For as long as anyone can remember, those with even an ounce of status as an artist tend to weigh in and in some instances even raise money for their chosen delegate’s campaign. We, the general public, have in some ways come to trust their opinions. And why not? We spend courtesy of http://kerry.senate.govenough of our money and time being their devoted fans, hanging on to every note and word that pours out from them. And it’s nothing new for a band to express political views in their music. Contrary to what conservatives think, rock music isn’t merely a vacuum of escapism from the real world, it has the ability to create a culture surrounding politics, albeit an oftentimes insular one. We have Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Bono, the Dixie Chicks, and Bruce Springsteen, but really there are countless other musicians working in a more underground way to effect change, not to mention the entire genre of punk rock which typically takes on political issues before musicality. And for some, like Washington DC’s own outspoken band, Fugazi, voicing their opinions both on and off the record, as it were, is equally important to who and what they are. But where did it all begin?

It can most likely be traced back earlier, but Beethoven’s third symphony was originally called “Bonaparte” due to his admiration of ideals set forth during the French Revolution. Then, upon Napoleon crowning himself emperor in 1804, Beethoven was so put off by that act of egotism that he rescinded the dedication and renamed the symphony “Heroic Symphony, Composed to Celebrate the Memory of a Great Man.”

In the more recent past, as rock ‘n’ roll is really only in its infancy, we’ve really seen musicians get politically active. What about Nixon getting elected twice during the height of the hippie movement in the late ’60s/early ’70s? This era particularly showed the power rock music could have on the younger demographic, and yet it did not change who was elected during that time. At the Hollywood Palladium in 1984, the Clash rallied for five nights against Reagan and Thatcher. But, alas, Reagan was re-elected. Alt-rock sage Michael Stipe of R.E.M. was a huge advocate of Dukakis, who in the courtesy of http://remhq.comend got bupkis. Springsteen’s music has evolved from personal stories of the common man to darkened tales of the demise of America. The Rising Tour anyone? And yet, the horror of the Bush family/administration lived on despite his efforts to change it. And, in 2004, when it was nearly impossible to exaggerate the importance of the presidential election, for us and the rest of the world, we saw musicians come out in droves in support of John Kerry with the Vote for Change Tour, not to mention countless other events featuring musicians getting political for the cause. It was probably the most outspoken musicians had been up until that point during an election. While those were inspiring times, we remember all too well what resulted because we’re currently still living with it. Could it be that a musician’s involvement in politics makes a lot of noise but signifies really nothing at all? Or could it be that it has the unintended, inverse impact, which invites conservatives to rail against them and preach “family values?” When considering what musicians like Springsteen sing about in their music, there exists great irony to how things have played out time and again.

For the most part, musicians identify with the Democratic Party. Interestingly, this works both ways. Rock music is an everyman activity and is used as a tool to aid in making these candidates appear less like a robot stiff. Some politicians throw the opening pitch at a big league baseball game, others choose to rock (or rap, ugh). Jimmy Carter quoted Dylan when he accepted the Democratic nomination in 1976, and Bill Clinton made Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” his 1992’s campaign theme song, which sparked the band’s reunion at his inauguration party. But, generally, it appears that musicians are mostly asking folks to do their homework and use their own brain to make an informed choice. Otherwise, it’s likely they’re either preaching to the choir or alienating those who can think for themselves. But there’s an important thing to consider about all of this. Although they have every right to stand up for what they believe in, political involvement by musicians for a presidential election can be worthless if it’s not well thought out.

Take for instance, Monday night’s show at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC called “Barack Rock,” which was put on by the politically-biased website Getupandvote.com. The show featured OK Go, Nina Persson of the Cardigans, and Craig Wedren and Nathan Larson from Shudder to Think, and was hosted by the likes of Michael Ian Black. If there’s one thing that’ll band together young rocker types, it is disillusionment and comedy. This is all well and good; except for the fact that it wasn’t a fundraiser for Obama—tickets were $20 a pop, not cheap, and where the money is going is unclear. But that’s not the bad part, really. It’s the mixed message they’re sending. Although they’re pushing for a candidate, as suggested by the name of the event, their website claims “it will be neither preachy nor didactic, but a clear, inspiring reminder for viewers and listeners to get off their asses and vote.” For $20 you can have a ball and be reminded by the following morning’s hangover that you’re supposed to get out of bed and vote, preferably for Obama, although so long as you’re voting, it’s cool…like whatever, man. This isn’t exactly an exercise in righteous indignation for making a difference. I mean, take a fucking stand on the matter. Or else, so much for the days when rock ‘n’ roll looked people in the eye and forced some kind of response.

Speaking of, remember when Eddie Vedder impaled a mask of the president on a microphone stand during concerts? Now that was obviously disrespectful, but it was at least very clear how he felt about things. Not whatever, man. Who else is going to drive a point home like that if not a musician in a rock band? Maybe, photo by Chris Sweda for Chicago-Sun Timesjust maybe, that Susan Sarandon broad might have it in her. But do you think Vedder was saddened by the fact that his pro-Bush fans were offended by him impaling that mask? Hell no!

But, back to this year’s democratic delegates. Once a presidential hopeful goes where the voters are and figures out what makes them tick, it’s also been said that victory goes to the more likable candidate. Hillary Clinton isn’t getting on with the rocker types too well, I can tell you that much, even though it’s been reported that she’s seen support from Elvis Costello and Timbaland. Perhaps she should pick a campaign song by someone other than Celine Dion? Now, the epitome of indie rock mainstream (and yes, I just wrote “indie rock mainstream”) Conor Oberst was the opening act at Obama’s rally in Iowa. There we go, now we’re talking. Obama, or Ba-Rock—as tagged by series of concerts to mobilize young voters with members of Wilco in tow—is gaining support from the indie rock community by the day and gaining ground on Hillary in the primaries by the day as well. Are the two things mutually exclusive? Hard to tell, but indie rock (if you don’t know what it is exactly, please refer to your newly purchased Juno soundtrack) has headlined in various places as being Obama’s secret weapon. Indie rock is like the new swing vote in the Democratic primaries.

In an article published in Newsweek, the writer reported that “On Friday, Dec. 7 in Chicago, Wilco captured the crucial ‘indie rock’ constituency for Obama. John Edwards may have Bonnie Raitt. Hillary Clinton may have Celine Dion. But Barack has the MacBook-tanned mp3 bloggers in skinny jeans and vintage t-shirts. And as they go, so goes the nation.” The writer also immediately shot this sentiment in the foot by noting that Jill “I Kissed a Girl” Sobule and that dude from Third Eye Blind also performed at the event. However, there’s still a fair amount of validity to the matter when Newsweek reports that the indie rock community is a “crucial,” what, constituency was it? So maybe we shouldn’t shrug apathetically at our computer screens when our RSS feed explodes with news that Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler spoke out on his blog, both criticizing Hillary Clinton and backing Obama. It appeared to be actual news that Butler said, “Do we live in a democracy so we can just keep electing the same families?” A good point, though not necessarily a new one, which was followed by an f-bomb with several exclamation points. I think Butler could do better. Impaling stuff with a microphone stands comes to mind. But perhaps the point here is not so much the power of indie rock itself, but the power the internet and indie rock have to reach the 18-25 year old demographic, and reach them consistently at that. In 1968 you’d have to wait a month for Rolling Stone to come out. Now young adults can access immediately when and where and why Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy courtesy Rough Trade Recordschose to side with Obama.

During this past Sunday’s Superbowl, Obama ran an ad that aired in about 20 states, as it was funded on a state-by-state basis (and cost $250,000 instead of a national ad which costs $2.5 million), aimed at a younger demographic as it featured shots of young folks in the crowd cheering Obama on while also playing the music of Dan Zweben. Never heard of him and I followed up on this… Zweben only has approximately 2,000 friends on MySpace. Not exactly Fleetwood Mac status or anything like it, but pretty interesting that I was actually introduced to a new musician through a commercial for a presidential hopeful. Nicely played, Ba-Rock.

What it comes down to is the drawing of a line in the sand. And that is probably what the rock community at large respects about Barack Obama. He’ll tell you that he did a little of the ol’ Dr. Zhivago back in the day and is currently still at the mercy of nicotine gum. He easily admits that he’s human with faults and foibles and probably a real fuck up from time to time, but that doesn’t keep him from doing his job and doing it well. This earns him respect and makes him infinitely more likeable, especially amongst a crowd of young voters who tend to embrace the awkward and emotionally damaged. I’m not knocking that either… I think it’s perfectly healthy. Besides, when did anyone ever like someone who goes around pretending like they’re perfect? And what is rock music if not a place where we can openly contend with all the things in life that make us human?

We like our music defined in this way. It’s good to know where everyone stands. So, yes, I’m completely fine and even encouraging of musicians getting up and voicing their opinions on political matters so long as their message isn’t lukewarm or wishy-washy. If the message being preached can heighten political awareness and energize young voters, a positive impact will have taken place. Still, the end of their means is in question. The results of the intended impact has yet to be seen (as I sit here writing this), and history thus far doesn’t bode well in terms of how much muscle musicians can provide in getting folks out to the voting polls to make a difference for change. And yet, it’s not a very long history to consider. This new idea that the rock community is a significant group to win over might actually have some legs to stand on this time around. In the end, as the anxiety of who will become president in 2008 reigns supreme, one thing is certain: we’re being entertained and perhaps even comforted by the music as we wait.

In 2002, the Velmas released their debut album, Another Day At School. Since its release, the album has received rave reviews and has opened doors of opportunity for the band.

“ADAS” was followed by Recess (2004), a 10-song “double EP” featuring new and unreleased studio tracks, as well as several live tracks. Recess included the song “Restless, Restless,” which was selected out of thousands of entries as one of the top 20 finalists on Howard Stern’s much-publicized “Restless, Restless” contest. The song also wound up being included on a compilation album called “The Best of Restless, Restless” with other entries including those from William Shatner and Robert Goulet.

The Velmas would follow that up with their second full-length album, Station, released on City Canyons Records on October 31, 2006. Station was recorded at Robby Takac’s (Goo Goo Dolls) Chameleon West Studios in Buffalo, NY.  A new digital single, “Playground,” was released by City Canyons in April of 2009. November of that year saw the release of another single, “Wait”. 

The Velmas are three singers and songwriters creating powerful rock music. Their sound is influenced by old-school to modern rock, punk, reggae, and even country and classical. In concert, the Velmas back their music with a playful, high-energy live show, which is the reason why Albany-area “Velmites” keep voting them the Capital Region’s “Best Alternative Band” and “Best Rock Band” (Metroland, 2006, 2007, 2009).

The Velmas have shared the stage with numerous acts, including Soul Asylum, Collective Soul, Everclear, moe., Tally Hall, Winger, Vertical Horizon, Samantha Ronson, and Shaw Blades (members of Styx, Night Ranger, and Damn Yankees).

This indie rock band has all the right stuff to satisfy your craving for music you like but have not heard yet.

Keeping her mouth shut is something that ANTI-HERO’s frontwoman Rose Perry has never been able to master. Growing up as a troubled and confused youth, music was the one outlet through which she could gain total acceptance. Never succumbing to negative temptation, Perry sought refuge through her artistic endeavours in hopes that the experiences she went through would one day serve as inspiration for her listeners.

“ANTI-HERO’s music is refreshing. It motivates me to be strong and confident.” - Amelia Favata, Creator, ANTI-HERO Streetteam Leader

Never anticipating that she would end up the leader behind a rock and roll phenomenon, Perry, unlike other rockers, maintains humility and takes the time to show her fans how much they are appreciated.

“Anti-Hero’s live shows are loud, obnoxious, a little silly at times … you can’t ask for anything better than that. Anti-Hero always go out of the way to make their fans feel special, which is rare these days in music.”- Patman Coates, Official ANTI-HERO Bitch

Acting as not only a band comprised of four extremely talented musicians, but rather the voice of a generation, ANTI-HERO has captured issues of societal prominence through the lyrics of their hard-hitting catchy rock-infused anthems.

“ANTI-HERO’s music has helped me so much on an individual basis – they put light in my dark days, and even more light in the good days. They are not just a band; they are four people who I look up to. Much love to them.”– Mich Elik, Creator, ANTI-HERO Fansite

Dubbed as the ’21st Century’s Answer to Nirvana’ (CoverZone Magazine, USA), ANTI-HERO’s raw unapologetic attitude harkens back to a time when music, like any other art form, was inspirational, not sold as a commodity.

With their passionate presence, and commitment to delivering music with meaning, ANTI-HERO continues to raise the standards for musicians everywhere.

“ANTI-HERO is the heart of what music was meant to be. Passion. Drive. Dedication. Inspiration. And always presented with a positive message.”– Jackery Schlifer, ANTI-HERO fan

Comprised of Nic VanH, Perry’s bombshell blonde sidekick on Bass & Backing Balls, Jesse Tomes, the group’s Lead Guitarist, Arranger & Comic relief, and finally, Todd Stewart, more commonly known as T-Bag (yes, there is a good story behind this one folks) keeping it loud, consistent, and in perfect tempo on drums, ANTI-HERO is not your average rock quartet.

As Perry explains, “We try to promote ‘following one’s dreams’ as one of our strongest messages. We write what we know – how we feel, and who we are as people. We don’t write your cliché love and hate songs, but rather, with our music, we try to pay homage to the artists of the past who have made the industry what it is today. We are not here to fit into any molds, or preconceived notions of what it means to be in a female-fronted band. This is real rock with real attitude, and we are real people just trying to tell our story, hoping we can reach others with what we say.”

ANTI-HERO’s definitely primed to take on the music biz, and with their impressive D.I.Y. ethics which have earned them accolades of success, seeing them crowned as rock and roll royalty will surely be no surprise to anyone.

In a time when the music industry is over-run by copycat artists selling their souls just to become the next flavour of the week, ANTI-HERO, like Nirvana, remains true to their vision: playing the music that they want.Goto thisindie rock band’s newjuke site for a listen.

The crowd seemed to love it just as much when they toned down and waded into quieter territory. It’s hard to find bands that can switch things up so effortlessly. Although I wasn’t familiar with their material I found myself enthralled with each song. The Green Room is a cool little place and doesn’t have a stage, so the guys were set-up right on the floor opposite the bar. The patrons were able to get right up close with them and vice versa. The band interacted really well with the audience, and with each other. On several occasions the singer offered the mic to a few enthusiastic onlookers to join in and they happily obliged. Not knowing the lyrics didn’t stop them. All in good fun, and isn’t that what good music is about?

It was that kind of night, 3 sets of polished rock radio sheen made to set fists pumping and hearts beating. After the gig was over I had the chance to talk to the band members while they tore down their gear. They were all very cool and spoke to me in detail about what the band’s been up to. Long story short: they’ve been playing together for nearly 10 years, had a few member changes along the way, and released a few CDs independently. The Integral has shared the stage with several signed acts like Trapt, Dredg, 3, The Ataris, Pulse Ultra and got a slot on the Vans Warped Tour in Montreal a few years back. I love finding Indie bands that not only make great music, but also work really hard at building a solid track record. I wish these guys all the best.

See this band in an intimate club setting. I’m really glad I had the opportunity to do so. They’re planning on doing more gigs in the New England area so if you live around here, don’t miss out. They have played to big crowds in their native Montreal so it’s only a matter of time before they blow up here in the US and can’t be so “under the radar” anymore. The band’s official website is http://www.theintegralband.com where you can find mp3s from their killer new album ”002″, and some cool merchandise. I’ll be reviewing the album here soon so check back from time to time and feel free to comment. Cheers!