The Political Project

"The Political Project" album/EP was not intended to be an answer to every dilemma or situation that has presented itself in modern or historical politics and culture.   It was conceived as a collection of songs that relate to some of the issues that we in America, and as well, other countries and people in the world, struggle with.  The brutality of war, gun control, freedom at what cost, being overburdened with rapid fire and continuous "breaking news" stories, social apathy and the need to escape it all, affect so many.  The songs on "The Political Project" are observational in origin, without intention to tell any individual which side to take, how to vote, or that things will ultimately be fine.  Things may not work out well, we'll do our best, and deal with the results or consequences that occur.   From the final song, "No Prisoners Allowed",.... "we fight our battles well, we should all be proud".

   The collection of songs on this album are some that I've played out, and appear to resonate with audiences.  There are others, which may lead to "the political project #2", but for now, this is a starting point, as there always needs to be a starting point.  From there, the starting point, one can ponder, regroup, mobilize, analyze, vote, or simply walk away.     

  I've found that I enjoy keeping themes together in collective musical works, rather than presenting 6-10 unrelated songs and topics.  That works for me, but may not be the road for other artists.  Music is an art, and up to each artist to design their work.   Further discussion of each song individually can be found on my website, at GaryRosenMusic.com. 

Latest Release

GAS STATION TV

Gas Station TV had been brewing for several years, as I was amused by the mini-television screens at gas stations. I started filming what was being shown on those little tv screens about 5 years ago. During COVID, during the elections, during the overseas wars and strife, government shutdowns, riots and shootings in our nation, and in our hometown, and so many more crucial events, gas station tv was the ultimate in trivial news, and advertising. What an escape it was, as well as a metaphor for the escapism that I and I believe so many others, find on tv and radio shows. We could all be watching a show on gardening, or a comedy, or a game show, or a manufactured, scripted reality show, while the world is in turmoil.

So Gas Station TV is an acknowledgment, and an embracing, of escapism, and also expresses my need to take a break from it all. I had a lot of fun writing and recording the song, as it felt like a musical comedy sketch, that was upbeat musically, and maintained a soft political punch.

Upcoming Dates

About Gary Rosen

Gary Rosen is an imaginative, storyteller songwriter, mainly utilizing Americana, folk, and country style music, with a dose of musical theatre and political commentary for his songs.  His songs follow character’s journeys, from Point A to Point B, sometimes spanning a substantial distance, and at times barely moving at all. Gary’s experience as a clinical Psychiatrist in his first career, have allowed him to approach these characters in song, in a way that preserves individuality, utilizes humor, and address their struggles and flaws, while still maintaining a healthy dose of compassion for their dilemmas.    

Gary started playing bass guitar as a young teen the late 1960’s, and has since learned to play guitar and banjo.  He played in various bands while in high school, none that were famous, but he sure had a good time. Early musical influences were 60’s surf music, psychedelic themed bands, Motown, and of course, the Beatles, as well most of the British invasion bands.   

Songwriting came much later in his musical career, and took this on initially as challenge. Challenge can offer motivation, and the path was set to write and create his own songs. Gary thinks of each song as a story, a journey of sorts, and envisions each song in a cinematic manner.  

While not playing anywhere that most would recognize, Gary has enjoyed playing music at local clubs, open mics, and collaborating with his fellow songwriters, and is a member of a wonderful songwriting group. He feels music creates a great sense of community, and whether its the actual music itself, or music culture, or groups that enjoy music,  it is that sense of bond and community that stand out, and add to the enjoyment and immersive experience of song, and sound. 

He has several projects in the works, and is releasing a series of songs, as well as 2 concept albums, “Gunslinger - The Story Continues” (available now), and ‘the political project”, in Fall 2026.  

New EP “Gunslnger” now available

Track Listings:

Gunslinger
Rat Show
Running Out of Time
Confessional
Rattlesnakes
Happy Trails