The power of music

One of my guests from the UK this week said: “Wow, this really is different! In the UK, if you didn’t watch the TV news or read a newspaper, then apart from a few big advertising hoardings you really could miss the fact that an election is going on.”

In the UK politicians and their supporters go from door to door, distributing leaflets, explaining to the residents of the household why their policies are best and kissing babies. In Turkey campaigning is a loud and exciting business. Songs such as the 10th Anniversary March are used by the parties as their theme song, rallying cry and generally to attract attention.

Music is an inspirational force that infuses one with a passion. Music is a way to remind us how important it is to embrace life and live it to its fullest.

Using music as a means to communicate that an idea or association is no new idea. In fact, these days it is popular. In a recent article for Today’s Zaman titled “Best is yet to come,” I wrote about Tony Bennett and his friends’ nationwide concerts, which are sponsored by a group called AARP. The collaboration is part of a broader effort to use the power of music to forge an emotional connection with its members.

The association is developing a musical signature for the AARP brand, as well as additional concert sponsorships. In fact Elton John performed at AARP’s “Life@50+” member event this October, and next year’s event in Boston will feature performances by Rod Stewart and Earth, Wind and Fire.

Wouldn’t it be great to attend those? But it is amazing to realize these top stars are all over 50!

Tony Bennett’s son and manager, Danny Bennett, praised the partnership and commended the association for embracing the power of music. He says, “Music is the force behind the artist’s success and his appeal to younger audiences.” Calling Bennett’s music “the soundtrack for change,” he expects the effort will definitely resonate with baby boomers. They want to be young at heart forever.

Thanks to Al Gore, Live Earth concerts are another example of how music has been used to get a message across to the world. Nineteen million people tuned in to watch the Live Earth concerts on NBC and other cable channels affiliated with the network, according to Nielsen Media Research.

NBC’s Saturday evening telecast -- which featured three hours of highlights from the 24-hour global concert series to raise awareness of climate change -- captured 2.7 million viewers. The event was also broadcast online at LiveEarth.MSN.com and on XM satellite radio. Concerts were held in London, Sydney, Australia, Tokyo, Shanghai, China, Johannesburg, South Africa, Hamburg, Germany, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, New Jersey and Washington. What a testimony to the universal appeal of music!

Through the concerts a message was communicated. People were moved. Money was raised. Live Earth will send the proceeds to the Alliance for Climate Protection, a nonprofit organization chaired by Gore.

Closer to home music is being all around us. Every political party has a distinct sound. Some of the tunes played over the loudspeakers up and down the streets put me off. Rather than convincing me that the party’s policies are sound and their opinions are in line with my own, the fact that we have diametrically opposed musical tastes makes me doubt their ability to represent me effectively.

Have you heard any tune that you liked that convinced you to vote for that party? Or perhaps, if you are keen on environmental issues (such as peace and quiet), you might consider giving your vote to a party that hasn’t sent a bus with loudspeakers into your neighborhood.

In the old days we used to hear the tune of the Aygaz van and knew it was time to order a new gas tube. As drivers we know to pull over when we hear a siren of an ambulance or fire engine so that someone’s life can be saved.

Whatever the effect on the outcome of the vote, the music played by the competing parties is certainly livening up the streets of Turkey this week. I can hear another campaigning bus coming right now…