The Music of Cults, Part 1 (Episode 79)

Cults can manifest themselves in any number of ways. They deal in
the currency of human beliefs….religious, political, racist, or
terroristic beliefs. And can be delivered in the form of a
prophesying doomsday, increasing human potential, or enhancing
one’s position using new age techniques, black magic, crystal
skulls, anything on Gwyneth Paltrow’s website, or other
supernatural means. And while it can be difficult to know exactly
when a group is truly a cult, they tend to share three things: a
charismatic, often authoritative leader; an indoctrination program
into a transcendent belief system; and a system of control through
exploitation.  These self-styled leaders prey upon the most
malleable members of society. Generally, those are the most stable
and predictable of us. Cults use varying means of conditioning and
thought reform through deception, isolation, dependency, and fear.
One of the more fascinating tools in their horrible toolbox of
manipulation is the use of music. As with the case of Bixby and
DeGraff, there is a strange balance and codependency of music and
mind control. Music is consistently seen playing a role in the
establishment and functioning of cults, radical sects, and new
religious movements. It can not only bring people together, it can
also bring people into the fold. In this episode, we delve into the
bizarre world of music made from within cults. Tunes that were left
behind as relics of evidence of exploitation and excessive,
destructive devotion. Results that are so strange because they were
almost certainly weaponized by a brainwashed minion. Music that is
created in a vacuum of narcissism, removed from free thought and
outside influence. Hymns to self-appointed prophets, saviors,
divine conduits, Christ reincarnates, gurus, faith healers, alien
leaders, and Sting (probably). We will look at music from some of
the world’s most infamous cults as well as the songs that are so
insular, they make no sense outside of their context, even when
that context makes no sense either. So, cleanse off your chakra,
open your mind, pull on your robes, lace up your Nikes. Today, the
music of the cults. Join us, won’t you? Forever? One of the main
resources we used for this episode was WFMU's Music of Mind Control
with Micah Highway Hi-Fi is a proud member of the Pantheon Music
Podcast Network - Home of the Finest Music Podcasts Learn more
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