PODCAST:
PROTEST SONGS

“So come brothers and sisters, for the struggle carries on, The Internationale unites the world in song” (Billy Bragg’s version of ‘The Internationale’)

How can the joy and power of collective song help us to change the world? In this three-part podcast series, we explore what part protest songs have played in history and how they have united people worldwide. As part of our ongoing EUTOPIA series, in conversation with artists, activists and academics, we focus in-depth on three of Dash Arts' favourite songs to sing and dance to: 'L'Internationale', 'Bella Ciao' and 'No Pasarán!'. We’ll look at how protest songs inspire and influence us and their enduring relevance in society today.

Episodes are released throughout 2022 and available on all major podcasting platforms.

Protest Songs: The Internationale

In the first episode of our Protest Songs series, we explore the history of 'The Internationale' and how it continues to inspire social change.

Josephine Burton speaks to singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, who was motivated by the collapse of communism to rewrite the song and devote an album to it in 1990. Other speakers include historian Robert Service who gives an overview of the history of the song and its many adaptations, including its role as the first national anthem for the Soviet Union and Professor John Street, who discusses his new online resource devoted to English protest songs ‘Our Subversive Voice’, and how music can change the world.

Music credits

2013 Migration Music Festival, Soul Flower Mononoke Summit - L'Internationale
The International In The Face of Crisis (Communist and Socialist) Versions Of The Anthem And Historical Songs Of The Left, Urss Soviet Chorus - The Internationale (Russian Version) and Communists In France Choir - The Communist International (French Version)
The Internationale · Billy Bragg 2006, Cooking Vinyl