Labour MP Tom Watson starts writing for NME

Labour MP and well-known Drenge fan, Tom Watson has written an article for this week’s NME, in which he discusses music and politics.

Watson caused quite a stir when he recommended Sheffield duo Drenge in his resignation letter to Ed Miliband, which did not sit well with the band, something he thinks MPs should address.

Watson writes in the current issue:

“I believe politicians need to reach out to young people and music makers. Some MPs still go to gigs. Should more of them go to see live music performances? Probably, but only if they’re fans of music already. Because the essence of the relationship between music and its fans is honesty – it can’t be forced or faked… We all squirmed when David Cameron tried to pose as a Radiohead fan. It just doesn’t wash. Don’t even go there with The Jam and The Smiths. I’m still cringing at the thought of my old boss Gordon Brown listening to Arctic Monkeys on his iPod”.

The politician also mentions how he thinks politician can learn from how music connects with people, writing: “The greatest musicians, songwriters and leaders can communicate in a way that the press release factory of modern politics has failed to do. Music does not alienate with jargon, but instead brings the world together. Good music, like good politics, responds to real people and real emotions, and is never afraid of being honest”.

[via CMU]