Today the music is rising and one of those who is creating that music is Brett Kimberlin, Director of Justice Through Music (JTM), a non profit org that works with famous bands to inspire young people to vote and support civil rights. JTM has helped to register tens of thousands of people to vote over the past five years through its website, text messaging software and on the ground campaigns at colleges and music events.
Through Your Tube and other places on the web the music that is driving change is erupting from groups composed of long time musicians, from small groups doing what their 60s predecessors did, playing in their parent's garages. They are being heard and the sounds of peace are rising against the forced strains of war and profit.
On the show we will be talking about the music, its history, its impact, the music Brett is creating, the movement it is powering, and all the music that is rising to challenge our present direction politically and consciously.
On You Tube alone there are dozens of original songs for such break out candidates as Ron Paul, something that astonishes those who have known him as Dr. No. The resounding NO to war resonates across lines that once divided.
Join us to discuss where the music comes from, how it touches us, and how music will change the future we leave to our children.
Every national election season, JTM produces a ROCK YOUR RIGHTS DVD featuring interviews and concerts of 25 bands discussing important issues of the day. JTM gives away tens of thousands of the DVDs to voter registration orgs around the country to educate youth and urge them to get involved with the political process. Recent artists include the Indigo Girls, Dar Williams, the FIXX, Yellowcard and Ministry.
JTM has also given voice to artists and bands that need an outlet to express their protest music. The JTM website, www.jtmp.org, has scores of protest videos and songs from bands of all genres. JTM was the first online site to stream Neil Young’s Living With War CD, and JTM is helping to promote Al Gore’s Live Earth concert on July 7th.
Two years ago, JTM co-founded VelvetRevolution, a non-profit org that focuses attention on election reform, media reform, conflict resolution and government accountability. VR reaches millions of people each month and now has over 150 organizations affiliated with it and it has become a leader on many of these issues.
Brett is a seasoned musician and songwriter, and leads the band, Op-Critica l . The band works closely with JTM to create protest songs and videos. Recently, he wrote new lyrics for the John Lennon song, Happy Xmas, War is Over. It is now called Happy Springtime, Bush is Over. JTM produced a video of the song featuring the Harmonic Angels children’s choir singing the chorus. In the first two weeks on YouTube and MySpace, the song and video have been played over 100,000 times.
Hear Brett Kimberlin today at 4pm Pacific time on the Spiritual Politician at BBSRadio.com
