James Kennedy is a highly-regarded and accomplished Welsh singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer who is best known for his political activism through his music. With a career spanning more than two decades, he has made a name for himself as a powerful voice in the music industry, using his platform to raise awareness about important issues and to advocate for social justice. James joins “Behind The Headlines” host Lee Camp for a full, hour-long interview today.
James takes us on a journey through his musical career, discussing the ways in which politics has influenced his music, the challenges of being a political musician in today’s world, and the reasons behind his decision to use music as a tool for change.
His music career began with a strong focus on political issues, with songs that explored topics such as inequality, social justice, and human rights. However, as he progressed in the industry, James began to shift his focus towards more personal topics, such as mental health and love. Despite this change in direction, he remained committed to using his music to make a difference in the world, and he continued to raise awareness about important issues through his lyrics and performances.
However, with the onset of the pandemic, he found himself drawn back to political music once again. His album, “Make Anger Great Again“, is a testament to this, as he used his frustration at the state of the world to channel his creativity and produce a powerful statement about the need for social change. When asked about this change in direction, he explains that it was never a conscious choice, but rather a natural response to the events of the world around him. He says that he followed his anger, and in doing so, found his way back to making political music.
Despite the challenges of being a political musician in today’s world, James remains committed to speaking out against injustice and inequality. He recognizes the risk of speaking out against the status quo, but he believes that artists have a responsibility to use their platform to raise awareness about important issues. In a world where freedom of speech is often threatened, he sees music as a tool for change, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to using the art form to bring about positive social change.
The music industry has changed greatly in recent years, with the rise of the internet and social media transforming the way in which artists make and distribute their content. College radio, once a platform for independent artists, has now been largely taken over by big conglomerates, making it more difficult for people like James to get their music heard on the radio. Political songs and protest music are also often censored by tech companies’ algorithms, further limiting their reach.
Despite these challenges, there is more opportunity for independent artists to make and distribute their music online for free, but the barrier to getting heard remains. Social media still has limitations in reaching a large audience, as artists are often at the mercy of algorithms and censorship. This is also true for political comedy, where comedians face restrictions in expressing their views on traditional platforms.
James Kennedy is a talented musician who has made a name for himself as a voice for social change. Despite the challenges of being a political musician, he continues to use his platform to raise awareness about important issues and to advocate for social justice. He believes that artists have a unique role to play in shaping the world, and he continues to inspire others to use their creativity and talents to make a positive impact on the world. Through his music and activism, James Kennedy continues to be a beacon of hope and a force for change in a world that desperately needs it.