Here is a recap of some of the noteworthy socially conscious music released within the past two weeks.
Songs and Videos:
Flames – Chastity
“Flames” is the latest single from the Canadian alternative band’s upcoming album Homemade Satan, due out September 13th. The album is a political concept album meant to represent the marginalized voices that often go unheard.
Frontman Brandon Williams made the following statement about the track: “7 out of 8 American families don’t have the income to make the American dream happen. Austerity is growing, the working class is shrinking, and the US government on both sides is largely asleep. In ‘Flames’ I’m being tongue in cheek, drawing a line between sexual fetishism and American dream fetishism. In the verses, I’m singing from an emotionally bleak point of view, and in the chorus, I’m singing from an economically bleak point of view. It’s done, and working people are starting to smell the smoke first.”
Nothing Is Safe – Clipping.
The experimental hip-hop trio, which features the talent of Tony award-winning actor and rapper Daveed Diggs, just announced they will be releasing their third album There Existed an Addiction to Blood on October 18. The first single “Nothing Is Safe” ominously chronicles the grim realities of the world we live in.
Story of Everything – Sheryl Crow (featuring Chuck D, Andra Day and Gary Clark Jr.)
“Story of Everything” is the latest single from Crow’s upcoming album Threads, which is out August 30th.
The veteran singer-songwriter made the following statement on her website: “The Story of Everything” was born out of a feeling of frustration with the state of affairs in America at this moment in time. As a single mother, I feel a responsibility to my children to speak to the urgent issues that are shaping the world they will inherit from us through my music. I felt that so much hope accompanied our first black President into office, but that hope turned into fear and division. My old friend Chuck D has been speaking to the history of racial struggle and inequality in his music for decades. Chuck and I got to know each other around 1994, in the Rock the Vote days. He is one of the most important poets of our day. And Gary Clark Jr, who plays guitar on the track, has risen to make his own fierce musical and social statements. Back in 2009, Gary came in to audition for my 100 Miles From Memphis tour, and it was evident from the second he plugged in his guitar that he had a bigger destiny than being just a sideman.”
“I heard Andra Day’s incredible song “Rise Up” on the radio and asked her to sing on “Story” because when you hear her singular voice, you BELIEVE what she’s saying.”
America (You’re Freaking Me Out) – The Menzingers
“America (You’re Freaking Me Out)” is the latest single off the punk band’s upcoming sixth album Hello Exile, due out October 4. The tune well articulates the anxiety caused by the current state of political turmoil.
Fish in a Gun Barrel – NOFX
This tune by the veteran punk band was originally written on June 13th, 2016. The video includes an explanation by frontman Fat Mike about the reason why the band held off releasing the song until now. The song definitely resonates in light of the USA’s ongoing gun problem. All proceeds of digital downloads go to Mom Demands Action.
Everybody Knows Somebody – Amanda Palmer
Another song in response to gun violence. The lyrics deal with the widespread impact of gun violence. Along with the performance video, she also released a studio recording which can be purchased through Bandcamp. All proceeds go to the Change The Ref, an organization started by Manuel and Patricia Oliver after their son Joaquin was murdered during the Stoneman Douglas mass shooting that took place in Parkland, Florida. Manuel Oliver also designed the single’s artwork.
Freedom – Sampa The Great
“Freedom'” is the latest single off the Zambian born, Australian based rapper’s first official album, The Return, which is due out September 13. The tune features her trademark anthemic delivery.
Hash Tag Change – Vix 20
Vix 20 is a UK power-pop band made up of two industry veterans who took an extended hiatus due to the state of the music industry. Thankfully they returned and formed Vix 20. Their latest single is a tongue in cheek examination of President Trump.
Albums:
A Distant Call – Sheer Mag
The sophomore album from the socially conscious rock band features several tunes which address timely issues such as political corruption, labour strikes and body shaming. The band has the rare knack of blending feel-good 70s classic rock nostalgia with insightful commentary.
The Center Won’t Hold – Sleater-Kinney
The influential indie rock band was always known for mixing the political with the personal. Their tenth album leans more towards the personal, but it still possesses an acute social awareness. The songs address having to survive through the chaos.
No Man’s Land – Frank Turner
The latest album from the UK folk-punker isn’t overtly political, but it draws attention to important historical women whose stories often go untold. Many of their stories contain relevant lessons that we can still learn from.