On another forum, there is a discussion regarding the lack of involvement by musicians and singers in the forthcoming referendum on Scottish Independence.

I'm not particularly concerned about your views on the above matter or even any other specific topic. However, I don't particularly mind if you have any or wish to state them.
Goodness knows, I do on many an occasion. :-)

What interests me is why there often seems to be an expectation in many quarters that musicians and singers should declare their political beliefs and stance on all manner of things and use their music and performance opportunities to further these and/or encourage their audiences along the same lines.

This seems to be a particularly prevalent notion on the folk music scene and it's true there's always been a history of protest, political song, and debate involved.
However, the folk and traditional music scene is a very broad church indeed and much of what we play and sing has, at the very best, a very tenous link with politics and social issues. There are some songs and tunes, of course, which are very relevant to specific areas and matters but not necessarily to every issue.

Of course, many people on the folk scene are indeed very active in this field. We know and respect the work of such artists and enjoy their music and song while also respecting their right to voice their passionately held views on various matters. We may or may not always agree.... Sometimes, we may reappraise our views as a result while some others will "hang on their every word". Whatever the case, we *know* that this is part of the whole package and they do what "it says on the tin".

However, I don't believe that every musician or singer is required to voice his or her opinion on political matters no matter how significant they may appear to be. Also, while they may hold views privately or even express them publicly in other areas of their lives, it should not *necessarily* form part of their musical or performing career.

Just in case anyone gets me wrong, I have no objection to musicians or singers holding strong poliitical opinions and/or performing relevant songs or taking part in various projects. Nor, if they wish to make their opinions known at a gig etc. They have to make a considered decision on such matters and audiences will always respond accordingly depending on the circumstances.

What I don't agree with is the notion that musicians and performers should always be expected to "come out" and add their voices to every topical debate whether major or otherwise. That is surely their own decision.