It continues to be a crazy time in isolation, but at least we have music to help get us through. Here is a sampling of some of the socially conscious music released in April. Also, as a note, for any of the releases available on Bandcamp, on Friday, May 1st (and the first Friday of the month for the next couple of months), Bandcamp is waiving their revenue share to help support artists who are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. So this might be a good time to discover new music. Stay safe everyone.
Songs/Videos:
Evan Greer – Willing To Wait
The latest single by the singer-songwriter and activist well articulates the current situation in dealing with social distancing. Bandcamp proceeds from the tune benefit the National Bail Fund Network’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.
Steve Earle & The Dukes – It’s About Blood
This is the latest single from Earle’s upcoming album Ghosts of West Virginia, due out May 22, 2020. It is a concept album dealing with the Upper Big Branch Coal Mine with killed twenty-nine people on April 5, 2010. The song also mentions the names of those who died in the tragedy.
Bon Iver – PDLIF
“PDLIF” is an acronym for “Please Don’t Live in Fear.” The sentiment definitely resonates in the current time. All streaming revenues from the tune benefits Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization that works to protect frontline workers and patients.
Clock Is Running – Seasick Steve
The latest single by the veteran blues artist is a topical tune which addresses how time is running out on the Doomsday Clock. It is off his upcoming album Love & Peace, due out July 24.
SONiA disappear fear – Ghost of the Kangaroo
The latest single by the veteran singer-songwriter was released on Earth Day. The lyrics highlight different ways that human behaviour is adversely affecting the environment, including killing off animal life.
Albums:
Enemy Radio – Loud Is Not Enough
Enemy Radio is a Public Enemy adjacent project which has a hard-hitting classic old school vibe. It also features the political commentary that Chuck D is known for. It also features insightful verses from Jahi.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Born Deadly
I previously reviewed the latest EP from the Canadian indigenous hip-hop duo.
They also recently released a video for the track “TMZ.”
Fiona Apple – Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Fiona’s latest critically acclaim masterpiece is a prime example of the personal and political intersecting. A powerful and timely listening experience which reminds the listeners that we can get out the metaphorical bolt cutters and release ourselves from oppressive situations.
Rina Sawayama – SAWAYAMA
The Japanese-British singer-songwriter full-length debut blends adventurous genre-bending musical arrangements with insightful lyrics. Many of the tunes examine themes of cultural identity.
Sawayama also recently released a video for the track “XS” which analyses the ridiculousness of consumerism.
Lido Pimienta – Miss Colombia
The third album from the Canadian-Colombian singer-songwriter is an embrace of her cultural roots. Many of the lyrics also expose racist and misogynist attitudes.
Moor Jewelry – True Opera
Moor Jewelry is a collaboration between noise producer Mental Jewlery and spoken word artist and experimental musician Moor Mother. Their full-length debut is a follow-up to their 2017 EP Crime Waves. While their predecessor was mostly electronic, True Opera is an exploration of the punk sounds that the duo grew up listening to. Also features the highly politicized lyrical content that Moor Mother is known for.
They also released a video for the album track “Look Alive.”
The Mountain Goats – Songs For Pierre Chuvin
One of the impacts self-quarantining is that it can affect the recording plans of musicians. For John Darnielle, it meant that he went back to his DIY Panasonic boombox tape recording route. The latest release is a concept album inspired by the 1990 book A Chronicle of the Last Pagans, written by French historian Pierre Chuvin. The historical references contain political themes that still resonate today.
Alice Bag – Sister Dynamite
The third solo album by the frontwoman of pioneering punk band The Bags has a catchy old school punk vibe married with insightful lyrics on systemic inequality and privilege.
Lucinda Williams – Good Souls Better Angels
The latest album from the veteran roots singer-songwriter is her most political. Her gravelled vocals are in fine form and are well suited to the timely lyrics.
The Homeless Gospel Choir – This Land Is Your Landfill
The Homeless Gospel Choir is the pseudonym for folk-punk artist Derek Zanetti. His latest album is an anthemic collection of socially conscious tunes which lament the state of the planet.
Below is the ongoing playlist of 2020 protest songs.