Music Trumps Hate

Trump groupie Kanye West was not approached to play at Donald Trump’s inauguration because his music wasn’t deemed "traditionally American."

“Traditionally American” invoked Toby Keith at the inauguration. Three Doors Down. The Piano Guys. And the singular person of color, Sam Moore, who justified his appearance at the event with a wishy–washy speech pleading the public to “give him a chance.”

“Traditionally American” sounds a little cowardly apolitical and gimmicky, doesn’t it?

“Traditionally American” is a loaded phrase that may have been hard to hear over the last few, very long days.

“Traditionally American” is the toxic, nationalist battle cry of Donald Trump’s bigoted demagoguery that stains this new executive order.

So, Mr. President: What is "traditionally American"?

Because the one–dimensional, spineless “God Bless This Country” songs at the inauguration seem like a thin caricature of the rich complexity of American music. Because this country’s music, values and entire history are founded upon the diffusion of immigrant culture. An abundance of airy, whitewashed anthems does not compensate for diversity, musical and otherwise. The vapid America that Donald Trump presents is a shell of the multifaceted country that we live in.

And frankly, Toby Keith warbling out “American Soldier” does nothing for me.

But what happens to those that don’t fit Trump’s vision of Americanism?

Kinan Azmeh, a celebrated Syrian clarinetist, may not travel home. Currently on tour with the great Yo–Yo Ma, Azmeh must wait to see if he can return home to his apartment in Brooklyn. Other global artists face similar struggles: Due to increased strains on the visa process, musicians worldwide fear that they will no longer be able to perform in the United States, some even cancelling long–awaited tours.

Music isn’t just a work of art—it can be art at work. Art is inherently political in that sense. Music is a reactive creature that reflects society. Think protest songs turned classic records: “Imagine,” “Strange Fruit.” And now: “FDT (Fuck Donald Trump),” “We the People.” Music is a statement, and it is to President Trump as oil is to water. Artists continually refused rights to their songs being used during Trump’s campaign trail, and the president had great difficulty booking artists to perform at his inauguration. Those who did perform at his inauguration received momentous backlash. Think about how that vehement musical recoil reflects the character of this man and his policies: "there is no music in this man," writes Adam Gopnik for the New Yorker. 

On Friday, music platform Bandcamp will donate all its proceeds to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Pop heavyweights Sia and Grimes vowed to match donations made to the ACLU and Council on American–Islam Relations, respectively. Rihanna's spoken up about her immigrant status. Other artists are joining in more creative ways. Electronic artist Four Tet created a playlist on Spotify highlighting music from Somalia, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Yemen, Iran and Sudan—countries that have been affected by the ban.

We are all fighting, through protests, petitions and even playlists, because with great art comes great responsibility. So make noise, make music and make art—“traditionally American” be damned.

Photo: Vital Films/Vimeo