Music and Antifascism

Music and Antifascism brings together nineteen international scholars to critically assess the role of music in antifascist struggles in Europe and North America, from the establishment of historical antifascist collectives in the early twentieth century to contemporary antifascist movements today.

From antifascist labour choirs in interwar England, to punk subcultures of the 1970s, resistance to fascism in contemporary Ukraine, and antifascist politics in contemporary music festivals, these essays explore the various ways in which music is used to create antifascist spaces, foster antifascist education and political consciousness, build capacity, and directly confront fascist threats. The current crisis of the capitalist project, the increasing concentration of wealth, and the concomitant climate emergency have ushered in a surge in ultranationalist, xenophobic, and authoritarian regimes throughout the world.

The gravity of the issues at stake, and the current momentum of social movements worldwide opposing this resurgence of fascism, make this topic a timely one. Music and Antifascism will be valuable reading for students engaged with music and politics, music and social justice, music and culture, historical musicology, popular music studies, music and media, and politics and the arts.