Tag Archives: 'Rock The Vote'

Rock The Vote is where music and politics meet.  Original Retro Brand had the pleasure and good fortune to meet R&B singer-songwriter and rapper, John West, at the recent Rock The Vote-Original Retro Brand apparel launch.  John was kind enough to answer a few questions for us...

"...love the Rock the Vote sneaker t-shirt, it’s just got a really fresh/retro vibe..."

Andy:  Before you began your music career, you had other plans to make a living as a cartoonist.  Do you still want to pursue this other art form professionally, or is it more of an enjoyable hobby on the side now?

John: Yeah, cartooning used to really be my thing; political cartoons, comic strips, caricatures – but once I started taking music seriously near the end of college, I haven't really looked back.  That being said, there's a children's book concept I've been sitting on for years that I look forward to getting published once I've built up a name for myself.

Andy:  I think you've achieved that goal John - Let's see the book (I have a 7 year old who loves to read)!  Coincidentally you and I share the same birthday of May 11.  I have 23 years on you so I was 11 in 1971 when one of your musical influences, Carole King, released her epic “Tapestry” album.  Were there any songs specifically from that album that influenced your music and style?

John: Nice, same birthday!  Carole King's entire album was so good, from the very first bars of "I Feel The Earth Move" .. My favorite track is probably "You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman." Such a great concept and melody, and then with a crossover ability that got Aretha Franklin wanting to cover the same song.  Pretty dope (Speaking of "Pretty dope," check John's video below).

Andy:  Is it also safe to assume that growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, had a profound effect on your musical influence as well?  If so, can you specify?  Or maybe it had more affect on you being an LSU fan?  Perhaps I’m assuming wrong on both?  Please clarify.

John: Baton Rouge definitely had an impact musically.  Some of my good friends in high school were jazz musicians so I used to catch my guys playing all the local spots every weekend.  That taught me a lot about the groove of good live music.  Plus there were a lot of jam bands playing around the LSU campus, so by the time I moved to Chicago at age 19, I had been influenced for sure.  And let's not forget about gumbo.  I'm just saying.

Andy:  Even as a Georgia Bulldog fan, I can appreciate the best gumbo in the world... Ok, how did you get hooked up with the folks at Rock The Vote, and can you explain your role/what you do as a performer/music ambassador for the movement?

John: I met Kelly Fogel of RTV through our mutual friend Emile Kelman, who's a fantastic producer/songwriter that I've had the pleasure of working with a lot over the years.  It's been great coming out to some of the RTV events like Rock the Vote and Original Retro Brand's t-shirt launch during Grammy week.  I'm down to help spread the word however I can – voting means having a say in where the country is headed. That's important to me.

Andy:  As you know, the Original Retro Brand has a line of Rock The Vote apparel that we’re very proud of.  Can you tell us what you like about our shirts?

John: I particularly love the Rock the Vote sneaker t-shirt, it's just got a really fresh/retro vibe and meanwhile works as a great reminder to get to the polls come November.

Special thanks to John for his time, and especially for his Music and commitment to Rock The Vote!

Be sure to check out more on John West on his website at http://johnwestsongs.com/, and for more information on Rock The Vote, visit their website at  http://rockthevote.com/

An initiative started by Rock The Vote last spring, Democracy Day (www.democracyday.com) is a celebration of Rock the Vote's Democracy Class and civic education in high schools annually on March 23rd.  Last year, more than 1,000 educators in all 50 states taught their students the importance of voting and registered them to vote with Democracy Class.

The second annual Democracy Day is today, and in honor of it, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rock The Vote's Marketing Manager, Caitlin Maguire, about her involvement and a whole lot more.

Andy:  What is it about Democracy Class, and Rock The Vote in general, that seems to be so effective in getting young people to register to vote (The statistics are staggeringly positive; 2.5 million filled out a voter registration application through Rock The Vote in 2008)?

Caitlin: Young people are very passionate when it comes to what interests them most.  Rock The Vote's job is to make politics one of these interests.  We've done this by combining politics and music, which many young people are passionate about before we get a hold of them.  By integrating music, politics,and popular culture into programs like Democracy Class, we aim to make politics something interesting and relatable for young people.  We find that when their favorite artists partner with Rock The Vote and speak to young people directly about the importance of their participation, it resonates and helps to turn them out on election Day.  We also make sure to reach out to young people through their usual communication channels like text messaging, e-mail, Facebook and Twitter.

I've been with Rock The Vote for just a few short years, and have been fortunate to attend several events including a Democracy Class event at Arletta High School in Los Angeles.  Cali-Swag-District (Teach Me how to Dougie) was on hand to perform and talk to students about the importance of registering to vote.  They also led discussion about issues that matter most to the students.  California Secretary of State Debra Bowen also spoke.  The event was a perfect storm of Pop Culture & Politics as they came together in a positive way, and really excited the students of Arleta High.  Many civic programs have been cut from high schools, so Democracy Class is a great way for educators to bring civics back into their classrooms in an exciting fashion.

Andy: It's easy to see why you are so successful, and I'm encouraged to see how Rock The Vote has overcome the apathy of younger voters.  Perhaps older folks (my 52 year old self included), should give younger folks more credit?

Caitlin: Absolutely you should!  The enthusiasm and willingness of younger people to get involved has only increased over the years.  You pointed out the high number of young people who registered to vote in 2008, which is a great testament.  Young people are affected by everyday issues too, and the burdens they carry and changes they want to see has caused them to realize the importance of their participation in our political process.

Andy:  I've been deservedly put in my place (At least I have heard of Teach Me How To Dougie)! I know you've had the opportunity to travel a bit and mingle with other artists.  Can you tell us about any of them, and what about any of the higher profile politicians?

Caitlin: I was lucky enough to hang out with Passion Pit. I love them, so that was just amazing.  Like all of the bands & artists we work with, they were fantastic in accommodating us in every way.  In 2010, they were gracious enough to let a Rock The Vote staffer tour with them as they performed at college campuses.  At each show, the staffer had college students sign a pledge that they would vote in the mid-term elections.  It was really effective and a great reminder for the students to vote on Election Day.

At our Rock the Caucus event in Iowa, I had the opportunity to meet 3 GOP presidential candidates:  Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, Michelle Bachmann, as well as Mitt Romney's sons. The most memorable part, personally for me, was getting to meet them one-on-one while they waited to go on stage and speak to the seniors at West Des Moines Valley High School.  I was there when the candidates had a rare opportunity to actually relax for a short time, and it was really special and cool to see them without any guards up - No airs.  It was just refreshing to see.

Andy:  Alright, you got me on Passion Pit, but I do know the Republican Candidates!  Not only are you having fun, you are accomplishing great things.  What is it you find most rewarding about your job?

Caitlin: Educating young people about politics and having a hand in helping them to register and turn out for elections is a wonderful reward.  I can be so busy that sometimes I really do need to step back and appreciate the position I'm in of helping my peers everyday.  Being able to work on so many different interesting things like concert promotion, social media, and partnership development has been so eye-opening.  I definitely don't take it for granted and am really fortunate to have a career that includes my two passions of politics and popular culture.

CAITLIN TRULY COOL AND STYLISH!

Andy:  Well, we're certainly thankful to you for taking the time to talk with us today, Caitlin.  Before I go however, I have one more question.  The Original Retro Brand is proud to be a partner with Rock The Vote, and I'm curious to hear your thoughts on our Rock The Vote line?

Caitlin: It's been my pleasure to talk with you Andy!  Our team here at Rock the Vote loves The Original Retro Brand/Rock the Vote t-shirt line.  The apparel is truly cool and stylish - something we always look for when we're being represented.  I think Original Retro Brand's sensibility is far from boring, and really hits the mark with our audience by delivering cool and funky colors, styles, and graphics.  My Original Retro Brand Rock the Vote shirt is so cool.  I get complements on it wherever I go!

Thanks to Caitlin one more time for joining us today! We also encourage you to go online and find out more about Democracy Day and Rock The Vote! If you’re a big fan of the Original Retro Brand, and want to be featured for an interview,  please forward a picture of yourself wearing Original Retro Brand gear, and a brief description of what you do for a living and/or what you do that you think people might find pretty interesting to ahyman@originalretrobrand.com If we like what we see, you may be contacted for an interview.  We’ll even send you an Original Retro Brand T-Shirt if we decide to post your story!

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.

A lot of radio stations have Two-For-Tuesdays.

Today is Super Tuesday… and while it is mostly a Republican affair this time around, it is the perfect opportunity to understand the power of the vote… your vote.

That is what Rock the Vote has been about since its inception… getting young people to connect with politics and political movements, to organize and take action.  It does not matter what party you support, but that you voice your support with a vote!

Look at some of the artists who have been involved with Rock the Vote:  R.E.M, Madonna, Snoop Dogg, Blink-182, will.i.am and The Ramones, to name a few.

Do you think they all share the exact same views on everything?  Of course not, but they are out there to make sure you realize how important your opinion is… How important your thoughts are… How important your vote is.

We make choices every single day, from the simple to the complex.  We decide what to eat and what to wear, and then what to dream and what to do with our lives.

It’s easy to sit around and complain about the way things are.  It’s easy to look at politics and see the ugliness and not want to get involved.  It’s just as easy to take a stand, and that is what your vote is.  If you don’t think that every single vote counts, that your vote counts, just take a look at some of the election results in the past few years.  Every vote matters.

I remember being in Washington, D.C. on a lobbying trip several years back and realizing firsthand that I actually had a voice in this process… that these folks in DC were actually and truly MY representatives.  It was uplifting and empowering.

It goes like this… When people did not like something they would call and complain or send a nasty note.  This sounded like me.  I was and am a great letter writer… when there is a problem or something wrong.

So what if something good happens?  What do we do when our reps take a stand and put themselves on the line?  A lot of the time we do nothing, but that’s when we really need to call and write… perhaps even more so.  We need to make sure that we are being heard… and they do hear us, they do listen!

Each and every phone call and letter that comes into a senator’s or congress- person’s office is tallied… each and every one.  So if they are putting themselves out there, it is our job and our duty to let them know that we appreciate those efforts and approve.  This is key.  If all they are hearing is how bad they are doing things, then that is how they will vote in the future.  For better or worse, Washington is run on the almighty vote.  A politician cannot do anything if they are not voted into office.

So you see that one voice, one vote does makes a difference… a huge difference.

HIS VOICE (and yours) MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

When you purchase Original Retro Brand’s Rock The Vote gear that makes a difference, too, for you are showing your support for this important organization.  You are also giving folks a visual cue to engage and start a conversation.

"Hey, cool shirt.  Tell me more about Rock The Vote.”

Suddenly a t-shirt has opened up a dialogue, and a dialogue can become a movement.  It can be as simple as that.

Wear something cool.  Support a great cause.  Make a difference.

It’s your vote… use it!

Marc Goldsmith (pictured left) is an actor, writer and true music aficionado.  He is also a huge New York Rangers and Original Retro Brand fan (he's got over 65, and counting, ORB shirts in his closet!). Thanks for your support and the guest post today Marc!

We highly recommend you check out his daily music blog at Marc’s Muse. http://marcsmuse.wordpress.com/

You can also check out the official Rock The Vote web page here.

That's what happened for Samantha Ortiz when she answered our first Rock The Vote trivia question correctly on Monday.  But now it could be your turn.  Check the 1-minute video below, and then leave your answer in the "Leave a reply/Comment" section at the end of this post.  We'll randomly pick a name from all those that leave a correct answer, and that person will win a FREE Original Retro Brand Rock The Vote t-shirt from our new line.

LET'S SEE THOSE ANSWERS AND GOOD LUCK!

Tonight marks the Rock The Vote - Original Retro Brand apparel launch being held at RON ROBINSON|Fred Segal Melrose. Rock the Vote and Original Retro Brand have partnered to celebrate Grammy week with the kick-off of the 2012 election and the launch of the exclusive Rock the Vote apparel line. Hosts for the 2012 Rock the Vote kick-off event include actor and singer/songwriter Bryan Greenberg, Grammy award nominated recording artist Keri Hilson and Kevin and Joe Jonas of the Grammy nominated, multi-platinum band, the Jonas Brothers.  Guests of this exclusive private event will be treated to a night of music, fun and fantastic fashion at RON ROBINSON|Fred Segal.

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.

LEAVE A COMMENT

TAKE NOTE & ROCK THE VOTE!

That’s right!  Rock the Vote and Original Retro Brand have partnered to celebrate Grammy week with the kick-off of the 2012 election and the launch of the exclusive Rock the Vote apparel line on Wednesday, February 8^th.  Hosts for the 2012 Rock the Vote kick-off event include actor and singer/songwriter Bryan Greenberg, Grammy award nominated recording artist Keri Hilson and Kevin and Joe Jonas of the Grammy nominated, multi-platinum band, the Jonas Brothers. Guests of this exclusive private event will be treated to a night of music, fun and fantastic fashion at RON ROBINSON|Fred Segal Melrose (Los Angeles, CA).

If you live in the Los Angeles area, and want to take a stab at winning a VIP pass for 2 for this exclusive evening, CLICK HERE to Rock The Vote for details.

We know the majority of you don’t live in the Los Angeles area, but this doesn’t mean we’re not going to let you in on the fun too!  We’re going to give away two FREE Original Retro Brand ROCK THE VOTE t-shirts. One today, and another on the day of the event.

Here’s how it will work;  We’ll ask a trivia question about ROCK THE VOTE.  You’ll enter your answer in the “Leave a reply/Comment” section at the end of the post.  We’ll randomly pick an entry from all those with a correct answer by midnight tonight, and announce the winner on our Facebook & Twitter pages tomorrow morning, 2/7/12.  It’s that simple!  ***One entry per person only please!***

Now to your question…..

When ROCK THE VOTE burst on the scene 21 years ago back in 1991, many in the political establishment wrote off the movement as a flavor of the month fad – a gimmick by the MTV generation to have their 15 minutes of fame.  Boy were they wrong.  WAY WRONG! As the ROCK THE VOTE website states, “RTV has registered more than five million young people to vote and has become a trusted source of information for young people about registering to vote and casting a ballot.”  FIVE MILLION.  Think the candidates battling it out in the current primary races will take the young vote for granted now?  Thanks to ROCK THE VOTE, they assuredly will not.  So the trivia question about this far from trivial movement is this:  What is the name of the historic bill that was put into law in May of 1993 as a direct role from Rock The Vote’s efforts, and what President signed it into law?

Now let’s see those answers and GOOD LUCK!

Be sure to check back for another chance to win a FREE ROCK THE VOTE T-shirt from the Original Retro Brand on Wednesday, February 8th!

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.

How does that old Beatles classic from 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' start out? "It was 20 years ago today...."   Yeah, that's the ticket.  And it was roughly twenty years ago today that one of the most influential movements in American political history was born...

Did you know that since the 'Rock The Vote' initiative began in 1991, the group has registered more young people to vote than any other organization or campaign EVER?!  That ROCKS!!

Original Retro Brand is excited to announce that they have joined forces with 'Rock The Vote' to launch an exclusive apparel line.  This premium collection combines the comfort of the softest, best fitting tees that you've grown accustomed to from ORB, along with fresh and edgy graphics that capture the essence and appeal of 'Rock the Vote.'  The specially designed 'Rock the Vote' line of vintage-inspired men’s and women’s clothing will be available in retail stores across the country in January of 2012, but you can be one of the first to get yours online right here, right now!

So did you vote today?  Don't panic!  The big Presidential election isn't until this same day next year.  You know you can still get to the polls tonight to vote for a variety of offices, from Gubernatorial to Mayoral, and all kinds of referendums depending on what state you live in.

Twenty years ago, I probably would have had to remind you younger people of the above, but today, thanks to 'Rock The Vote,' ya'll ready know....