Soon after the 9/11 attacks, the discussion concerning the long-term impact on free expression and personal privacy became heated and intense.

Musicians have participated (directly and indirectly) in the public discourse, both through word and song. As a result of their outspoken actions, many musicians have experienced strong resistance, sometimes resulting in censorship.

The new Freemuse report “Singing in the Echo Chamber” written by Eric Nuzum, author of “Parental Advisory”, documents this chapter of modern American history.

The title refers to the heated political discourse in American media, often enjoyed less as news and more as entertainment or sport. Instead of discussing issues in depth, several opinion makers tend to cycle through the same stories, quotes, and perspectives offered elsewhere.

Analysts refer to this as the “echo chamber” of news media.

As is illustrated in the new Freemuse report, this “echo chamber” — and the knee-jerk reactions it sparks — is the central cause of most current calls for censorship against musicians in the United States.

The report is presented in Murfreesboro / Nashville, TN, during the International Association for the Study of Popular Music, US Branch Meeting 16–19 February 2006.