protest music

Music has always pushed back against power. From folk songs and Vietnam-era protests to punk’s raw defiance and hip hop’s systemic critique, musicians have long used sound as a weapon against authoritarianism, racism, and state violence.…

Thrash/hardcore revolutionists War Orphan, featuring former Sick of It All guitarist Richie Cipriano, drummer Dante Renzi (Reach) and vocalist David Bason (Barfbag, Lords of the Drift), pay tribute to The Exploited's controversial track…

Protest-folk music icon of the sixties, Arlo Guthrie, collaborated with Solo Pianist, Jim Wilson, to release, "Hard Times Come Again No More." Arlo Guthrie, Jim Wilson and Vanessa Bryan create a stunning, folk rendition of, "Hard Times…

Danish punk band Twin Dive have released a new track in remembrance of George Floyd, a recent victim of police brutality whos death has sparked protest and outrage worldwide. The energy and pure anger that shine through on this track…

Bad Religion have released “The Kids Are Alt-Right,” a sharp takedown of the alt-right movement delivered with their signature brand of socially conscious and sardonic punk. https://youtu.be/hES9IBTPbcw With a nod to The Who’s 1965…

Jackie McLean, daughter of singer-songwriter Don McLean, best know for his song “American Pie,” is the front woman of Roan Yellowthorn. She adopted this alter ego when returning to music after taking time to complete a university degree.…

Winding down African-American history month, The Crows Nest looks at the top protest albums from black artists that you should know, Gothamist looks at NYC Protest songs in their detailed history and Vogue looks at how protest music took…

Artists of all genres and popularity take part in this American tradition, one that we at NYS Music hold dear. Our series "This Week in Protest Music" arrives at a time when there should not be silence from the media and amplify the voices…