Vancouver media personality Terry David Mulligan, host of Mulligan Stew—broadcast on the CKUA Radio Network in Alberta and given a West Coast twist for Roundhouse Radio 98.3 Vancouver—recently pulled together a notable ensemble of socially conscious Canadian songwriters for a show dubbed “The Protest Song.”

Mulligan’s thoughtful, incisive and deeply rooted knowledge of music, history and environmental issues were a magnet for musicians to speak candidly about songs they have written with a political bent. These aren’t songs that are generating widespread airplay, but this not to say these messages haven’t found appreciative audiences around the world.

The following SoundCloud podcast of Mulligan’s show is a shiny example of great sounding radio, blending knowledge with music and intelligent dialogue.

Enjoy, and thanks for Terry David for reaching out to bring this broadcast to our attention.

It all started with Stephen Fearing’s “Blowhard Nation,” one of the first musical responses to Donald Trump’s road to the Presidency.

Having been right in the middle of the ‘60s musical revolution, led by the songs of Dylan and voice of Joan Baez, I wondered where the voice of the music business was in the mix.

Many of the songs we’re playing now were written and recorded during the election process and now months of Trump in office.

Some of my questions were:

• If there is a push back from the music makers where is it and who is it?

• How did the election affect your new songs?

• Is there room for protest songs in today’s music and radio?

• I had no problem gathering replies. Everyone seemed to have an opinion

Guests:

Ron Sexsmith
Joel Plaskett
The Wood Brothers
Leeroy Stagger
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings
Stephen Fearing
Colin Linden
Tom Wilson
Alan Doyle
Bob Rock
Susan Tedeschi – Derek Trucks