Anti Blog

Two of those great English institutions – the folk protest song and the pop hit – collided last Thursday night when beloved populist Billy Bragg teamed with 20 year old singing sensation Kate Nash to perform at the NME Awards. The two created a live mashup of sorts, starting off with Nash’s chart-topping track “Foundations” before segueing into Bragg’s classic “A New England.”

Billy Bragg will release his first record in six years, Mr Love and Justice, on April 22nd. The veteran singer continues to be a vital influence on younger generations of songwriters. Nash explained, “when I watched him it was the best thing ever, to see him, one guy, one guitar and for him to have such an effect on such a huge amount of people. Everyone was smiling and singing along. It’s about connecting with people.”

KT Tunstall is another performer who cites Bragg as an inspiration. In 2007 Tunstall presented Bragg with the “Classic Songwriter” award at England’s prestigious Q Awards, saying “I wish he was my history teacher, I wish he was my big brother and I wish I could vote for him.”