Less than a week ago, the L.A. Times ran an article questioning the lack of political songs on the charts in the last ten years: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/music/la-et-1225-music-politic...

But one wonders if it’s not a case today of fewer people writing political songs but rather a case of less publicity for those who do. I can think of all sorts of artists in recent years who've released passionate, topical music. But these are artists who are not necessarily climbing today’s charts nor are they managed by a huge publicity machine. Witness all the musicians who've participated at Occupy events.

Many artists follow the do-it-yourself model with the Internet allowing them easier access but without the corporate machine behind them. Consequently, they may find fame elusive and in its place, a small but loyal following. All of this seems really more in line with the 99 percenters' philosophy anyway: Art by artists for the people. Not art by rich rock stars who live in mansions, make millions for themselves and multi-national record companies, and come down the mountain once in a blue moon for a benefit concert.

I just recorded a song for the Occupy Movement. Just an old-fashioned, sing-along-style protest song available for free download and free use by the Movement: www.samanthaelin.com/music/html