated, "As the date closed in, we discovered that we were scheduled to headline a stage sponsored by the US Army's Recruitment Dept. As a band that has worked in counter-recruitment in the past, we decided it would be hypocritical and inappropriate for us to headline this stage.
In addition, we were surprised that a radio station claiming to be familiar with Rise Against thought that we would be okay with the idea that we would play a show and subject our fans to military recruitment tactics in a time of war, a war we adamantly and publicly have opposed since its bumbled inception. Recruiters are a part of the military [and] even many members of the military will admit their distaste for their documented unethical tactics."
Alongside their political views, the band are active supporters of PETA, with all members being vegetarian - Tim leaning more towards being vegan. The band have described their video for 'Ready To Fall' as the most important they have ever made, as it features footage of sport hunting, factory farming, deforestation and other environmental issues, synonymous with what the band seek to protect.
In the similar vein of utilising punk rock for their message, American activists Anti Flag have rallied an impassioned fan base through unwillingness to compromise over their beliefs. The group have started their own groups including The Underground Action Alliance, The Bright Lights and Military Free Zone, the latter of which protests a particular clause that allowed military recruiters automatic access to the personal details of students. They regularly support other political organisations including Democracy Now!, PETA, Amnesty International and Greenpeace. In an attempt to block a road used in the deployment of troops to Iraq in 2010, a group of anti-war protestors chose the band's track 'Die For Your Government' to voice their issues, proving that the band has become one of many voices against the war.
"I don’t think you would name your band “Anti Flag” unless you’re really thinking about social issues that are going on in the world," joked vocalist Justin Sane. "We deal with the ideas and issues of social justice because they’re very important to us as a band. We definitely care about trying to make the world a better place. That is something that I am very passionate about because I think that there are so many people that suffer and it’s not necessary, it doesn’t have to be that way. I think that if everybody tries a little bit to help the person next to them that the world will be a better place." This cuts to the core of everything the band stand for.
The UK lost one of our greatest assets in the realm of protest bands earlier this year as The King Blues called it quits. Acting as a voice for the youth of the country, they united people in a cause for understanding the issues that plague youngsters, the injustices and inequality many face. In the midst of chaos that followed the London Riots in 2011, Itch was one of the few who spoke out and offered some support, not for the anarchy that ensued, nor the damage or danger caused, but for vocalising what issues are being overlooked that may have caused the pent up aggression.
Earlier this year, he even said, "There's no fucking future for anyone but the privileged anymore, education needs to be for everyone, we need jobs, houses, and all they want us to do is pay our taxes, shut the fuck up and gratefully eat X-Factor. It makes me sick to my gut. Banker bonuses and politicians claiming thousands for their fucking duck ponds while they sweep the homeless off the streets and hose down where they're sleeping, taking away benefits while two and a half million people are unemployed, leaving empty houses to rot and trying to outlaw squatting during a homeless crisis. There's a battle going on and we're part of it whether we like it or not. Cameron says, 'in this together', easy to say if you're sitting on £30,000,000!
"He has no idea what life is like for the people he condemns, for the people he makes it most difficult for. He's a fucking scumbag and I've had enough of it, I know I ain't the only one either. I look around and I see resistance on every level. Call us what you like, striking workers, protesting students, rioting kids, the 99%, we are who we are, a product of a broken Britain being torn apart and yes, we are fucking angry - is anybody gonna fight back?"
Ultimately, these are just a few bands who utilise their platform to benefit causes they personally believe in. What's more is that they are all interlinked and overlapping. They all fight some form of oppression or war, they signify a battle - a battle for peace, equality, fairness. Why these bands are important is not only that they raise awareness for their various causes, but because they believe in what they stand for, they practice what they preach and they dedicate their life and their art into sharing it.
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With lyrics declaring, "This state may be strong than time in jail' / 'The more arrests, the happier it is' / 'Every arrest is carried out with love for the sexist", the band reaffirmed their dedication to their cause, and reminded everyone in the power music can possess. It's not all electronic for the sake of a good dance, or quirky lyrics for the sake of a good sing-along - music can be real, it can provoke change and it can stand for something. 
