Hear Franz Ferdinand Slam Donald Trump in ‘Demagogue’
Franz Ferdinand take direct aim at Donald Trump on their new song “Demagogue.” “He pleases my fears … It feels so good to be dumb,” sings Alex Kapranos, before making a reference to a recently released tape from 2005 in which Trump seems to brag about sexual assault: “Those pussy-grabbing fingers won’t let go of me now.”
The song comes as part of 30 Days, 30 Songs, an independent campaign created by “Artists for a Trump-free America.” “Demagogue” is the 5th entry in the 30 Days project; it follows songs from Death Cab for Cutie, Aimee Mann, Bhi Bhiman and Jim James.
“Demagogue” is the first tune in the series from a non-American group. The fact that Franz Ferdinand can’t vote in the upcoming election may add extra sting to the band’s blunt, biting post-punk. The anti-Trump track features taut, martial guitars that stomp forward with crude indifference. The appearance of a sloppy piano riff and odd, wailing studio effects adds a funhouse feel.
A statement on the 30 Songs website reads, “Donald Trump would subject the country to the same hateful cycle of drama and madness that we have been assaulted with for the last year. He will continue to demonize minorities and objectify women. He will throw the economy into chaos and gut environmental regulations. He will devastate our standing in the world.
“We hope these songs provide both motivation and soundtrack to doing the right thing these last few weeks before this most pivotal election,” the statement continues. “Consider this the music by which you will register to vote and cast your ballot for Hillary Clinton, the only candidate who can prevent the apocalypse that would be Donald Trump as president.”