Communicate Quote by A.C. Newman
“Sometimes I'm trying to communicate a feeling. Sometimes I can't piece it together into any kind of coherant thesis. I'm just trying to evoke some kind of mood, and put some kind of idea in somebody's head. If Marshall McLuhan or Harold Innis were looking at it, they would tell you that the genre of rock music isn't the best way to deliver a political message because it distorts it, it makes it into entertainment. Perhaps the best political message is just to speak it to somebody. I think that's something I'm always writing about in songs, just how to mediate, how to present something.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Songwriting and Politics, A.C. Newman, 2018
The author struggles to convey emotion and ideas through music, noting that rock’s entertainment focus can dilute political messages, urging direct communication.
In simple terms: Music can blur political messages; direct speech is clearer.
Key Takeaway
Prefer straightforward expression for political ideas.
Themes
communication
politics
art
expression
media
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- songwriting
- political campaigning
- public speaking
- media production
Key Concepts
semiotics
genre theory
message framing
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance artistic expression with clear messaging?
- When is direct speech more effective than art?
A Different Perspective
Music may still reach audiences emotionally despite dilution.
