Artists are showing their support in the final stretch of the presidential race. Lady Gaga joined Joe Biden at a drive-in campaign event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and performed her radio hit “Shallow”.
Lil Pump showed up at a Trump’s campaign rally. Lil Pump said, “”All I gotta say is Trump 2020 b—-,” he said. “F— I look like paying a extra 33 is tax for Biden, b—- a– n—-. F— sleepy Joe n—- Trump 2020 b—-.” Yo, no cap… If Trump does not get elected, I’m moving the f!#$ out of here n***a,” said Pump in a recent post on his Instagram Story, sporting Trump MAGA hat while doing so. “I’m going to Colombia, f#$! it.” Don’t make a promise you can’t keep, Pump.
Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Swift have publicly announced they are backing Biden while Kanye, Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, and Ice Cube are throwing the support behind Trump.
This is an historic race. The election has divided families, friends, artists, and the religious. Where will America go?
Brooke Daye has released her EP The Narcissist. The Los Angeles singer songwriter artist says, ““Each song represents a different stage, showing the fights, the back-and-forth doubts, and betrayal.” According to Brooke she was shooting for a 2000 music era vibe – Avril Lavigne, Hayley Williams, and early Demi Lovato. I personally think she nailed it. The single ‘Daily‘ and ‘Selfish‘ have garnered over a million streams while my favorite track off the EP Daily was added to Spotify’s New Music Friday. Daye has co-written with Louie Lastic (Maroon 5), Jasper Harris (Mike Posner, Jaden Smith, Dababy). Give it a stream on KOAR’s Indie Invaders Playlist.
Artists haven’t been shy throwing their support for their favorite candidate. Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift are urging fans to back presidential candidate Joe Biden whereas as Kanye West, 50 cent, Lil Wayne, Lil Pump, and Ice Cube have shown their support for President Donald J. Trump.
Ironically, the CCM artists (Contemporary Christian Music) have been largely silent. Many were vocal in the Black Lives Matter movement including Chris Tomlin, for King & Country, Casting Crowns, Matt Maher, Elevation Worship and Kari Jobe. But the presidential elections? They’re silent as a lamb. There are some exceptions of course. Popular christian artist Danny Gokey has engaged in the conversation and talks regularly about issues that are important to him.
The rock star pastors are sitting on the sidelines as well. Hillsong’s motivational and social activist preacher Carl Lentz has disappeared from the scene. Others celebrity pastors such as Louie Giglio and Judah Smith are also sitting out of the political fray.
But why are the predominant CCM artists choosing to remain silent in this culturally charged moment? That’s what the audience is asking. Their audience are regular churchgoers. They listen to K- Love, the biggest Christian radio network and they attend live events. The seats are filled primarily by word of mouth among churches. How politics will impact the Christian Music Industry is yet to be seen.
But after coming out and supporting racial justice has left the audience confused as to why their favorite CCM artist are wordless on the presidential race. But sometimes silence isn’t empty, but full of answers.
Countless Californians and New Yorkers are leaving the state as the pandemic and fear rages . Nearly a million left California because of high taxes. Many are heading to the midwest or the southern states where jobs are plentiful and taxes are lower. Rock legend Gene Simmons is dumping his $22 million California Benedict Canyon estate.
Simmons bought the house from Fleedwood Mac and The Eagles manager Irving Azoff. Supposably, The Eagles were put together on the property.
“I’m finally not putting up with [paying] 60% to 70% of my gross to the government,” says Simmons. “I am going to a much more welcoming state where there is no income tax, no local and state taxes. Federal taxes are enough.”
“California and Beverly Hills have been treating folks that create jobs badly and the tax rates are unacceptable,” Simmons told the Journal. “I work hard and pay my taxes, and I don’t want to cry the Beverly Hills blues but enough is enough.”
Essex singer-songwriter Grace Sees releases the psychedelic baroque pop track Hit & Run. You make vibe with it, especially if you like darker and moodier. She’s been asked to perform live for BBC introducing Essex. She has been named ‘one to watch’ by BBC Introducing Essex and landed on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Playlist. Grace released two previous tracks Pandora’s Box and Original Sin that will comes off her forthcoming Boiler Bunny EP. Give it a stream on KOAR’s Indie Invaders Playlist.