Shirlette Ammons
SPB: What is the strangest trend you see in music (or in the industry vs the art)?
Ammons: Strangest trend to me is how much people are relying on pop culture, particularly pop songs, for their politicization. I do celebrate and embrace the affirmation, momentum, and empowerment provided by songs that speak to people's struggle, but the 3-minute activism feels symbolic of the way information is disseminated and ingested in this age. It's great as a catalyst for the work of breaking down barriers, but by no means does it reflect the deeper, more intentional work needed to change systems of oppression and disenfranchisement. Sometimes a song is just a reason to dance and that's ok with me.
