I’ve been told by many people that music and politics don’t mix. That taking a side would ruin my career and turn potential fans against me. I heard that music was meant to be open for interpretation, and it wasn’t a forum for a personal belief to be given to an audience. I’ve been told that people just want to enjoy music and don’t need anything except a party. I’ve heard so much about squishing my beliefs so that people can enjoy my music.
And unfortunately I listened. For far too long.
Maybe I’m older, maybe I’m wiser. But I’m done with all that.
I’ve spent a lot of time lately reflecting on music and how it sits in my life, and I’ve come to some pretty defined beliefs. I think that my music should be a reflection of the world around me and an expression of my humanity. My artistic choices should be defined by that belief, and as such, my choices shouldn’t be dictated by industry or commerce. So if I’m effected by something or I’ve got something to say, it should come through my music.
I’ve been really upset about the recent round of decisions put forth by the Supreme Court. From cutting environmental protections to making access to guns easier, the supermajority in the current court has pushed an agenda to force a specific ideology upon U.S. citizens and their lifestyle. That’s not their job, and at the end of the day, it’s an abuse of power.
The court’s overturning of Roe vs. Wade, which has a massive impact on a woman’s access to abortion, infuriated me and inspired “It’s Not Your Choice.” This decision was not only stripped away a basic human right from women, but it took away their ability to choose. When we loose the right to make choices about the way we live our life, we inch dangerously further away from the basic tenants of democracy.
This has been weighing strongly on my mind, and I couldn’t just sit silently; so I wrote and recorded “It’s Not Your Choice.” I realize that there are plenty of ways to protest and make my beliefs heard. But I’m a musician and that’s the best way for me to get my message out into the world. Music is accessible and omnipresent in our modern society, that we often take it for granted; but it’s for a powerful medium for communication.
I realize that my strong beliefs put forward in “It’s Not Your Choice” will anger and potentially alienate a number of listeners. This is hard for me, because I also believe that music is about making a connection with other people. So I need to face the fact that this music will have distinct impacts upon my connection with people. I know that there are people out there that will resonate with my message and connect with both me and my music as a result. I look forward to being a part of a community with those people and adding something meaningful to their lives.
For the people that do feel anger or resentment about “It’s Not Your Choice”, I hope that we can focus on the conversation around the music. I really believe that the notes, chords, melodies, and sounds are just the beginning. The processing that happens after those sounds have been heard is just as, if not more, important. And the resultant conversation is essential. It’s OK if you don’t see eye to eye with me; let’s discuss and try to understand each other. Maybe we’ll agree to disagree, but we’ll start building a bridge.
That’s a step forward and that progress gives me hope.