Sounds like a Revolution

Sounds Like A Revolution

The Royal Cinema continues to show the best art films in town. The theatre is in the midst of my favorite part of town. I love to walk to the cinema. I was aware that just a few blocks away the police were in full force with all the trauma of the G20. Children were enjoying gelato cones in the street. Restaurant patios were filled with diners. One bar was blasting the World Soccer game in Spanish. There was such energy on the street.

I had no idea what this film was about and found it very ironical that the theme had to do with music being used to change society. How appropriate with all the G20 antics happening at this very moment.

I was fascinated with the topic. The two young producers were in attendance. It took them over 7 years to produce. It is really a piece of historical relevance.

In a day when protestors wee being arrested in large numbers it was fascinating to listen to the musicians talking about using music to promote change. The timing of the film is during the Bush era but the message is universal.

This artistic film uses animation, news footage and artists in performance to give the message.

In the past I have had a negative image of punk singers. Several are interviewed. They speak of the very issues that the G20 is discussing today. They talk about poverty, the environment and corporate domination. Much discussion is given to the Iraqi war and Bush’s legacy. I listened to the words of their songs and gained a new appreciation for their message in song form.

One singer states, “If you are only armed with a guitar that is what you fight with.” It was amazing to see the large crowds relating positively to the musicians. We are reminded that in the last election in the United States large numbers of youth came out to vote because they had the feeling that change was about to come. Much of the promotion for the election came through young musicians.

We were reminded of the price the Dixie Chicks paid when they dared to speak out against Bush. Their career suffered immensely. Other musicians told the audience that their music could not be played on the radio or TV because the corporate companies wouldn’t dare to play their ant government music.

The fight for change came from the words in their songs. The musicians stated that their songs are not party music but rather trying to give a message that would encourage young people to get involved and make change.

Pete Seager was one of the first to sing protest music and his music became part of the Civil Rights movement. Neil Young wrote a song, Ohio that told of the horrors of the Kent State tragedy.

The musicians stated that if the media doesn’t tell the whole truth they see it as their mission to state what is happening through their music,

I was fascinated to see how the big box stores also control what music is sold and played.

This was an amazing film produced by two very young women. They were both in attendance. One young musician, Justin Sane was also in attendance. He sang two new songs for the audience and participated in the discussion.

Apparently the film does play on Super Chanel. I think every young student should have the opportunity of seeing this film. It is empowering to the young. I found it educational and very interesting.