It’s been a while, so here is a recap of notable socially conscious music which was released during the past few weeks.
Songs and Video:
Hate Conquers All – Anti-Flag
“Hate Conquers All” is the latest single from 20/20 Vision, the upcoming album from veteran political punk band Anti-Flag, due out January 17, 2020. The band is no stranger to fist-pumping anthems, and their latest is a scathing indictment of the Trump’s administration policies of hate.
Rise Up – The Cornersmiths
The Cornersmiths are an Australian indie band who originally wrote the anthemic “Rise Up” in 2016, in response to widespread political upheaval. The timely tune is now officially released and is also the theme song for the recently released documentary Can Art Stop a Bullet – William Kelly’s Big Picture, which features Martin Sheen. The film examines the links between art and activism.
Plastic Bag – Die Jim Crow
Die Jim Crow is a project whose mission is to provide much-needed platforms to current and formerly incarcerated musicians. They recently started a Kickstarter campaign to help start-up a non-profit record label. The spoken word jazz tune, “Plastic Bag” features lyrics and vocals from Carl Dukes, who was incarcerated for 31 years. To learn more Kevin Gosztola from Shadowproof‘s wrote an informative article about the single and project.
Rock Bottom (Acoustic) – grandson
The following comment was posted by grandson in the YouTube comment section for the video: “What’s up grandkids!!! We recorded this live 1 take on the steps of Capitol Hill in the middle of the end of the beginning tour in Washington DC. We started the day protesting with the We The People March, to remind the current administration that they work for US. Inspired by the people standing up for their rights and using their voices, I sang the song on the steps, we hosted a meet and greet by the White House and capped it off with a crazy show that night. Hope you enjoy! Let me know if you would’ve been there marching alongside us.”
Oh No!!! (A Social Experiment) – grandson
Another recently released video from grandson. Just like “Rock Bottom”, the track is featured on his recently released EP, a modern tragedy vol.3.
The motivation behind the provocative video was posted on YouTube’s video page: “I was first motivated to bring this concept to life as I watched modern discourse, political and otherwise, devolve into vitriolic tribalism, fueled by our ability to hide behind a screen, a username, an online profile. A mask. My DMs became increasingly polarized, my safety threatened, my integrity and values questioned. I began to wonder how people would behave if we were having a face to face conversation. I wanted to find out how hurtful, or how compassionate, complete strangers would be towards one another if given some sort of social impunity. 25 people given a free pass to treat another human being however they wanted. This is what happened on that day. “
“The song Oh No!!! is about self-destructive behaviour and the moment when you feel your mental health getting in the way of your ability to live your life. In some way, these masked strangers also represented those thoughts and impulses beyond my control.”
You & the Cockroach – Hobo Johnson
Hobo Johnson is known for his quirky introspective lyrics and vocal delivery. With “You & the Cockroach”, off his latest album, The Fall of Hobo Johnson, he gets political. The satirical tune also features an adult-swim-like music video which compliments the absurd (but relevant) nature of the song.
Far Away – Jessie Reyez
“Far Away” is the latest single from the Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter. The powerful music video features a harrowing tale of losing one’s partner as a result of an ICE raid. Both the song and video explore the humanity that is forgotten about when governments institute hateful immigration policies.
Notable lyrics: “And you’re still waitin’ for your papers. Been feelin’ like the government wants us to break up.”
The Lockdown – Territories
“The Lockdown” is the latest single from the Canadian punk band. The tune addresses the active shooter drills (“lockdowns”) which are taking place in several American schools. The video also lists every school shooting which took place in the last twenty years.
Dude Gotta Go – Anya Turner & Robert Grusecki
The following anti-Trump tune is from Anya Turner and Robert Grusecki, a New York City duo who have experienced success composing for musical theatre. The message is self-explanatory.
Albums:
Closer Than Together – The Avett Brothers
The latest album from the American folk-rock band is by far their most political to date. Produced by veteran producer Rick Rubin, it features commentary on a wide range of subjects, including gun violence and social inequality.
Two Hands – Big Thief
The latest album by the New York-based indie-rock band isn’t overtly political, but the songs address themes such as homelessness, gender identity and environmental destruction. Part of what makes the album compelling is Adrianne Lenker’s ability to address these heady topics in an empathic and non-preachy way.
There Existed an Addiction To Blood – clipping.
The third album from the experimental rap collective is a horrorcore concept album. It effectively employs horror movie themes to explore real-life political injustices such as racism and police brutality.
Complicate Your Life With Violence – L’Orange & Jeremiah Jae
The second collaborative effort from producer L’Orange and rapper Jeremiah Jae is a concept album which deals with the aftermath of war. A lot of the fictionalized narrative was built around the aesthetics of both World Wars and Viet Nam, but the themes continue to be relevant.
War Music – Refused
The latest album by the Swedish hardcore veterans is a rousing call to arms which tackles governmental corruption and the evils of capitalism. For more than two decades, the band continues to be a vital voice for the marginalized.
Vagabon – Vagabon
Vagabon is the alias of Laetitia Tamko, a Cameroonian-American producer, multi-instrumentist and singer-songwriter. Her sophomore self-titled album is more personal than political, but it does possess an acute social awareness. It touches upon themes of empowerment and non-conformity.
Colorado – Neil Young with Crazy Horse
Neil Young’s 39th studio album finds him reuniting with long-time backing band Crazy Horse. For over five decades Young has never been afraid to speak his mind. Colorado is no exceptions. He speaks out on a number of topics, including environmental justice, a topic he has always been especially passionate about. After all these years there is something reassuring about Young never losing his conviction and artistic integrity.