Rise and Reform

and what does he have to do with prison reform?

Recently, a classmate of mine read over my blog and suggested I look into a man named Steve Earle. He’s an American singer and songwriter, and the reason my classmate suggested I write about him is because Earle has spent some time in jail and rehab. 

I always find it really interesting to hear about someone who goes through the prison system and ends up finding their healing journey while creating music. As some of you might already know from reading my previous posts, I work at an organization that actually builds recording studios inside prisons in Ontario. So, I have seen first hand how strong the healing powers of music can really be. 

Back to Steve Earle, his music combines rock and country music, touching a lot on his Texas roots. He is incredibly outspoken about his left-leaning political views and has used his music career to criticize politicians who abuse their power. He is living proof that having a record does not mean you’re a bad person. 

While writing this, I am reminded of the writing on Woody Guthrie’s guitar. Across his guitar, as shown on the cover of My Dusty Road, are the words “THIS MACHINE KILLS FASCISTS”. 

Prison reform and inmate rehabilitation is definitely a leftist/socialist ideology. Once we start shifting from for-profit prisons and prisons funded by tax dollars to things like accessible mental health care, affordable housing, and affordable groceries, we won’t really have much of a need for prisons at all. 

Now, we are also seeing a rise of musicians like Billie Eilish who use their platforms to stand against ICE arrests and the rise of fascism in the United States. Musicians who choose not to take a stand against what is going on right now don’t really seem to garner much audience appreciation. 

So it is proving to be true that music has become a weapon against fascism and prison. It is being used as a rehabilitation tool for many to find reconciliation with their past and rehabilitate, moving towards a better future for themselves, and everyone else! 

Steve Earle’s music has inspired many other artists to use their music for good, just as he was probably inspired to do as well. The song Revolution Drinking Song by Willowbrook is another beautiful example of a guitar being used as a machine to end the fight against fascism. 

Steve Earle, Woody Guthrie, Billie Eilish and Willowbrook are part of a coalition meant to further the rise against fascism. 

To read more about how prison reform and inmate rehabilitation is a part of that coalition, please hit that subscribe button!