Denver Musicians Respond to 2024 Election Results: “Dystopian Dynasty Claims Democracy”

Politics affects all of us – there is no “but.” And music and politics have forever been intertwined, from Beethoven’s Sinfonia Eroica and Chopin’s Revolutionary Étude to Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell and Patti Smith. Politics creates a throughline across genres, from bluegrass, country, pop and folk to rock, metal and, of course, punk.

So after the 2024 election ended in a victory for the convicted felon Donald Trump, a former reality TV star, accused rapist and six-time-bankrupt, two-times-impeached former president, Denver musicians had something to say. Some industry professionals reached out with their thoughts; we contacted others for comments.

Read their responses:

Jami Duffy, co-manager of the Underground Music Showcase and executive director of Youth on Record, points to a local issue: “Look, 2R wasn’t perfect. But we’re often so obsessed with perfection that it becomes the enemy of the good – it only takes one glance at the presidential race outcome to see that. Locally, we chose not to invest $100 million annually in housing. We chose not to build the 44,000 affordable housing units that we desperately need. So, I wonder, where will our artists live? Where will our young creatives and young graduates call home? Because if we don’t build housing – and soon – we can guarantee that home won’t be Denver.”

Kalyn Heffernan, of Wheelchair Sports Camp, writes: “🇺🇸 Dystopian Dynasty claims Democracy 🇺🇸 Oh what a privilege to wake up today. We are living out someone else’s sick dreams and we have survived monster nightmares before. We have no choice but to love on each other through it all, finding our corners to laugh, dance and cry until it’s done. Long Live the Resistance, see you at the STRIKE!”

Ego, of ego n friends, notes the gravity of the election: “I view Trump’s inauguration as a pivotal moment that lays bare deep-seated issues within American society. During his last presidency, racism, sexism, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination seemed to emerge more openly, revealing that these problems are far from resolved. His re-election – or even the fact that he garnered such widespread support – is a stark reminder that significant segments of the population either resonate with or tolerate these issues.

“For a lot of artists, Trump’s presidency is more than a political event; it’s a cultural symbol of where the country stands, illuminating the work that still needs to be done. This election outcome is likely to fuel a wave of artistic resistance and inspire movements advocating for change. Just as we saw during his first term, I believe we’ll see a surge of creative activism, with art once again playing a critical role in highlighting injustices, uniting communities, and pushing for a more inclusive vision of America.”

Eman El Saied, who performs as Sunstoney, shares her perspective: “As a woman of color, it is appalling that we have let a convicted felon and rapist into office. Our baseline system has been broken for a long time, and is in desperate need of change from the bottom up.

“It is painful to watch and experience the results of this 2024 election. Based on the results alone, it is clear that this country hates women and marginalized folks. If you didn’t care on a federal level, I hope you begin to care on a local level. We cannot be passive in our politics anymore, and I hope we don’t give up on protecting our human rights and continue to fight for each other in the meantime.”

COLLUR sees grim irony in the 47th president’s election: “Participating in a democracy where 19 million American felons can’t vote but a man with 34 felony counts can be our president is a mockery of our civil roles as citizens. One candidate spewed hate, the other preached hope, and unfortunately hate won, and I hope by the end of the next four years we return to togetherness and hope as a country.”

Mark Henrichs, the musician behind Boogie Lights, candidly notes: “This sucks. However you want to slice it. It just sucks. After sulking in that feeling this morning, I’m trying to pivot this afternoon to focus on what the world needs right now, love & community. Now is the time for the Denver community and every local community to come together and show a little more love and a little extra kindness every day. As far as local election results, I was glad to see most of the districts lean blue except for Boebert somehow still getting elected. I was very happy to see Amendment 79 and Amendment J both passed.”

DIY multi-instrumentalist J.Carmone has a philosophical take: “Unfortunately, the President of the United States represents the ideals of the American people, as they were voted in solely by our nation’s people. The election’s results lead way to further pondering about who we are as Americans and where our ideals are truly at. Let us take time to build up the youth around us, and put priorities on education so that a future America’s ideals better align with peace, freedom for ALL, and consideration for those around us.”

Adrian Covarrubias, a Chicano rapper, producer and founder of We Care Media, has written a meaningful statement: “I have never endorsed President Donald Trump due to what I perceive as harmful rhetoric directed at minorities and marginalized groups. This statement is not an endorsement, but rather a call to hold both political parties accountable for their failings, particularly when it comes to their histories with racism. There’s a saying that both sides of the political spectrum represent ‘two sides of the same coin,’ and I believe it holds true in many ways.

“While I was not among the Latin Americans who voted for Donald Trump, I will not condemn those who did. Our beliefs may differ, but I’ve seen an alarming increase in racist rhetoric aimed at Latinos from both Democrats and Republicans. This kind of language is dangerous, and it is especially harmful to brown people.

“As Latin Americans, we must be united in our efforts to address the disparities our communities face, regardless of who occupies the White House. I support those who are committed to advancing the well-being of Latin Americans. I have faith in our culture, our leaders, and our communities; we have never needed a president to inspire our civil rights movements.

“In my role as a director and coordinator of some of Denver’s largest arts events – encompassing art exhibits, concerts, dances, and performances for Latin audiences – I see firsthand the power and resilience of our people. I also serve on the Latine Education Advisory Council for (DPS), where the majority of students are Latin American. These students face significant socio-economic challenges and educational disparities that must be addressed.

“I firmly believe that Latino leadership is essential in finding solutions for issues like border security, immigration, and fostering healthier relationships with Latin American countries. The issues we face as Latinos are distinct from those of other communities, and it is our responsibility to cultivate leadership from within to advocate for our needs and drive change. We are living in an era marked by deep racial tension. The presidency of Donald Trump saw the eruption of widespread protests following the murder of George Floyd, a powerful reminder of the systemic racism that continues to plague our nation. In this climate, it is crucial that minorities continue to advocate for their rights and remain steadfast in the pursuit of equity and equality. Our mission must be clear: to challenge injustice wherever it exists and to fight for a future where all people – regardless of race or background – are treated with dignity and respect.”

If you are a Colorado musician and would like to share your thoughts, email us at editorial@westword.com.