Are All Indie Bands Democrats?

I Barack and roll to Wilco, Sharon Jones, and Beirut a lot these days.

Sent by Angela | 6:00 PM | 2-5-2008

It's hard for me to conjure up a lot of canonized 20th C., non-classical musicians who were raised in environments that would foster what is (currently) considered conservatism. Louis Armstrong, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Woody Guthrie, Charlie Patton, etc... The processes of censorship, Social Darwinism, and (in Freudian terms) sublimation that neo-conservatism has aligned itself with ignores the causes of poverty, sexual/drug abuse, and social injustices (see Bush's proposed budget for 2008). And it just so happens that a great number of popular musicians dealt with these issues before they even picked up an instrument.

This isn't to say musicians don't share conservative values, or that all conservative values are wrong, or that all liberal ideals are similar or right. It's just that at this point, anything left of Bush's agenda is liberal.

Sent by EP | 8:13 PM | 2-5-2008

I can see that. I am a photographer, and have trouble communicating with people who can't think visually... incidentally, those people are all voting for McCain.

I voted for Hillary, and my favorite band of all-time is Death Cab For Cutie.

Sent by Bettina Hansen | 8:43 PM | 2-5-2008

Just came back from my Colorado Democratic caucus, where I voted for Hillary. My favorite band of all time is Dire Straits...right now I'm loving Stars and The Frames/Glen Hansard.

Sent by Tommy G | 11:41 PM | 2-5-2008

leaning towards Obama, and Lucero is in constant rotation these days...

Sent by alex_supertramp | 8:15 AM | 2-6-2008

I cn use two words two words to debunk the right brain/left brain connection to politics: Lynyrd Skynyrd.

It think it's more an issue of tone and message as opposed to right brain/left brain. While I certainly fit your theory as a left-wing lover of DeVotchKa and Delgados, my friends who lean more towards the punk lean more towards the republican and libertarian. My new favorite band, Black Jake & The Carnies (americana with a hint of punk) are staunch supporters of Ron Paul.

Sent by Jesse M. | 9:39 AM | 2-6-2008

Is someone only left brained or right brained? I am mathematically, logically, and rationally bent, but I also sing, write poetry, and play the guitar and piano. I love Ben Folds, The Format, Chris Thile, Death Cab, John Denver, James Taylor, Harry Chapin, and Shane & Shane. I support clean energy, love camping, and am a chemical engineer. Oh, and I am a Republican. Is there a box for that?

Sent by Kyle B | 11:23 AM | 2-6-2008

It's not that simple. My musical taste is all over the map (last five shows I've seen were Ween, Springsteen, NY Dolls, Richard Thompson, Drive-By Truckers) and my current political leaning is left of center, but that's mostly because the Bushies have tried so hard to push the center to the right these past eight years. I plan to vote for Obama, but I'd classify myself as a democrat on social issues and a classic republican (smaller government, less interference with market forces) on economic issues. I just can't vote republican these days because the far right is too busy trying to impose its moral values on everybody else, and that's antithetical to everything I believe in.

Sent by Gary | 12:17 PM | 2-6-2008

Don't think it's quite as simple as left brain/right brain. I love Bach equally as much as bands like Tilly and the Wall and String Cheese Incident. Oh, and I am definitely left-of-center on the political scale.

Sent by Tim | 12:38 PM | 2-6-2008

My pet theory is that the liberal leanings of the indie music scene has a lot to do with empathy. It seems like a no-brainer that liberals, with their concern for the less fortunate, are generally more empathetic than the prototypical every-man-for-himself conservative.

Most of my favorite artists (The National, The Hold Steady, Wilco, Jens Lekman, to name a few) write songs that draw me in and make me feel what the artist feels. Like the best novelists, they 'show' emotion rather than 'tell' it. The ability to forge an emotional bond between songwriter and listener is a rare gift and I think empathy is required of both parties to make that connection (which would explain why indie audiences are at least as liberal as indie bands). We liberals are dreamers, and we love to find music that expands our dreamscape.

Sent by Jeremiah | 1:12 PM | 2-6-2008

I'm a dem and digging Wilco, Iron and Wine, and Rogue Wave (plus plants and animals) right about now.

I'm also gonna cry "sample error" in that this poll is polling mainly NPR listeners, who already lean left.

Sent by Snitty | 1:14 PM | 2-6-2008

Lately, my favorite albums released in the last few weeks have been by Times New Viking, Drive-By Truckers, and Future of the Left (post-Mclusky, eerily-named for our purposes.)

All-time favorites include the Velvet Underground, Jesus and Mary Chain, Dylan, Bowie, the Clash, the Mountain Goats, Murder City Devils, Oingo Boingo, Rocket From the Crypt, and a billion others, obviously.

I'm also a college instructor and graduate student, so politically I'm pretty obviously a way left of center liberal. My ideals include a comprehensive welfare state with emphasis on providing for universally exquisite healthcare and education through college. I tend to support third party candidates for local and state elections in my adopted state of Texas, though in national races I look for the least evil (usually Democrat.)

I hope that my choice in leaders doesn't paint me as a base ideologue, as I do account for personal integrity and faith in a leader's ability to succeed in their job. For example, while I currently support (with about 3/4ths of my heart) Obama for president, I'd much prefer somebody like Russ Feingold from Wisconsin- not quite as liberal, but as trustworthy as I can find of any human being in public service.

Sent by Brendan K. | 2:08 PM | 2-6-2008

Paste magazine had an article on some singer who's right of center a few years ago, but his name completely escapes me.

RE: EP's comment, I can't think of any classical composers who were right-wing either.

Sent by CM | 2:20 PM | 2-6-2008

I would consider myself left-leaning; I am excitedly pulling for Obama. However, if it comes down to Clinton v. McCain, I will probably vote for the latter. (This election year is a bit of an anomaly for me as I have never considered voting Republican for a Presidential candidate before.)

My current obsessions are over the recent albums from Radiohead and Jens Lekman. My all-time favorite singer/songwriter is Paul Simon.

Are there any right-leaning, Republican singers/performers? Aside from Toby Keith, Ted Nugent, and Britney Spears (if you put any stock into her comments on Michael Moore's 'Fahrenheit 9/11'), who do the right-wingers have?

Sent by Dan Malosh | 2:25 PM | 2-6-2008

Supposedly Obama has the more liberal voting record, so right now he has my vote. Funny how the current political strategy is "let's all be really vague." Must be the nature of popularity contests. I tend towards believing that the best artists are left-leaning because they are more aware and maybe somehow the creative process demands it. Who knows? Right now I'm listening to Cass McCombs' new album Dropping the Writ pretty much nonstop.

Sent by Neil Cotterill | 3:21 PM | 2-6-2008

I discovered punk rock and leftist politics at the same time (13ish); thusly my favorite band has always been The Clash. I think a great deal of the reason as to why so many indie musicians are left-wing is because of what is seen as the anti-art agenda of the right. The conservatives always seen to be the ones who want to pull arts funding or censor "offensive" material (yes I do know it was Tipper Gore who started the PMRC, but mostly it???s been conservatives). Since indie musicians are making art outside the mainstream (music that's frequently more experimental, maybe a little less accessible, and frequently not getting paid a great deal for it), there is greater fear of those who attack art.

Sent by Sean | 3:43 PM | 2-6-2008

I'm decidedly right of center, and my current infatuations are: Of Montreal, Regina Spektor, Lily Allen. These play alongside my old favorites like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Muse, and Radiohead. I do feel like a statistical outlier, though. I'm from Kansas, so I am in the majority politically, but it seems nearly all of the local artists I know here will be voting democratic.

It seems to me that much of my generation (those currently in their 20's), especially the right-brained segment, is very openly concerned with providing assistance to the needy, as are the democrats. So that's my first theory.

My second theory, which is more of just a pondering, is that rock musicians are somewhat contrarian by nature. Since we have seen the spectacular failing of a republican administration over the past few years, it makes it very easy to side with the other party. I would be interested to know if there are more right-wing bands when a democratic administration is in office, especially if they are not doing well.

Sent by Nick | 5:00 PM | 2-6-2008

Republican that enjoys Frightened Rabbit reporting in.

Sent by John | 5:23 PM | 2-6-2008

I am socially left and financially a tad right but a Democrat overall.

I think the generally bohemian lifestyle of most artists leads itself to free thinking and expression: AKA "liberal". I also think that music, such as heard on your show, is more creative and out of the box... leaning to the artsy side of the brain to figure out.

I like all sorts of music. Recently I have been into Jens Lekman, The Knife, The Concretes, Justice, Band of Horses, the Shins... and have been retracing my high school listening habits and rocking out to White Snake, Iron Maiden and Slay er among others.

Sent by matt | 5:35 PM | 2-6-2008

definitely no correlation between right/left brain..

I am a Democrat and love just about everything (from Wilco to Simian Mobile Disco to Lupe Fiasco).

Sent by Bryant Heath | 6:03 PM | 2-6-2008

Republican or Democrat? Meh, preferably neither. Socially liberal, conservative in most other regards. Libertarian, I suppose? It all just makes my head hurt, but in any case, I'm currently obsessed with Nouvelle Vague.

And I second the above "sample error" comment, haha.

Sent by Tamara Vallejos | 10:13 PM | 2-6-2008

Barack. Favorites lately are Jens Lekman, Vampire Weekend and Bell Orcheste.

Sent by Angela | 9:52 AM | 2-7-2008

indie and liberal...count it

Sent by Anon | 12:20 PM | 2-7-2008

Johnny Ramone was an outspoken Republican. And according to conservativepunk.com, Billy Zoom (of X) is also among them. That's kind of weird, knowing how far left Exene is.

I cannot name a favorite band, but I've been listening to Beauty Pill, The Geraldine Fibbers and Radiohead a lot lately.

Me, I tend to vote Democrat, but I'm officially independent -- can be moderate or liberal, depending on the issue and context (I've become more fiscally conservative with our every-expanding debt and falling dollar).

Sent by Joel | 1:09 PM | 2-7-2008

OBAMA!!!!!

Love lefty artists like Steve Earle, Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Marah, Bad Religion, although if an avowed Right Winger came out with something non-topical that I dug, I'd listen to it, no prob. The thing is, Republican administrations cut public funding for the arts, although I figure you guys at NPR already know this... Also, I agree with what somebody else posted: it's all about empathy and inclusion. Conservative values are all about competition, dog-eat-dog, toeing the line and conforming. That's not terribly consisten with the arts, is it? You could make the same argument for film and graphic art, by the way.

Sent by Carlos R. Pastrana | 2:50 PM | 2-7-2008

Spoon/Obama.

As in: my Band Of The Minute is Spoon and I support Obama. Not that I want to spoon Obama, I swear.

Sent by David | 3:05 PM | 2-7-2008

Civil Twilight Trio from South Africa, just released their first album
Gregory Douglass, singer/songwriter from VT
Goodtimes Goodtimes, group out of London, Folksy sound
We'll Write, group out of London

Sent by Andrew Liptak | 3:34 PM | 2-7-2008

Liberal who will vote for Obama and/or Clinton. Tortoise, Do Make Say Think, Wilco, Coltrane in regular rotation.

Sent by Carroll B. | 9:59 PM | 2-7-2008

I fiercely believe in individual freedom and shrinking the government. On the other hand, I believe a completely free market means there are winners and losers, and losers need the aide of government in their darkest days.

That makes me... both? Beats me. If I had to give up one side, it probably would be the government, which means I'd be conservative.

Music should transcend all that, no matter which political ideas an artist believes. I love Springsteen, Zappa and Todd Rundgren and a bunch more. They represent a grab bag of political ideologies.

Sent by andrew | 10:23 PM | 2-7-2008

I liked the comment above, I Barack and roll to such and such band, brilliant. I very much am a huge supporter of Barack Obama, and my current favorite right now is, Headlights, the album, Kill Them With Kindness. I like the songs, TV, and Put Us Back Together Right. Their myspace page is, http://www.myspace.com/headlights

Sent by Ryan | 10:33 PM | 2-7-2008

Perhaps age and economic situation should be taken into consideration, as well as left brain/right brain considerations...

Sent by Doug | 10:49 AM | 2-8-2008

My, that's true isn't it?
My views are more democratic and I find indie music quite nice. I don't think it has anything to do with the music. I think if you're into independent stuff, being free in that way, then your views are more democratic and liberal. It just so happens that a certain style of music was developed around those beliefs.
PLUS most NPR listeners are liberal, so this is kind of cheating. :)

Sent by Hannah | 2:28 PM | 2-8-2008

I swing to the far left and my favorite bands are Okkervil River, Anathallo, Bjork... I've been playing a lot of Josh Ritter lately.

Sent by Leanne | 4:50 PM | 2-8-2008

going for Obama...cannot stop listening to the The National catalog...one ofmy co-worker's is a McCain enthusiast who listens to a lot of indie rock though...

Sent by mikemzoso | 6:26 PM | 2-8-2008

Left of the center (Swing to Obama)
Right of the brain (I'm a painter.)

I'm listening to Sigur Ros, Japanese band Spitz, and an indie group called The Soldier Thread.

Sigur Ros is always on top, though.

Sent by Kori Michele | 9:06 PM | 2-8-2008

All these posts and nobody's mentioned Mike Huckabee's band or his love for Hendrix and Grand Funk Railroad?

Sent by obo | 9:09 PM | 2-8-2008

You asked for my favorite artist at the moment? Lucinda Black Bear. Dark, textured, sometimes soaring, sometimes deep and psychotic vocals -- throw in some dark cellos, and you've got the perfect concoction. Politically... I'm anything that is as far as can be from the Bush cronies and the religiious right as I can get.

Sent by Mike P. | 10:47 PM | 2-8-2008

I listen to Talk of the Nation, so I'm political a bit. I was registered Independent but switched registration and now volunteer for the Obama campaign. I like songs that move my feet or move my heart, so its fitting I like Obama I guess right?
Music I'm currently spinning probably too much: Stars, No-Fi Soul Rebellion, young galaxy, P:ano, Erik Satie, Os Mutantes & James!
Modern music staples: interpol,sufjan stevens, beirut, broken social scene, Arcade fire.

New wave to prog alt to instrument- driven indie!

GO OBAMA!

Sent by Ashley H. | 11:38 AM | 2-9-2008

Its just that theres a lot of emo/hippies out there who naturally are more off-center and liberal.

My favorite is Ben Folds but I also like Bright Eyes, the Shins, and indie bands.

Oh and I'm voting for whoever is running against the Dem, so I guess thats McCain at this point.

Sent by Josh P. | 4:45 PM | 2-9-2008

I'm a software engineer and when I entered into my current job, they had me take a 'brain test' to see if my problem solving abilities were up to snuff. After taking the online exam, the HR rep I was in communication with at the time told me words to the effect of, "I've never seen a logic score so high!" Needless to say I think it's very fair to say that I'm "left brained" and I'm very much a Democrat! Not only that, but I'm a Democrat that grew up in the very, very red state of Montana. The Democratic policies just make more sense for the long term success of our nation in many ways but especially so in terms of education which has always been my biggest concern in politics (It's my opinion that if the army had to hold a bake sale to buy a tank and high schools where building SSCs, our children would be smart enough to resolve a great number of problems we face today).

...as for my favorite band, it's perpetually changing. Most recently it has been The Books but other bands include Andrew Bird, Of Montreal and Spoon. I could normally go on to list many other past-favorite bands, but a hard drive on my Linux box died on Wednesday. I love this! thanks
bb

Sent by Alastair L.K. Drong | 2:20 PM | 2-10-2008

1. I did a quiz online on which of the candidates I most line up with, and my top two results were John McCain and Barack Obama, so I think that mostly makes me confused... ;) Centrist populist, I think it called me.
2. Also, I am a staunch evangelical Bible-geek, but one who likes a good White Russian and thinks the Religious Right is ridiculous. *shrug*
3. Favorite bands/artists: The Decemberists, Wilco, U2, Derek Webb, Talib Kweli, Patty Griffin, and Bruce Springsteen.

Sent by Manders | 6:55 PM | 2-10-2008

Is country music exclusively republican? It's one of the few genres that I can't stand, as well as republicans themselves, but I always seem to associate country music with the typical republican voter. Listening to the Flecktones a lot lately.

Sent by Kaiser Soze | 8:39 AM | 2-11-2008

I'm a Kucinich supporter all the way and my all time favorites are Luna, Stars and Sloan, but lately I've been listening to both Bishop Allen albums and Ted Leo.

Sent by Stegan | 4:30 PM | 2-11-2008

as an indie rock fan I definitely would consider myself to be out of the mainstream politically. I would consider myself to be a classical liberal in the tradition of the Austrian school of economics. I really believe in the free market and the independence of people from the government. I'm probably one of the few Ron Paul supporters that listens to public radio.

Sent by John | 5:22 PM | 2-11-2008

clinton/obama

belle & sebastian/kings of convenience/the mountain goats/beirut/of montreal/the postal service/john vanderslice

Sent by rachel | 8:54 PM | 2-11-2008

I'm probably as liberal as they come, I don't even really count myself in the Democratic party until it is voting time...which I guess is the only time it really matters.

I'm currently listening to Bon Iver and a multitude of songs from the RPM Challenge (thank you very much for both of those)!

Sent by Steven Kimmi | 11:02 PM | 2-11-2008

My two cents would put it down to tolerance of ambiguity. The absolutism of contemporary American 'conservatism' doesn't sit well with the toleration and indeed indulgence of ambiguity which lies at the the heart of the creation, and at least an element of the appreciation of art and music; and arguably reality!

I'm not American, so I'll leave my preference implied by the comment above.

Sent by Gareth Stack | 12:59 PM | 2-12-2008

I support Obama, and am currently listening to Neutral Milk Hotel.

Sent by Hannah | 5:12 PM | 2-12-2008

Obama! Nothing else will do! And a lot of Iron and Wine.

Sent by Elish | 5:14 PM | 2-12-2008

I'm very liberal on social issues and fiscally conservative. That doesn't mean I think we should short-change social programs that are working. It means we need to make intelligent choices about how we spend the nation's wealth...and how we save it. In the same way as a responsible individual would.

I'm supporting Obama and currently listening to Andrew Bird, Kamikaze Hearts, Jim White, Okkervil River and the L.A. band Everest.

Sent by Lisa | 1:24 AM | 2-13-2008

Obama, and this band: Pop!Tasty from England.

Sent by Abraham | 11:27 PM | 2-13-2008

I'm a proud, far left, former Kucinich supporter (now setting for Obama). Radiohead, M Ward, The Decemberists, Bright Eyes, Of Montreal, and the Mountain Goats, among others, show up most on my playlists.

However, I'm a completely left-brained person. Not sure if that supports your theory!

Sent by Jim | 9:50 AM | 2-14-2008

I'm a Libertarian, economically conservative and socially libertarian (support gay marriage, legalization of marijuana, etc., think the federal government should stay out of a lot of economic and social issues that both parties like the government to get involved in).

Some favorite bands right now - Deathcab, Of Montreal, Magnetic Fields, Shins, Bright Eyes, Tilly and the Wall, Shout Out Louds, New Pornographers, Mountain Goats, Shearwater.

I have never voted Democrat. I have voted Republican and Libertarian. Yes, I voted for Ron Paul. I don't think I can vote for either McCain or Obama.

Sent by cara | 5:36 PM | 2-14-2008

We are going to have to do away with the two party program in the near future. It is choking us. I'm an Obama supporter and listening to Glen Hansard/Iron and Wine/Regina Spektor. What music is associated with Republicans? I think we would be surprised if we knew the political affiliations of some popular artists.

Sent by Stacey | 4:11 PM | 2-17-2008

ex/nirvana kris novoselic is/was a Ron Paul supporter...mmmmhhhh i guess the grateful dead has aged better (and way more liberal) than nirvana.

Sent by Horacio | 10:29 AM | 2-18-2008

and please!!! ron paul a libertarian??!!

libertarians are alt neo cons anyway

Sent by Horacio | 10:33 AM | 2-18-2008

Republicans' favorite song: Lou Reed's "Sex with your parents" ;-)

Sent by Horacio | 5:22 PM | 2-18-2008

I'm a proud liberal voting for Obama. And my fave band is Birdmonster. They have the best live show of any band I've seen, and their music makes me happy.

Sent by Hannah | 10:04 PM | 2-18-2008

Obama and Broken Social Scene/Arcade Fire

Sent by Chris | 10:41 PM | 2-18-2008

Voting for Obama : Wilco, Iron & Wine, Coltrane, Autechre, and XTC.

Sent by Bobby | 3:25 PM | 2-20-2008

Fair question Bob. I consider myself a tolerant republican. This has led me to connect with my respective republican and democratic friends on different levels.

Admittedly, leftists seem to have a more open and intelligent approach to music. I'm immediately connected with them through conversations on bands like The Shins, Beirut, Regina Spektor, and Rocky Votolato. Music is seldom an insightful topic of conversation with my rightist affiliates. They're like the ignorant school bully whose target is anyone with taste contrarian to their own.

Perhaps that's it (or at least part of it). There's so much ego tied to political ideals that many will not "lower" themselves to tasting the waters of the enemy camp, regardless of how sweet they may be. Then again, they may just prefer a beer.

Sent by Kent | 7:55 PM | 2-22-2008

I'm a economic liberal, social moderate, and yes..an evangelical Christian. I listen to just about anything regardless of political leanings.

Sent by Aaron P.B. | 4:34 PM | 2-23-2008

LIBERTARIAN.
right now: atlas sound, los campesinos!, the mountain goats, love, the ravonettes, dfa 1979

Sent by colleen | 11:57 AM | 2-27-2008

LOL :D

Democrat
Belle and Sebastian, Abscondo, Arcade Fire, Damien Rice, Bright Eyes, Sufjan Stevens, The Dresden Dolls, Math&Physics Club...and I could go on and on :))

Sent by Freedom | 1:58 PM | 3-2-2008

its funny to see election day when the who's who of music is out there for the dems and the republicans have Ricky Martin. There hasn't been a hip republican candidate since Abe Lincoln. No one would ever say man this Nixon, reagan or bush makes sense to me. That said, at the heart of the matter, rock and roll is a less government enterprise.

Sent by gus | 7:51 PM | 3-4-2008

Obama - listening to Beirut, The Kinks, Dylan, The Ronettes, Arcade Fire, John Coltrane Etc.

Sent by Francisco Stoll | 7:58 PM | 3-4-2008

JOHN McCAIN (but independent)

Right now, I'm listening to: Wilco, Tom Waits, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Arcade Fire, Arizona, Tegan & Sara, the Kinks.

Sent by Jay < | 2:04 AM | 3-5-2008

Bands are middle of the road. It's the safe position - talk about not committed. Nothing is more bland, and more sanitized than rock and roll - its what candidates do when they pretend to be hip and aren't. Rock has become everything it started out opposing. The real liberals are in Post- Bands music - a back-to-basics music that dumps bands and starts something new - not faux new, or trendy new, but real new. It's music that actually protests. Join this century's music - and it ain't bands. The new president doesn't deserve another 40 years of bands. And neither do we.

Sent by Tom Hendricks | 10:14 PM | 3-15-2008

Liberal Democrat. Currently on rotation: She & Him, Wilco, Beirut, Phish, Grateful Dead, M.I.A., The Arcade Fire, Georgie James, Taj Mahal, St. Vincent, Hercules & Love Affair, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Ugly Casanova, Gnarls Barkley, The Talking Heads, The Kinks, Bob Marley, The Black Keys... The list goes on....

Sent by L.Korn | 4:28 PM | 4-15-2008

I recall reading about a psychological research paper which studied people who self-identified as politically liberal or conservative and examinied how they approach the world outside of a political context. I recall that the study found that, statistically, liberals tend to be more open to new experiences, and to be more comfortable with change. Conservatives tend to prefer the tried-and-true, and to be less comfortable with contradictions. I'm stretching, but I would pose that, by extension, liberals tend to be more open to new music and to a broader range of musical styles. My music collection runs the gamut from Renaissance opera to '80s hair-metal, with just about everything in between. My favorite band of all time is Jethro Tull. Some of my current faves are the New Pornographers, Lacuna Coil, Arcade Fire, Belle and Sebastian, and Shearwater. I also listen to a lot of folk (American, Celtic, world) and classical. As for politics, I am a a registered Democrat, but identify with the far-left wing. (I call myself a democratic socialist.)

Sent by Hal Durland | 2:48 PM | 5-6-2008

I will vote for Obama, would identify as most definitely left of center, and am currently listening to Fleetwood Mac, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Smog, and Patti Smith.

Sent by Carolyn | 10:52 PM | 5-7-2008

If you just look at indie rock fans and their political leanings, it will seem like there is a connection between good music and left leaning politics. But if you look at left leaning people as a whole and see what they listen to, you'll be surprised at how much crappy music pops up. Arcade Fire fans are most likely left leaning, but are they more left than Dave Matthews Band fans?

Sent by John McAteer | 3:29 PM | 5-8-2008

Perhaps "young" and "creative" are in the eye (or ear) of the beholder. In any case, there seems to be a higher correlation between politics and musical genre than between politics and dominant brain hemisphere. Social conservatives are largely drawn to Country or Gospel music, while liberals prefer Rock or Indie. This applies to the musicians as well as to listeners. Thus, if you're the type of person who actually likes Country or Gospel (and you can count me out on this one), you'd probably be able to name a few Country or Gospel artists you consider young and creative.

Nevertheless, it stands to reason that social conservatives are by their very nature, well, more conservative. So, yeah, liberals tend to be more experimental and independent. I mean, come on, that's a no-brainer.

Incidentally, I'm a liberal 40-something French professor who writes and thinks on the left, and I'm currently listening to Andrew Bird, the Mars Volta, Radiohead, and Thomas DuTronc.

Sent by Alicia Soueid | 2:02 PM | 5-14-2008

Death Cab for Cutie is the band that I currently listen to repeatedly. I have to say that "right brain = democrat" is a false statement. I am very right brained, and I am a hardcore conservative. I am also a musician who knows roughly how to play most rock instruments but my expertise is in drums as I have been playing them for 4-5 years. I find that most bands are very liberal but then again, it is usually only one person of the band saying that. I just think that it happens to be that most bands lean left than right, or at least their image does. I'm sure that if every band member was asked Left or Right Wing, that they would all have different opinions. I believe that these times where most people oppose the war use music as a way to stop it. Plus the record companies can choose who will be famous and who will not. So maybe that has something to do with it, maybe only the liberal opinionated bands are being raised to the top.

Sent by Matt McKowen | 10:41 AM | 9-21-2008

Oh and Bettina Hansen, I am a photographer and I understand photography. It's not that all McCain voters cannot understand things. Especially when Obama cannot answer a simple question about the Economy(Then again if i had to choose between Obama and Hillary, I would say Hillary not because I am racist, but because I can't trust someone who votes present on pretty much every bill.) Then again he has no experience what so ever. He's all talk and has no resume to support his "dreams." Just so you know, Creative people are not tied down to democrat or republican. There is a new generation of Conservatives about to rise, the generation of the Iraq War. So you better think of some better comebacks about Palin can't be a mother and a Vice President, because this election is about the issues not the personal life. We need a leader not a celebrity.

Sent by Matt McKowen | 10:52 AM | 9-21-2008

I think that left of center vs. right-brained (or 'creative') people has an interesting correlation and may be a factor in what makes these artists lean more to the left...another interesting thing to look at (i don't know if anyone has already posted this yet, if so, i failed to read it)is geography of the independent music scene - a lot of bands tend to be from bigger cities which tends to see a census more left of center (which that is another discussion on its own). Look at the blue states and red states. A lot of blue states find a majority of their populations in larger cities(i.e. New York, California, Washington, Illinois). A lot of independent acts come from larger cities, generally - Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, New York City. I listen to bands such as Death Cab for cutie, the late Elliott Smith, Bright Eyes, Iron and Wine, and everyone else in that scene. I feel a little outcasted when I go to their shows because I do lean toward the right - largely in part to my upbringing - and I actually do consider myself a little more left-brained (I'm an engineer). I will also note I am from the south and grew up in a more conservative environment and haven't abandoned a lot of those ideas. There aren't very many bands in the independent scene from the south as compared to other regions such as New England, the West coast (esp. the northwest). That was a lot of rambling, but the point I guess I am making is that in addition to an individual's natural brain hemisphere preference, there are a lot of social-environmental effects on the indie music scene as a whole vs. politics (including the surroundings of the 'scene' itself and peers)

Sent by D. Love | 4:36 PM | 9-23-2008

I'm an "indie" musician myself and am Libertarian. I just have a hard time believing the state can do anything but kill and steel.

Sent by Nik | 10:31 PM | 9-30-2008

Republican: of Montreal, Neil Young, Broken Social Scene, Beck, Mark Mulcah, etc.

Sent by Lou | 9:03 PM | 10-4-2008