Folk Duo Unleash Anti-Trump Song

John Flanagan and Ashley Morgan of Faultlines. Photos by Cody Burdette.

Faultlines is a folk duo with a gay male lead vocalist and they’re out today with their new Anti-Trump single, “Rain“.  The song focuses its spotlight on the threat to LGBTQ, women’s and immigrant rights.    “As we are approaching the 2020 election, it’s so important to remind everyone that we cannot endure four more years,” says out singer John Flanagan.  “Donald Trump is not a president for the majority minority of America. We want to encourage everyone to get out and vote.” 

“I honestly wake up every morning and think there’s no way it can get worse than this,” Ashley Morgan reflects from her Los Angeles home.  “Then I read the news and sure enough, it gets worse. I truly don’t understand how this man became our president when all he does is encourage violence, white supremacy, fear and hatred.”

Faultlines by Cody Burdette.

The music video for “Rain,” directed by John Mediana, opens with an image of Morgan and Flanagan, blindfolded, standing in front of an American flag. The blindfolds represent blind patriotism and when each singer finishes their verse, they take off their blind fold to symbolize waking up to the injustices happening around them.

“It’s been a difficult couple of years for America,” says Flanagan. “Things have gotten ugly.”  He believes it is the job of songwriters, like him, to hold up a mirror to society and say, ‘Look at what we’re doing; see how hatred is affecting people’.

“Rain” is the first single from their upcoming album, Bittersweet Revival, that draws inspiration from Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young, Joni Mitchell and Brandi Carlile. They hope the album inspires activism and encourages fans to make small positive changes in their community.

Faultlines by Cody Burdette.

“Folk music has a long history of protest songs,” Ashley points out.  “As Nina Simone says, ‘An artist’s duty is to reflect the current times.’ We feel it is our duty to use music to shed light on injustices. We want to bring people together and encourage them to have an open mind and to be inclusive because love is all we own.”

Visit their website and follow Faultlines on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

Ben Nelson

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