Movements Substack: Every movement needs a soundtrack

Welcome to Movements, a newsletter dedicated to the vital role of song and poetry in the ongoing fight against fascism and in defense of democracy in the United States.

The name Movements is inspired by the world of classical music, where a movement is a self-contained, distinct section within a larger musical composition.

Think of a symphony: it's a grand, unified work, but it's broken down into individual movements—each with its own tempo, mood, and thematic development. One movement might be fast and fiery, another slow and contemplative, yet all contribute to the overarching narrative and emotional arc of the complete piece.

This musical definition resonates deeply with our mission here. Just as a symphony is built from contrasting yet interconnected movements, the struggle against fascism is a complex, multi-faceted, and ongoing effort.

It's not a single battle, but a series of distinct actions, expressions, and phases – each a "movement" in its own right.

At Movements, we believe that songs and lyrics are crucial, vibrant "movements" within this broader effort to retain and reinvigorate democracy. They are:

Self-contained expressions

Each lyric, each song, offers a complete thought, a distinct emotion, a specific call to action or reflection.

They are powerful on their own.

Part of a larger whole

These songs are not isolated. They are threads in the rich tapestry of resistance, defiance and solidarity, connecting voices, amplifying messages, and building collective strength.

They contribute to the grand "symphony" of democracy.

Driving change

Just as musical movements propel a composition forward, these lyrical movements aim to propel social change, stirring hearts, clarifying minds, and galvanizing action against the rise of fascism.

Reflecting diverse forms

From urgent anthems to poignant ballads, from sharp satire to defiant declarations, each song represents a different form of artistic and political engagement—a different "movement" in style and substance.

Through Movements, we will share lyrics and songs that embody the spirit of resistance, illuminate the injustices we face, and inspire continued action. We aim to be a dedicated space for these vital artistic contributions, recognizing their power to shape the discourse, embolden the brave, and ultimately, contribute to the triumph of democratic ideals over authoritarianism.

Join us as we explore the "movements" of protest, one powerful song at a time.

What do you get?

I share songs I create using AI tools and—as a guitarist, singer and writer—guided by my knowledge of music and songwriting. I will also be sharing songs created by others that fit with the mission of this newsletter.

Why subscribe?

Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and publication archives.

Stay up-to-date

Never miss an update—every new post is sent directly to your email inbox. For a spam-free, ad-free reading experience, plus audio and community features, get the Substack app.

Join the movement

Be part of a community of people who share your interests. Participate in the comments section, or support this work with a subscription.

To learn more about the tech platform that powers this publication, visit Substack.com.

User's avatar

Subscribe to Movements

Every movement needs a soundtrack.

People

Sr. Director of AI at leading strategic communications agency; democracy fanboy; guitarist; Minnesota Vikings fanatic, plays with joy. I'm @deerickson on Threads and @derickson on Bluesky.