The Musical Renaissance Post-Brexit: Can Punk Rock Make a Comeback?
The post-Brexit landscape in the United Kingdom has seen a significant shift in the music industry's favor towards artists of black and immigrant backgrounds. This has left many punk rockers looking for alternative paths to ensure their music remains true to their ethos. For many, this means forming underground record labels to maintain integrity and independence.
Coming to Terms with the Changes
Despite a lack of personal expertise in punk rock, it is evident that some punk-related items have gained considerable value over the years. The genre's resurgence or revival seems to be in question, especially when juxtaposed with the current shift towards more commercially driven music scenes like Grime.
Artists such as Stormzy and Akala, who support figures like Jeremy Corbyn and are vocal against the Conservative party, are indeed broadening the genre's influence. However, just as the world is unpredictable, anything can happen. Punk rock, despite its inherent political stance, continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many fans, including those in the ages of 75, who witness its legacy with a sense of nostalgia.
The Media's Role in Suppressing Political Music
Just as with other forms of rebellion, political music often faces suppression from mainstream media outlets. This lack of coverage limits the general public's exposure to such music, which can be seen as a form of censorship. The suppression of this genre's coverage may also reflect the broader political climate, where dissenting voices are sometimes muted.
The Future of Punk Rock in a Post-Brexit World
Richard Lock brings up an interesting perspective on the potential for a new political music scene with a "punk attitude." While UK Drill and Grime, among other hip-hop derivatives, are gaining popularity, these genres often incorporate the very consumerist tropes that many within the punk community want to avoid.
Proposals for a "new punk" that escapes these capitalist-driven cliches suggest a movement that champions failure and celebrates being a "loser," moving away from the superficial success narratives inherent in mainstream pop music. This new genre, if it emerges, is expected to be more electronic and less reliant on traditional punk sounds. It may draw inspiration from the 'New Weird Britain' movement, but it’s likely that this would be another middle-class concept.
The reality is that when such a movement does arise, it will likely face widespread criticism, even from those who fought for punk rock in previous eras. The genre's essence and cultural impact are deeply intertwined with its resistance to conformity and mainstream acceptance.
Whatever form the future takes for punk rock in the post-Brexit era, it is clear that the genre will continue to represent a powerful voice for those who want to question and challenge the status quo. As the world continues to evolve, so too will the music that reflects those changes and the values of its creators.