Lansing hip-hop artist James Gardin wants you to get out and vote

Follow James Gardin at Facebook.com/JamesGardinMusic

THURSDAY, OCT. 29 — With the presidential election right around the corner, Lansing hip-hop musician and community activist James Gardin is teaming up with the artist collective Culture Surge to encourage people to vote.

The collective wanted to use the arts to get groups that usually don’t show up at the polls excited about voting. “That’s something I believe in. I said, ‘Sure, I’ll definitely make something for this,” Gardin said.

With just 10 days to produce his project, Gardin recorded a promotional video titled “We Are the Voice,” featuring a single of the same name that clocks in at just under a minute. Filmed right outside the Michigan Capitol building, the video flashes inspiring lyrics such as “We got a voice; we better use it. We got a choice; we don’t want to lose it. They want us quiet; that’s what the truth is.” Fellow Lansing hip-hop artist Shondell Brandon, also known as Ess Be, produced the beat and Vision Success Marketing and Consulting filmed the video.

Gardin was inspired to film the video and single thanks to his conversations with young people at the All of Above Hip Hop Academy and at a Lansing church where he does volunteer work. He wanted to reach out to youth using music — a language they could easily relate to.

“A big part of it was conversations with kids who have just turned 18. I’ve heard a couple of them say, ‘What is the point? It doesn’t matter, so I’m not going to vote,’” Gardin said. “I realized they wouldn’t be convinced by me sending them scholarly articles. Music is something that has been a common connector between generations.”

Gardin believes another form of voter suppression comes through power structures that make a person believe their individual voice is not important or valid.

“That thought isn’t created in their mind by themselves,” Gardin said. “Communities aren’t having the conversation enough to understand the importance of voting. Voting isn’t the only way our voices are expressed, but it’s part of the action plan.”

As soon as the video was completed and released, it was shared widely across social media. The video even made its way to the official Twitter account of the world-renowned environmentalist group Greenpeace. “That was definitely really cool,” Gardin said.

While Gardin produces hip-hop music that can be described as socially and spiritually conscious, he said he is more interested in finding solutions through his music rather than generating more cynicism.

“There is merit behind art that just describes the issues that are going on, but I am more interested in discussing how we can solve it, or imaging what the world could be like,” Gardin said. “But I can’t just make art about it. My approach is, ‘how can I actually get my hands dirty?’ I am very much engaged on and off the microphone. I believe that dual approach is needed.”

If you’re still not sure about your decision, Gardin suggests seeking out non-partisan research and information. But above all, he wants you to ensure that your voice is heard on Nov. 3.

“Make sure you go out and vote. If you’re still in the middle, get an unbiased take on everything. Try not be persuaded by who is more charming. Look at what they’re saying and see if the numbers back them up,” Gardin said.