Music, Empire, and Anarchism with Rathbone (& the Old Chomsky Cocktail)

In this episode, we’re joined by Rathbone – an anticapitalist musician, producer, and multimedia artist living in New Orleans. Rathbone writes songs with political lyrics that highlight American war crimes and the evils of imperialism and capitalism. We discuss his music and the process of his evolution into an anarcho-syndicalist.

Rathbone describes some of the fundamental values that constitute his anarchist perspective, including the belief that communities should be allowed to govern themselves. Our discussion touches on the difference between legitimate and illegitimate power and the dream of someday achieving a reality without states or borders. 

Noam Chomsky was a deeply influential figure for Rathbone. Since Rathbone’s favorite cocktail is an Old Fashioned, bartender Jesse Torres crafted a play on this classic drink called The Old Chomsky. Recipe below!

Stay tuned for future Rathbone releases through Buddyhead Records!

Listen to Rathbone’s music on Spotify, Soundcloud, 

Watch Rathbone Videos on Youtube

Follow @rathbone_ on IG

COCKTAIL:  OLD CHOMSKY

60 ml Whiskey 

        (Especially a good quality American whiskey. Try Uncle Nearest 1856)

15 ml Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee Concentrate 

       (or coffee liqueur) 

8 mlDemerara Syrup (2:1 ratio) 

       (or plain simple syrup. No need  for either if using coffee liqueur)

8 mlQuinquina (Bonal, Byrrh, or Cocchi Barolo Chinato)

       (or 4 dashes bitters)

Small pinch of salt 

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir with ice until drink is properly diluted and chilled—about ten seconds. Strain into a double old-fashioned glass filled with large ice cubes. Express an orange swath over the drink, cut, and garnish.


Glassware: Double Old-Fashioned

Garnish: Orange swath

ABV: 32%