Public Speaking Premiere Their Dystopian Album, ‘It’s Okay to Have Fun’

Our holistic idea of what it means to “have fun” has really changed over the years, and it’s something that has caught the interest of musician Jason Anthony Harris. Under his musical moniker Public Speaking, he unveils his brand new album, It’s Okay to Have Fun, in its entirety.

Fun seems to have become increasingly rare and infrequent for most people for many reasons that you can already imagine. The record itself is more of a personal reflection, but it can apply to any listener because, really, we’re all in this together. There is a political tinge to Harris’ songwriting, one that was evident on his 2017 album Grace Upon Grace. That record looked at the appeal of strongmen in positions of authority and how it appeals to regular people.

It’s Okay to Have Fun deals with what life is like under authoritarian rule and how politics affects us on a more personal level than we even realize. The songs grapple with topics like corporate brand obsession, coming to terms with lies and deception from those in charge, and living in an increasingly fascist society. Harris himself has at times felt overwhelmed by these realities, and he has used songwriting as an outlet to express how he feels. He views the rise of fascism as something that chips away at one’s humanity, and this album is his statement on that.

Elaborating on the motivations and inspirations behind the album, Harris tells us:

“This album began as an investigation into why I have such a hard time having fun, but with the second term of Trump, it transformed into a portrait of life under fascism. While the music is upbeat, swiftly changing, and highly melodic, the lyrics tell of the crushing panic of state-induced terror. It’s Okay to Have Fun is a dispatch of daily life after the triumph of white nationalist politics. Like many others, I cannot help but draw parallels to other historical oppressions. I am fascinated by history and abuse of power at the same time that I am watching the boot come down on my country and my queer community. I do not know what the answer is besides participating in what activism I can, staying aware and informed, and witnessing and writing about what I’m living through.”

Musically, It’s Okay to Have Fun is an electronic pop album assembled with odd time signatures and low crooning vocals. Public Speaking is meant to be an original and highly experimental project. It combines ’90s electronica with early video game scores and prog-influenced song structures. Align that with contemporary dance music and art rock, and you have a very unique brand of electronic. There are frantic moments, but overall, Harris intends it to be a playful experience with “fun” being the ultimate goal. It is constructed with synthetic layers and processed found sounds with a sense of human vulnerability.

Harris’ lyrics draw from history, film, literature, power dynamics, queerness, religion, and so much more. Public Speaking is a well-rounded musical experience that sounds contemporary, but also highly appealing to old-school fans who want flavour and meaning in what they listen to.

Public Speaking ‘It’s Okay to Have Fun’ album artwork