For most people, when they think of a politician, them being a musician probably isn't the first thing that pops into their heads. But, for some MPs, they have one foot in politics, and the other tapping along in the musical world - and this is more common than you might think. Even britpop boys, Blur's drummer, Dave Rowntree is a Labour councilor for Norfolk County; there's a band of MPs from different parties who play charity gigs; and even a Liberal Democrat councilor in Kingston Upon-Thames who owns a record shop.

Blur's Dave Rowntree had been an active member of his community for a while, becoming a Labour member in 2002. Becoming a councilor just seemed like the next step for him. He just joined the party because it matches his beliefs and values, and then just turned up to a meeting, mentioning that the Labour party was excellent at harnessing new member enthusiasm. He said, "It seemed like a natural extension of the community activism I was already involved in. I thought it would give me more opportunities to directly resolve some of the problems I was picking up on the doorstep. it seemed to me that I was becoming someone who complained on the sidelines, and moaned that "someone ought to do something". Why was I expecting other people to fix things, rather than volunteering myself?"

It wouldn't come as a surprise if his role as Blur's drummer influenced his popularity with the youth vote - especially as his jurisdiction covers a University, and 'Song 2' is a university student anthem. Dave admitted that him being in Blur helped with publicity, especially in the early days. Although he finds it hard to do much politically when Blur are touring, he doesn't want to give up either as "they are both integral to [his] life, and part of who [he is]". While being in a band usually wouldn't interfere with his stance on policies, it does give him more of an awareness of the arts in terms of funding and the growing issue of independent music venues closing down - why most musicians are more left-inclined.

Where some musicians might be criticised for joining in the political conversation, Dave isn't - when asked what he thinks about people who think musicians should stay out of politics, he simply responded, "No one has ever said this to me." This could be because of his age, as most musicians who spoke passionately about recent elections have been 20-30 year-olds, so they often get thrown in with the "young people don't know anything" criticism. Or - it could be because Dave has demonstrated that his involvement with politics supersedes social media and interviews, as he's actually a member and councilor. Either way, he is living proof that musicians and music have the power to influence politics; even if it's just a constitency in Norwich.