The 2024 political prisoner playlist

As we wrapped up 2024, our friends behind bars came together to share their favourite tunes that have kept them going through a year of unprecedented political repression.

Here’s our political prisoner playlist of 13 tracks chosen by our friends behind bars. You can drop them all an email with the details provided.

ELLA WARD – imprisoned since 6 August 2024.

Song: ‘Sunday Roast’ by Courtney Barnett.

‘I sing it every time I’m in the shower here! I make a very specific point of it. I was in Bronzefield prison this time last year as well, and it was in my head loads then too. I love the whole song, but it’s the second half that really sticks with me. The line I always sing in the shower and it just means everything to me, is ‘keep on keeping on, you know you’re not alone (you’re not alone!)’, the perfect prison mantra.’

Write to Ella: ellainprison@gmail.com

PHOEBE PLUMMER – imprisoned since 31 July 2024.

Song: ‘British Justice’ by P. A. I. N

“On the outside I mostly listen to political punk music to get me through the day, and my longing for punk music in here has only increased since Bronzefield has refused to give me the one punk CD I tried to have sent in. Whilst this is somewhat infuriating, it is also a testament to the power of punk, so I wanted to share that power. I think I need not explain why I have chosen a song about our so called justice system.”

Write to Phoebe: Phoebepoliticalprisoner@proton.me

GEORGE SIMONSON – imprisoned since 1 August 2024.

Song: ‘We Want Freedom’ by Dead Prez

‘To me, the song summarises the deep level of anger that I feel towards the current status quo, not only to the government, and the criminal justice system, but to the whole apparatus that gives it power. The system that promises us freedom if we engage within their confines only takes us away from the basic morals that we’re taught in our childhoods. Our souls are split as we move between the principles of kindness and generosity to the capitalist ruleset of self interest and competition. How are we supposed to feel peace and serenity while we’re pulled in two?’

Write to George: Georgeinprison@proton.me

LUKE WATSON – imprisoned since 25 July 2024.

Song: ‘Take me by the hand and lead me through this disaster by Pat the Bunny

‘It’s alright. It’s OK. It’s just that everything’s f*cked!’

Write to Luke: writetoluke@proton.me

LOU LANCASTER – imprisoned since since 18 July 2024.

Song: ‘What About Us?’ by Pink.

‘This is not an activist classic but it did resonate with me with its energy and attitude, and I have listened to it over the last few years quite regularly.’

Write to Lou: louinprison@proton.me

ANNA HOLLAND – imprisoned since 27 September 2024.

Song: ‘Francesca’ by Hozier

‘Francesca is a song inspired by a story found in Dante’s Divine Comedy where two lovers are separated by death. The man chooses to go to hell simply because he knows his love is there and he would rather go through all the circles of hell if it means that he can just be with his lover for one more night. It’s a song I’ve been listening to a lot while I’ve been in prison because – well, I wouldn’t equate HMP Send to hell, not by any stretch – for the people I love, for the people I haven’t met yet but I know I’d love, for the people around the world that I will never meet but I love, I will gladly go through this again if it means the world can feel my love a bit more, if it means the world can become an even slightly better place through my actions then it means all of this was worth it. This song gives me so much strength. It reminds me of why I’m here, it reminds me of who I’m here for – whether they want me to be or not – and it’s the song that I’ll always come back to. It’s the song that got me through prison.’

Write to Anna: annabehindbars@proton.me

RORY WILSON – imprisoned since 25 July 2024.

Song: ‘Nunc Dimittis, Gloucester Service’ by Herbert Howells, sung by St John’s College, Cambridge.

‘This reminds me of the opening day of the Elizabeth Line when I rode the length of it up and down with my friends Joe and Conor, and I brought a biography of this composer to read and discuss with them. The dignity, beauty and nostalgia of this piece are punctuated by moments of soaring melodic lines and ecstatic impressionist harmonies, and it is just an absolute belter to sing!’

Write to Rory: roryinprison@gmail.com

CRESSIE GETHIN – since 18 July 2024.

Song: ‘Lopin’ Along Thru The Cosmos’ by Judee Sill.

‘I stumbled across this song by accident, and it’s one of the most gorgeous things I know. It doesn’t try to be really clever or complicated. It’s understated, simple and just a little gem to listen to. It really touches my soul.’

Write to Cressie: cressieinprison@proton.me

NOAH CRANE – imprisoned since since 6 August.

Song: ‘It’s Unseasonably Warm Again’ by Jreg

‘I enjoy the song.’

Write to Noah: noahinprison@proton.me

ROGER HALLAM – imprisoned since 18 July 2024.

Song: ‘Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien’ by Edith Piaf.

Write to Roger: rogerremanded@gmail.com

INDIGO RUMBELLOW – imprisoned since 6 August 2024.

Song: ’You’ve Got The Love’ by Florence + The Machine

Write to Indi: indigoinside@proton.me

CHRISTOPHER BENNET – imprisoned: 6 September. Released on tag: 2 December (and previously spent 23 days in prison on remand).

Song: ‘Change Your Mentality’ by Lee Brickley


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