We are all at Liberty to have an opinion on the States..

’d some nerve slagging off the American people so I quickly caught myself on. For a start – the politicians here are… well – far from perfect. It also occurred to me that, on welcomed breaks from following the race (sorry marathon) for the White House coverage this week – I’d watched episodes of both The Simpsons and Ozark – and I’d listened to an old REM album at some point too. Fact is – just like most of you reading, I’d guess – a significant chunk of every single day of my life has been dedicated to American imports – namely music, TV shows, books and movies. I’ve no business rolling my eyes at a country that’s given me so much.

As I type – Joe Biden seems to be edging to victory. Regardless of whether you consider this good or bad news – we can all agree it’s been a pretty unpleasant battle. Like pretty much all of 2020 – Trump v Biden encouraged intense division and not just in the states. Back home – seems one ‘side’ chose red, the other blue. Why do we always do that? Why do we take any opportunity to further detach ourselves from each other?

Anyway, I feel obliged to acknowledge that the election shouldn’t overshadow the many, many reasons most of us love America. Or – American things, at least. This week I asked some local musicians and other creative folk to write a short, non-political love letter to the USA. They all agreed it’s a good time to remind ourselves that grimy politics should never overshadow what’s actually important – the stuff that gives us a reason to exist…

In the jukebox of my heart, Woody Guthrie (circled) is singing about the redwood forests and the Gulf Stream waters. Pete Seeger is willing us not to be afraid and Mavis Staples wants to wipe away her tears and to take us on a long walk to DC. I love America and the visions that her music b r i n g s. Yo u h e a r James Brown and learn something about community pride and the magic of having a great old

I was in the States last year for about a week. In a small theatre in New York City I attended a trans drag queen event – Rev Yolanda’s Church With A two Drink Minimum. It was more like a regular church meeting than a show. The host knew everyone by name and the audience knew all the songs and sang along. It was sentimental and honest and lovely. There is a stereotype about Americans not understanding irony – but I don’t think that’s true. There is something very bold and disarming about people who have no edge to how they welcome you – I have found that in America more than at home, perhaps.

When I was about 20 I hated America, so when our manager told us we were going to tour the US (with Watercress), I really didn’t want to go. I had no real experience of the country or it’s people, just what we saw on TV. The big teeth, fake tan America that is so easy to hate. But in Boston and New York I found two cities that were vibrant and

full of intelligent people that really loved good music. I skateboarded around St. Marks and Harvard Square checking out great record stores and eating food more delicious than I’d ever had as a vegetarian in Ireland in the 90s. As a Northern Irish guy I can fully appreciate that the rest of the world has a view of your country that is skewed. And America gave us REM, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen... they can’t be all that bad!!

AMANDA ST. JOHN (MUSICIAN)

I love America and have met some of the most incredible people through my last few musical trips there. So far I’ve visited Nashville, Memphis, Alabama, New York, Washington, Kansas & Chicago and in every trip I’ve been warmly embraced by the people and musical communities I’ve encountered. The people of Muscle Shoals (Alabama) welcomed us like family and it was a dream come true to record there. The Irish/american community in Washington DC have given me some of the most memorable opportunities of my career. It’s a stunning city, I just loved all the museums and monuments and have made friends for life. I find Americans to be very open-hearted and encouraging, they really champion you and make you believe that anything is possible. I just love that positivity!

PHILIP MCCARROL (MUSICIAN)

Stephen Fry, after filming his TV series In America wrote; “if I were to run out of petrol in the middle of the night, I would feel more confident about knocking on the door of an American home than one in any other country I know”. This resonated with me – because I’ve been there. One late night, travelling through Florida we conked out and at the first home we called to for help the young father insisted on driving me to the closest petrol station and proceeded to pay for the fuel. This wasn’t an anomaly, it was expected. Amongst the many Americans I know are some of the most open, kindhearted, warm, funny and generous people I’ve met. Regardless of their personal politics. Sure, America has its myriad quirks and faults, but we’re from Northern Ireland. Enough said!

EWEN FRIARS FROM CATALAN! (MUSICIAN)

I once saw it written that the best thing ever invented in the U.S was the concept of National Parks. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been fortunate enough to have driven thousands of miles across that vast and varying country, stopping off at a handful of their life defining parks along the way. Sitting deep in the mother of all parks, Yellowstone, watching the geothermal acrobatics of Old Faithful, I truly did appreciate just how important those American born principles of preserving, exulting and protecting the natural wonders of our world are.

DAMIAN HIGGINS (MUSICIAN)

I attended college in a small town in Pennsylvania called Latrobe (about an hour outside Pittsburgh), and I met some of the absolute best people on earth. Many fantastic nights were had at a bar called The Rowdy Buck watching an amazing band called The Grinning Mob. On my last night in the US, all the friends I’d made i n attendance, they called me up to play with them. We did two Zeppelin numbers, the place went nuts and a better sendoff I could not have wished for. I didn’t have a choice of the town I’d be placed. I thought Miami would be great with its weather and beaches. Pennsylvania turned out to be more amazing with its stunning natural beauty, the mountains, forests and lakes. But the best thing of all was the people. It’s always the people.