Grunge Included

Notes & essays on grunge, musicology, art, photography, design & politics. https://grungeincluded.substack.com/

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Grunge Included 2026

Inviting music writers, scholars, students, researchers, musicians, critics, and cultural commentators to submit abstracts for presentations

Music Conference for all!!!!

All music writers, no matter what stage of your career you’re in, to apply to the Grunge Included Conference. Whether you’re a professional musician, critic, an emerging journalist, or someone who explores music as a passionate hobby, your voice and perspective are welcome and important!

The conference brings together diverse thinkers and creators to discuss music as a powerful social, political, and economic force shaping our world today. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your work, share your insights, and connect with a vibrant network of fellow writers, artists, and industry professionals. It will be a completely open and supportive environment: free of judgment!

Worldwide applicants welcome!☀️

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Protest Music & Underrated Political Songs by Julian Casablancas

[UPDATED] Protest Music & Underrated Political Songs by Julian Casablancas

''Whether It’s Music Or Politics, Right Now We’re Mired In Whoever’s Propaganda Is Loudest''

COACHELLA 2026 AND ‘‘OBLIVIOUS’’

Julian Casablancas is the musician which current and future musicologist, music historians and protest music fans will write about. After a few decades have passed or 100 years, his musical influence and political ideas will be evaluated in the same seriousness as those of Joe Hill, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan or Kurt Cobain.

I’m revisiting this article because The Strokes have reunited for their new album Reality Awaits (26 June, 2026), marking their first performance together in 15 years. And how do they celebrate this ? By headlining Coachella and closing their set on weekend two with powerful political messages.

The band performed ‘‘Oblivious’’ for the first time in 10 years and throughout the visuals showcased photos of influential political figures: Mohammad Mosaddeg (former Prime Minister of Iran), Patrice Lumumba (Former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Juan José Torres (Former President of Bolivia) and Martin Luther King Jr. (American civil rights activist). After each photo with text stating that the CIA and U.S government was involved in their death and the overthrow of their governments. All whilst singing and asking the crowd ‘‘What side you standing on?’’

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Please Stop & Think : Underrated Political Songs by Julian Casablancas

''Whether It’s Music Or Politics, Right Now We’re Mired In Whoever’s Propaganda Is Loudest''

‘‘I really believed that the internet’s capacity to let people access the best of the best of music — from underground stuff to music from all over the world — would’ve been a positive influence, that music would’ve evolved like never before. Instead music has been co-opted by some kind of capitalist profit game. I thought the internet would help balance the relationship between quality and the mainstream, but it’s gone the opposite way. Quality is being sucked out of music. One Direction will have 4 billion views and the best artists of today will only see a fraction of that attention. I’ve talked about this before, but there’s an exact parallel between music and politics.’’ - Julian Casablancas (Marchese, 2018)

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6 Goth-Rock Songs From Finland

The 69 eyes, Ville Valo, To/Die/For, Sentenced, Entwine & Lost Society.

Goth music is ‘‘the pastness of the present and the presence of the past’’ (Van Elfren and Weinstock, 2005, p.66). I think these songs are perfect representation of this. This is a list of my favourite 6 Gothic rock songs from Finland. To get the most out of this listening experience some salmiakki chocolate is highly recommended (it`s the best!)

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Dave Krusen (Pearl Jam, Candlebox, Hovercraft and Unified Theory) | Interview

Dave Krusen (Pearl Jam, Candlebox, Hovercraft and Unified Theory) | Interview

''A big difference between PJ and cbox for me was the unity. PJ left egos at the door where cbox at that time had infighting that was too to

Here’s an interview with Dave Krusen, the founding drummer of Pearl Jam. He played on the band’s debut album, Ten, and helped shape their sound. In 2017, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Pearl Jam, recognizing his role in the band’s history and lasting impact. Beyond Pearl Jam, he has also played with bands including Candlebox, Hovercraft, and Unified Theory (Formed with Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament and Candlebox guitarist Peter Klett).

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Grunge Included : CASPIAN COBERLY | Interview

Caspian Coberly has quickly become one of the most popular new artists in the Pacific Northwest. His albums : ''Caspian Coberly'' (2019), ''4st spiral thru the dream dimension'' (2022) and ''Texas sex'' (2023) have earned him a growing and dedicated audience in the region.

Caspian also plays in the Seattle-based Wipers tribute band Is This Real? formed in 2023, alongside Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Together, they’ve also released tributes of KISS : “Songs For Ace” and “Shock Me.”

With his new album ''Starlight'' coming out this year and another already finished, he shares more about his new songs, musical process and influences!

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5 | Songs YOU Can’t Ignore by Jessie Lynn McMains [takeover]

''I have been very aware that abortion & reproductive rights as a whole were under attack in my country...I started attending pro-choice ral

''I have been very aware that abortion & reproductive rights as a whole were under attack in my country...I started attending pro-choice rallies and writing letters to newspapers & politicians''

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Worldwide applicants welcome!

Music Conference for all!!!!

I am inviting all music writers, no matter what stage of your career you’re in, to apply to the Grunge Included Conference. Whether you’re a professional musician, critic, an emerging journalist, or someone who explores music as a passionate hobby, your voice and perspective are welcome and important!

The conference brings together diverse thinkers and creators to discuss music as a powerful social, political, and economic force shaping our world today. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your work, share your insights, and connect with a vibrant network of fellow writers, artists, and industry professionals. It will be a completely open and supportive environment: free of judgment!

You can also present your work through a recorded video or zoom call, if you can’t make it to York, UK! Worldwide applicants welcome!☀️

Grunge Included 2026

Inviting music writers, scholars, students, researchers, musicians, critics, and cultural commentators to submit abstracts for presentations

[grungeincluded]

3 | Songs YOU Can’t Ignore w/ Lennon from Sleuth Gang

''In a time when everything feels oppressive and overwhelming, its [Right Brigade - Bad Brains] call to stay focused and move forward togeth

As Lennon shared in the previous interview above, “Our music targets homophobia, misogyny and we are always trying to make a statement whether our music says it outright, or we actually raise issues when we perform.” That same spirit carries into this week’s selections!

This week our ‘‘Songs YOU Can’t Ignore’’ playlist has been curated by Lennon of Sleuth Gang, the Leeds, UK based band. The selections featured below showcase his favourite political songs and the influences that continue to shape his music.

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Songs YOU Can’t Ignore

Building the ultimate list of uncommon, understated and classic protest songs you should know!

This week, I’m launching a new music collaboration project called ‘‘Songs YOU Can’t Ignore’’. Together with fellow Substack writers and artists, we’ll be sharing our favourite protest songs and building them into a collective playlist. The aim isn’t just to catalogue the songs we love, but to get a better understanding of why they matter. What it is about a song that cuts through the noise, demands attention, and refuses to be ignored?

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The 10 Best The Strokes Songs of All Time (Because We Said So)

''Last Night'' didn't even make the list.....

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From Seattle to the System: Grunge as Political Expression : Brence, Sintija: Amazon.co.uk: Books

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Cyberfeminism, Popular Culture, and Why Feminism Still Matters - Dr Robyn Timothy | Interview

''Local music cultures become increasingly compressed and standardised through globalisation, and dominant ideologies shape what is deemed t

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Songs About War, Politics & The World We Live In.

Jeff Buckley, Chris Cornell, The Hives, Refused and Angelic Upstarts.

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Nick Drake : Inspiration for Chris Cornell and Mark Lanegan

''If you listen to his records and the way he plays guitar, he was incredibly forceful and aggressive on it...For me as a guitar player, he’

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Sound Advice: 6 Tracks Where Artists Drop Life Lessons Right in Your Ears

''Hypnotize'', ''11th Dimension'', ''Present Tense'', ''Make Yourself'', ''You Don't Belong'' & ''A Tip From You to Me''

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Please Stop & Think : Underrated Political Songs by Julian Casablancas

''Whether It’s Music Or Politics, Right Now We’re Mired In Whoever’s Propaganda Is Loudest''