This week, Eli interviews topical political songwriter David Rovics. They talk about his background, influences, songwriting and current work and play a bunch of tracks including some from his new album “Halliburton Boardroom Massacre.” David got his start touring full-time in the late 90’s during the ground swell of the anti-globalization movement. He has been touring, writing and singing non-stop ever since. Perhaps you have seen him at a major demonstration, a small meeting or in a club. You can get an education right from his songs. He’s probably coming to your town and seeing him live is definitely worth it. Check out David’s website for his tour info as well as Mp3s of his music (for free).
Interview w/ David Rovics – Leftist Political Songwriter
Links:
The track I play right at the beginning of the show is David’s version of the old IWW song “The Popular Wobbly.”
Links:
DavidRovics.com – David has a really great links section on his own site which I won’t reiterate here. But if you want a list of other contemporary radical songwriters/musicians that ‘s really the best place to look. He also has a great list of radical indy media and political organizations.
David Rovics Mp3s free for Download – All the tracks I played on todays show are available either here or on Archive.org
Live Rovics Shows on Archive.org
Narco News – “Reporting on the Drug War and Democracy from Latin America.” Pretty awesome of web news site which David mentioned during the interview. I was not aware of this until he mentioned it and I looked it up. Important stuff.
Operation Iraqi Liberation – Video from YouTube
Jim Page – seattle songwriter. “Jim Page’s songs get right to the point. He looks at the world clearly and reports what he sees with compassion, humor and a biting sense of irony. And boy! can he sing and play. If you’re ever going to get the message, this is the messenger to get it from.”
– U. Utah Phillips
Artis the Spoonman – “… best spoonplayer in the whole damn universe” – Pete Seeger, “You haven’t got a commercial bone in your body”- Frank Zappa
Some Quotes On Rovics:
“Listen to David Rovics…”
Pete Seeger
“David Rovics is the musical version of Democracy Now!”
Amy Goodman, host, Democracy Now!
“David Rovics is the peace poet and troubador for our time.”
Cindy Sheehan
“David Rovics is the musical version of PBS — that is, if PBS had more cojones!”
The Lone Star Iconoclast, Crawford, Texas
“David Rovics is a guy George W. Bush would probably like to clamp in chains at Guantanamo Bay — the last American protest singer (or so it seems)… In these days of ongoing neo-conservatism he carries the torch of dissent and protest — in fact if the great Phil Ochs were to come back from the dead tonight he’d probably be hailed as the new David Rovics.”
Andy Kershaw, BBC Radio 3
“If Alternative Radio had a musical voice, it would be David Rovics. He will tell the people.”
David Barsamian, host, Alternative Radio
“David Rovics’ music gives life and hope in the struggle for peace and justice. He is an inspiration.”
Reverend Roy Bourgeois, founder, SOA Watch
“If the key to building a mass movement is to make it ‘irresistible,’ David is opening the flood gates.”
Medea Benjamin, Founding Director, Global Exchange
“Rovics has his fist tight on the pulse of intervention through music.”
Sing Out! Magazine
“In that Wobbly tradition of sharp social commentary, David is a master.”
The Industrial Worker
“Inspiring, and inspired… For anyone despairing of finding the next generation, worry no more!”
AK Press