Howdy folks,
I’m gonna be honest y’all. I am straight up giggling like a schoolboy over our guest for the Oct 10, 2023 episode of Redneck Gone Green. That’s because we will be talking to singer-songwriter Carsie Blanton about the role of Art in Revolution. As usual, I have written a thought piece for folks who want to go deep on this topic. (Just scroll down).
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Onward to the world we deserve,
David Cobb (he/him)
Why I put my pronouns in my email signature
“The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.”
Toni Cade Bambara
Ruthi introduced me to Carsie Blanton at the beginning of the pandemic by playing the video Fishin’ With You. Remember how crazy and disjointed we all were then? Carsie recorded this piece when John Prine died. Ruthi was boo-hooing when she started it, and we were both crying by the end of it. I have been a Carsie Blantonc fan-boy ever since…lol
Art has always played a significant role in shaping society, challenging norms, and inspiring change. Whether through visual arts, literature, music, or performance, artists have the unique ability to capture the spirit of a revolution and convey its message to a broader audience. In fact, I often observe that one way you know a movement is breaking through is when you see the principles and values of that movement appearing in songs, plays, poems, and other mediums.
Art possesses the capacity to ignite the flames of revolution by stirring emotions and awakening consciousness. Visual artists have used their talents to depict the harsh realities of oppression, inequality, and injustice. Iconic works like Picasso's "Guernica" or Francisco Goya's "The Third of May 1808" vividly portray the horrors of war and tyranny. These paintings serve as potent reminders of the human cost of oppressive regimes, evoking empathy and galvanizing people to demand change.
Authors like George Orwell and Alduous Huxley with their dystopian masterpiece "1984" aand “Brave New World warned of the dangers of totalitarianism, prompting readers to question authority and resist oppression. Writers can articulate the aspirations and grievances of a generation, providing a voice for the voiceless and giving words to the collective longing for freedom.
Music and performance have the power to unite individuals and create a sense of camaraderie within a movement. Protest songs like Billie Holiday's “Strange Fruit” and Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin'" have become anthems for change, resonating with people worldwide. Live performances, street theater, and spoken word poetry can rally crowds, infusing them with energy and resolve.
Art's ability to transcend language and cultural barriers makes it a universal medium for revolution. It speaks to the heart and soul of individuals, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity. In this way, art fosters a collective identity that is essential for any successful revolution.
Carsie Blanton is a songwriter with hooks, chutzpah, and revolutionary optimism. Inspired by artist-activists including Nina Simone and Woody Guthrie, her catalog careens through American popular song from folk and swing to pop-punk protest anthems.
With her unique mix of humor, soul, and political wit, and fifteen-plus years on the road, Blanton has amassed a dedicated fan base and a small menagerie of viral hits (Rich People, Shit List, Fishin’ With You). Her forthcoming album After the Revolution, produced by Grammy-winner Tyler Chester, is slated for release in March of 2024.