It’s been said so many times that it’s become cliché…that music is a universal language, that it is one of the only things that unites people across cultural, physical, and socio-political dividing lines.  Even so, a lot of bands seem shy away from addressing issues with their music for fear of alienating fans who may disagree with their beliefs, especially early in their careers. Bruce Springsteen can afford to lose a few people by taking a stand on something potentially polarizing, but for a young band in today’s hyper competitive wild west of a music industry, singing about stuff that matters represents an added risk to their financial success…or does it? As you are about to find out, Nashville’s Friendship Commanders is finding an audience by making music that matters. You will not find any party anthems in the impressive catalog of music they’ve released in the 8 years they’ve been together. Instead, they choose to tackle issues like sexism, abuse, alienation, gas-lighting, objectification, racism, police brutality…, just to name a few. But what’s unique about Friendship Commanders’ approach is that Friendship Commanders’ brand of ideological confrontation feels INCLUSIVE. I caught up with chief songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist, Buick Audra, and drummer Jerry Roe to learn more about their journey as artists, and what it’s like to stand for something meaningful in today’s crowded musical landscape. Please enjoy my conversation with Friendship Commanders.