In a world where anything seems possible, even Donald Trump being re-elected doesn’t surprise us anymore. But what does this mean for the music world? Yes, the music world, which tends to lean left, is filled with socially conscious artists and has a deep-rooted tradition of protest songs. What happens to that culture if Trump returns to the White House? It feels like we’re bracing for a whole new symphony of confusion, irony, and maybe even… patriotism?
First off: expect a flood of protest pop. Since the sixties, we know that political unrest and good music go hand in hand. Just like during his previous presidency, songwriters and producers will likely band together to turn their frustrations and anger into catchy tunes. From Kendrick Lamar to Taylor Swift, everyone will want to have their say. Don’t be surprised if Taylor Swift interrupts her glamorous tour routine for a spoken word performance on “The Consequences of Orange Spray Tan on World Peace.”
The next effect of Trump 2.0 on the music industry? A commercial explosion of national anthems. But not the traditional kind of patriotic songs we hear at national events. No, no, no. These are Trump-inspired odes to “greatness” (read: America), where lyrics and music are all about wall-building beats and “U.S.A.!” chants. I wouldn’t be shocked if we soon saw a collaboration between Kid Rock, Kanye (or Ye, or whatever he calls himself now), and Marjorie Taylor Greene on the banjo. Perhaps a new genre: MAGA Metal?
Trump Festivals?
And then there’s the concert industry, which will surely try to capitalize on everything. Festivals? Get ready for the “Trumpstock Experience” in the Midwest, a weekend full of patriotism, cheap beer, and an endless supply of red hats. If this trend continues, we might even see country versions of classic rock albums, where Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” becomes “Escalator to Freedom.” Believe me, even the most alternative music venues will find a way to ride the wave a bit, if only to tempt the audience with their own satirical twist.
Let’s be honest: Trump’s re-election offers many musicians an outlet to be politically incorrect again, to voice their opinions without a filter. Think of comebacks from bands and artists who had their heyday in the 80s, complete with brightly colored suits and oversized sunglasses, ready to relive the “good ol’ days,” now rawer and more unfiltered than ever.
The best part may be that, despite everything, the music industry just keeps on spinning. Whether you’re a fan of the man or not, Trump as a musical muse brings a wave of creativity along with him. From dramatic ballads about lost dreams to the cheeriest, most bizarre patriotic tunes America has ever known. So let’s polish our headphones and prepare our playlists, because one thing’s for sure: music has never been this politically incorrect.
