The Solutionists - changing the world through music

September 2007

THE SOLUTIONISTS
Changing The World
Through Music

By Shashoua

The heading a little trite for you? Most of us who are over twelve, (yes, I have reached adolescence. I know you are shocked) have lost that wonderful idealism that comes with not having to make a damn living and struggle in the face of inertia. Forgive the bitterness, but when I dig into the far corners of my cynical mind, I do remember, once upon a time truly believing I had the power to change the world. The vision was developed while traveling barefoot with a bunch of hippies who had nothing to offer except hand-made jewelry, hippy music, the sexual thrust that comes with youth, and their anti-war ideals. Of course, being adolescents for the most part they were charlatans, (myself included) but none-the-less, I likened them to Prophets-in-training. They were delivering messages that could make a difference if someone was touched by their song. I don’t know what happened to any of them. I do know what happened to me though. I discovered what I believed in.

I have since found many adults, both men and women who hold the same ideals and strive for a better world. There are unlikely Prophets in all sorts of corners, desperately trying to give voice to reason and make changes in policies that can stop the atrocities that are repeated in the world like a stuck record, despite the fact that music has been digital for over a decade.

Who are the Prophets of today? Who are the religious leaders? No not the Pope or the Archbishops; not the Rabbis or the Mullahs; not even the traditional Gurus from India. These are the Keepers of Knowledge, but they cannot change the world. They cannot take us to a new level of existence that does not segregate, enslave, rape and pillage in the name of God. The Keepers of Knowledge bury their prayers in ancient sand, the answers to which cannot take root in our newer, harsher terrain.   No, the Prophets of today are found in little niches in the world. They are found in dark corners, singing to groups both large and small about the discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots; the unlawfulness of laws and peace. They are often outlandish, a little queer. They are pierced sometimes, have tattoos. They are like the Anti-Christ, but they are probably more like him than his followers are. They are Anti-so many things and Pro-so many others.

Take Perry Farrell for instance. Perry Farrell is the lead singer of Jane's Addiction and Porno for Pyros and he has recently formed a new band called Satellite Party which comes with a steadfast mission: to change the world through music and parties.   Farrell truly believes that people can change the world one step at a time, and with Satellite Party, he is launching a musical movement to do just that. His recent release, Ultra Payloaded (Columbia Records) weaves together an array of genres with his progressive thinking.   The music of Satellite Party tells a story about a collaborative brain trust of artistic visionaries, including writers, musicians and environmentalists called The Solutionists, who seek to redesign and come up with solutions for the world. Farrell says of The Solutionists, "We make change fashionable and use the arts as a catalyst for change." Go to: www.myspace.com/thesolutionists to see the group of activists that have joined forces to change the world. Almost like a Pacifist Resistance, the Solutionists make revolution seem possible if you just get with the right crowd and live and breathe a new world like a mantra.   The Solutionists homepage, which I have to say is a bit of a bloody mess and very hard to read, is full of great messages and groups that you can join if you can get past the cut and paste look and feel. Oh, don’t give up would-be Solutionist. It is worth the struggle. As long as you are not a fascist pig. And even then you might find it entertaining.

The Solutionists are open to anyone who are trying to change the ways of the world and lessen the borders, respect the environment, help the under privileged and facilitate peace and love in the world. Here you will find both resources, which make making a difference really easy. Both known and unknown organizations have links here including Habitat for Humanity, Kiva.org, American Anti-Slavery Coalition, NRDC, Sierra Club, Save the Wolves, breastcancersite, rainforestsite, literacysite and more, and of course MySpace.com members can add their points of view to the site. There are videos by bands like Keane who help inspire the cause to make changes and help save the environment by inviting you to join www.global-cool.com , and also Prime Minister Tony Blair who speaks out about the overwhelming proof that greenhouse gases are causing Global Warming and that changes must be made to policies world-wide to lessen the carbon footprint that our big feet are making.

Farrell’s new release Ultra-Payloaded won’t let Farrell fans down. It is quite a masterpiece that has woven together many artists to achieve quite an original sound. A haunting, unreleased Jim Morisson recording titled “Woman in the Window” establishes the Satellite Party’s mantra. On this track, Morisson’s familiar voice sings philosophically and with a sincere sadness, while Satellite Party sing vibrantly in the background, “We’re gonna love, just try to stop us.” It is truly moving and powerful. We are going to love, just try to stop us. We are going to love, just try to stop. How amazingly appropriate for our times, when we are motivated and encouraged to separate ourselves and hate.

Perry Farrell is not the only one out there who is expressing his mission. He is one of many, but most of these voices are just not heard through mainstream channels. It is as if our radio waves are run by fascists.   Unlike the sixties, the top forty hits are made up of words that lack passion or vision. They are cool, sexy, but for the most part ego-driven and expected. They won’t change the world. Musicians with something to say have to be found by you. From the Solutionists site you can find other lesser known musicians but if you haven’t done so, check out: www.righteousbabes.com, the site of the prophetess Ani Di Franco who has been changing the world with words since she was a teenager. Another absolutely brilliant musician who does not hold back when it comes to her views is Tori Amos. Both hardly get any airplay on commercial channels, but both are masters of their realm. Powerfully poetic, amazingly gifted musicians and absolute visionaries.   Farrell, DiFranco, Amos and others like these are the people to support. These are our Prophets; our spiritual leaders; our mentors. These are the ones who are moving swiftly with the times, inspiration searing through their veins. They have something to say.

So, can music change the world? Yes. Since time immemorial it is the mantra that has become reality. If we talk hate, we get hate. If we talk love, equality, peace, friendship and speak up against the things that we won’t stand for, we have every right to believe tomorrow the world could be a more beautiful place than it is today. We are responsible for the world, because we are responsible for our mantras. Now do us all a favor. Go listen to something that may just change the world.