"It's not a very popular subject amongst my audience, who are by nature more internationalist, but I don't choose what to write about, I don't choose my subjects, they kind of choose me"

In this quote, Billy Bragg reviews the nature of his imaginative procedure and the relationship in between his work and his audience. Bragg, a widely known artist and activist, acknowledges that his topic may not always align with the choices of his audience, showing that his fans tend to have internationalist dispositions. Internationalism generally describes a political concept that promotes for greater political or financial cooperation amongst countries, and an interest in international concerns over nationalistic views.

Bragg recommends that his work frequently discuss themes that may not be instantly popular or in demand amongst his audience, highlighting a potential disconnect in between his innovative expression and the expectations or desires of those who consume his work. His audience's internationalist nature might indicate that they lean towards concerns like global solidarity or cross-cultural understanding, which might occasionally diverge from the specific subjects Bragg addresses in his art.

However, the essence of Bragg's message depends on the notion that he does not deliberately choose his subjects; rather, they "select" him. This personification of topics recommends a natural and possibly subconscious selection process, where the themes he explores emerge naturally instead of through a determined decision-making process. It suggests that Bragg is guided by an instinctive drive or an internal calling that forces him to pursue certain subjects, despite their instant popularity or resonance with his audience.

This method to creativity emphasizes authenticity and integrity in creative expression. It highlights a commitment to staying real to oneself and one's impulses, even if it means diverging from the expectations of one's audience. In doing so, Bragg positions himself as an artist whose work is driven by authentic motivation instead of external recognition. This choice might challenge his audience, welcoming them to engage with unfamiliar or uncomfortable topics and broaden their viewpoints beyond what they may at first prefer or expect.