Political songs are alive and well and being performed every day here in the North East. If you go to a small gig or an open mic session, you are likely to hear mention of issues such as social deprivation, poor mental health, lack of employment, poor working conditions and post-industrial malaise. Some singers are known for their political activism; others may include political commentary in a set of otherwise non-partisan material.

In an era when it seems that everybody has a strong opinion which they are keen to share on social media, why do performers continue to address these challenging topics in their songs? To find out, I invited Paul Frear and Andy J Fraser, two singer-songwriters who are well established on the local circuit and who have a reputation for political commentary, to talk about what they do and why they do it.

I’m afraid the room acoustics were less than perfect, and those with keen ears will hear the family cat and her bell from time to time; there’s even a brief interjection from the dog next door. More evidence, if any were needed, that this podcast is not an AI construct.

You can find out more about Paul Frear’s music on his Facebook group Uncle Paf (https://www.facebook.com/groups/737797032914454). His album A Different Kind O’ War is available on Bandcamp.

Information about Andy Fraser’s music is available on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/andyjamesfraser) and on Instagram as andyjamesfraser. Andy Fraser and the Tunstallachia Upland Boys are on Bandcamp and YouTube.

This episode was recorded by Julie Bartley, Rolling Audio (www.rollingaudio.co.uk).

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 3tynespodcast.substack.com