During the life of rock and pop music, it has always had a rebellious and provocative agenda. Different genres was more or less chocking. Elvis was dangerous in the fifties, Rolings stones were dangerous in the sixties, Sex pistols were dangerous in the seventies, WASP were dangerous in the eighties, Marilyn Manson was dangerous in the nineties. But suddenly something happened. The artists are no longer enough dangerous or provocative. Today’s parents were punks themselves and can see through the marketing values of an artist trying to be scary. Politicians and establishment just watch the most aggressive bands and say “Been there, done that”.
Instead of the bands, the consumption itself became dangerous. Because people started working against established market rules. The audience became the lawbreakers and rebels. Along with the peoples movement of creating ones own material and being part of the creative process, this is provocative and dangerous on another level.
Very interesting to follow, however sometimes the debate is dull and stands still. But in the end I think this, as many musical movements, will lead to change, for better or worse. If you are looking for political music today, have a look at the audience. Because they are the ones being most radical today. Bands have a lot to learn.
