"They're not on the radio, but they're out there," he says.

With the upcoming presidential election galvanizing the music community, new songs of protest are making their way to the public's ears. From national headliners to local bands, a growing number of musicians are coming forward to espouse their political views.

The loudest faction, the artists advocating for Democratic candidate John Kerry, are contributing to compilations, including MoveOn.org's Future Soundtrack for America, and taking to the stage, at events such as the Vote for Change concerts and the Rock Against Bush tour, both of which make local stops this week.

Several rock-star supporters of George W. Bush, including Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd, recently performed at events tied to the Republican National Convention in New York. Some artists are backing third-party candidates, while others, including P. Diddy, simply want people to vote, period.

California-based Bern, who has never had a problem letting loose his opinions, just released an EP, My Country II. The title of one track pins down the record's urgent message: "Bush Must be Defeated."

Musicians are uniquely positioned to challenge the status quo without beating people over the head with dogma, says Bern, an Iowa native who now lives in New Mexico.

The singer-songwriter balances the serious messages and vitriolic observations in his folksy songs with a healthy dose of humor.

"If my songs aren't fun to listen to, they're not going to be effective," says Bern, who will be performing Thursday at the Southgate House in Newport (www.southgate house.com).

Regardless of which politician claims victory on Nov. 2, Bern says, he believes that musicians must continue to speak out on political and social issues.

"People are getting involved and they're taking a stance, and I don't think that's going to go away. I think that will continue to build, no matter what the outcome," he says. "In some ways that's the most important thing."

E-mail chanifin@enquirer.com