Andras Jones always had a way of deconstructing the music Industry from within, and his latest song, "Politics Will Get You Gigs," is no exception. Initially caught live in August 1999 at The Capitol Theater Backstage in Olympia, Washington, this song, as a snapshot of the indie rock scene and its surrounding communities, resonates just as potently now as it did over twenty years ago.
Bucking the trend from his previous single, "Hating The Haters," Jones delivers a timely digital consort, balancing bright observation with authentic musicality. His eagle-eye awareness of the quirks and contradictions of the indie music landscape is on display, peeling back a curtain to reveal what many are quick to realize are the nuanced elements that often determine who gets airplay and who doesn't. It's a subtly direct examination of how politics, in general, including those within the music industry, can influence careers and opportunities.
Recorded in the late '90s, "Politics Will Get You Gigs," but Meta recently flagged it, preventing any promotion to political content simply because of the way they handled their "politics and elections" policies. The irony shows a song reflecting on the relationship between music and politics becomes trapped in history, an echo that proves Jones' observations were just too ahead of their time.
In addition, the intimacy of a live recording, which many studio versions seem to lose, is captured exceptionally well. Jones's delivery is thrillingly raw, the sort that makes you feel like you're in the backstage room watching indie being born in real time. The instrumentation is spare but unobtrusive, leaving room for both the clever wit and underlying wisdom resting in his lyrics to shine.
"Politics Will Get You Gigs" serves as a poignant reminder of how the music we hold so dear can be shaped. This is introspection, this is vision, and Andras Jones has always had that talent, and it shows here in full effect, even if it occasionally weaves into the humorous. He still retains a gift for turning observations into art. We must include this song for anyone looking to delve into the social landscape of indie rock.
Reviewed by LyricalOdyssey Music
on
August 14, 2025
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