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If you didn't vote early, PLEASE VOTE TODAY! There is no excuse for not voting. Here's a link to some Tennessee-specific information. GOVOTETN. I've heard that Lyft and Uber are offering free rides to the polls, and I know people who are volunteering to drive people. I honestly believe this may be the most important election of my lifetime.
A little less than two years ago, I made the decision that I had to speak out about things that I saw happening in this country. I never thought I would use E2TG to express political opinions, but there came a time when I could not remain silent.
This is not a time to be dismayed, this is punk rock time. This is what Joe Strummer trained you for. - Henry Rollins.
I believe that it was music that first woke me up politically. Punk rock and folk music - protest singers, singing protest songs... and then, on November 9, 2016, I gathered with some friends for an already schedule show at The 5 Spot. On that day, we all knew we had some dark times ahead, but on that night, I knew that good people were going to fight back and that music was going to play a big part in the resistance.
Today, we have two new releases - especially written and released for today. I am happy to share them with you. To be honest, I have a lot of apprehension about today's elections. I don't know what the outcome will be, and to be honest, it is extremely disheartening that these races are even as close as they are. But, I know one thing for sure, whatever happens today - here in Tennessee and across the nation - the fight is just starting and I am in for the long haul.
We have one song in a punk rock vein and another more folk oriented. Music after the jump.
Paul Maged is a New York City based rock, singer-songwriter. We have most recently featured his EP "The Glass River". He wrote this song - released yesterday - as a response to the current political climate.
Paul Maged - "The Resistance"
The Resistance" is Paul Maged’s new hard rock single and is a detour for Maged. Following his two recent EP’s “Light Years Away” and “The Glass River”, Maged was set to release the final EP in his planned trilogy but has temporarily pushed it to early 2019 in order to release this urgent song that will also appear on the final EP. Of the single Maged says “We changed our plans due to the current political climate and feel like this is an extremely relevant and important song that needs to stand on its own.” The Resistance is produced by Maged's longtime producer, Multi-Platinum Producer Sean Gill of The Passengerz, and is set for release on November 5th, 2018. The Resistance will be available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and more. A video will accompany the song that seamlessly intertwines the tragedy, cruelty and ignorance of the current administration with Maged’s signature sarcasm.
Known as a socially conscious rocker The Resistance fits that description and then some, containing one of Maged’s heaviest guitar riffs and featuring a gritty in your face vocal performance with unapologetic lyrics. Maged, a man possessed, leads The Resistance against the morally bankrupt and criminally corrupt President. Producer Sean Gill says of the song, “We originally anticipated this song fitting nicely on Paul’s next EP and while it still will, it is a relentless punch to the gut that deserves its own fight.”
Paul Maged has been writing and releasing music for close to 20 years. In 1999 Maged wrote the music and lyrics to a song for female duo “Sorella” called “No More Love Tonight”. The song was nominated for a Pre-Grammy in the Best R&B song category. Maged has been a finalist in the Great American Song Contest for his Alt Rock song “Images” and his hard rock song “The Wild” was awarded an honorable mention in Billboards Top 50 songwriting contest in 2016. Another of Maged’s songs, “Falling Down” appeared multiple times on MTV’s long running show “Thing Again Sex Myths Revealed”. Maged has been covered in The Huffington Post, Nashville Music Guide, The Examiner and more.
Maged studied music at the Boston Conservatory and then attended the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in New York. He has appeared in several independent films including festival award winner “Bobby G. Can’t Swim,” and has performed stand-up comedy throughout the Tri-state.
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Nashville band, Flying Buffaloes first came to our attention with this single "Hey ;) Is for Horses" Since then, they have been very active on the Nashville scene and as a touring band. They, too, were motivated by the current political climate to release a new song and video (on Election Day) as a final push to motivate people to get to the polls.
Flying Buffaloes - "Lady Liberty"
This powerful song takes on the issue of immigration. The song, highlights, one of the things that "folk" music does so well - namely telling stories in very real and human terms. Immigration is hot button political issue. One side is stoking fear and hatred of the "other". In the midst of all the shouting and posturing, the policies of this administration have had a devastating impact on people's lives. The song captures and drives home the promise of our nation which has been decimated with deadly and tragic results. I am thrilled to premiere this song and video for you, today.
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Politics are, almost by their nature, ugly and messy things. Dirty politics are nothing new. It is very easy to become cynical about it. I have heard people say that voting is a privilege that we shouldn't take for granted. Truthfully, for someone in my position not to vote - is a demonstration of privilege. I am not facing violence or persecution because of the color of my skin. So for me, voting is a responsibility. I voted early. If you have read this and listened to the songs, and if you were considering not voting, I hope you have changed your mind. PLEASE VOTE TODAY!
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