Country Music Tackles Gun Violence Head-On

A new documentary, "Louder Than Guns," chronicles Old Crow Medicine Show lead singer Ketch Secor's efforts to foster dialogue on gun violence and reform in the United States. Joined by public radio journalist David Greene, Secor aims to use his band's broad audience as a platform to bring together diverse perspectives.

The film's journey began after the 2023 Covenant School shooting in Nashville deeply affected Secor. He and Greene traveled the country, facilitating discussions between individuals with opposing views on gun ownership and violence. These conversations included parents who lost children to gun violence and gun owners, seeking to encourage mutual understanding.

Secor and Greene acknowledge that participants' views may not have drastically changed, but the core goal was to initiate conversations and promote empathy. The documentary premiered on May 8 at DCTV Firehouse Cinema in New York City, with further screenings planned across North America. Secor hopes these discussions will help create safer environments for children.

Both Secor and Greene have experienced shifts in their own perspectives. Greene noted becoming more open-minded than he ever expected, while Secor finds hope in shared desires to overcome impasses, even amidst disagreement. They emphasize the urgency of addressing these issues for the safety of America's children.