I don't think I have ever experienced anxiety quite like the day after the 2016 elections. You could see it on everyone's face and in everyone's demeanor. Everything was slow, and everyone was quiet. It was all eerie to say the very least.
In the days following, we have seen scores of distraught citizens practicing their first amendment rights. Protests, demonstrations, and speeches have all since taken news media by storm. On their signs it read, "not my president," underscoring their thoughts on the outcome of such a momentous election. Who could blame them?
I would be lying if I didn't say I was frightened or shook to the bone at what is to become of our government. I don't think a majority of Americans even saw this coming, leaving a bad taste in our mouths after being blindsided like this.
Of course my escape, and an escape for many others, was music. If history has been any indicator, music thrives when there is a cause to get behind. For example, rockabilly challenged the status quo of the 50's, spurring young people to think for themselves for the first time. The 80's brought about a golden age for punk music, challenging the actions and power of the Reagan administration.
These are just some of the many examples in which music defined the values of a generation. It is for this very reason that I am somewhat optimistic for the future. In times of peril and struggle, music has always transcended through it all to inspire people of all backgrounds. I see no reason why it wouldn't do so now.
LGBTQ rights, climate change, healthcare, these are just some of the many debates believed to be re-opened under a republican controlled government. This gives artists plenty of subjects to latch onto in the creative process. There is no shortage of social issues that wouldn't benefit from another voice.
Even so, the emotions of anxiety and fear experienced at this time can be enough to set the wheels of creation in motion. I don't think that all great artists to emerge from this point in time will be politically motivated, but to some degree will be effected by all of the rhetoric in our society. The need to express emotion will be very strong in the coming years for all artists.
It is my hope for the next four years that we will see a musical renaissance. Artists, both young and old, will see the importance of the need to express themselves and see the value in the medium of music. Great storytellers and moving musicians will emerge from this atmosphere of uncertainty to give us inspiring works of art. It is my hope that the next few years will be a triumph for our freedom of expression.
