Artist statement:
Because of its influential power, music has always been a driving force in the promotional efforts of politics and war. This is especially true of the Vietnam War era, when the role of music shifted from just a means of entertainment to something of greater importance. Beginning in the 1960s, growing disapproval of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War became the central focus for many artists and musicians—music was the public’s outlet for anti-war sentiment and criticism of authority. In this sense, it was artists’ duty to act as the voice for the people.
In looking back at some of the most popular songs of the Vietnam War era, there were several whose meanings listeners commonly misinterpreted. Despite the literal and straightforward lyrical content of these songs, listeners seemed to have gotten lost in the sing-along power of these anthems, overlooking the lyrics and completely missing the deeper subtext of the songs.
Through the album artwork that I designed for Behind the Music, I wanted to provide a visual narrative that revealed those missed messages. My intent was to enhance the listening experience of the songs by providing audience members a deeper understanding of what the songs are communicating—the truths Behind the Music.
All album covers were printed and assembled by hand.
