Mary Ocher, from artist’s Bandcamp.
Here is a summary of notable socially conscious music released during June.
Songs/Videos:
Icarus IV – Kishi Bashi
This is the second single off Kishi Bashi’s new album Kantos which will be released on August 23. This modern take on the Icarus myth isn’t explicitly political. Still, it does fit in with the mood of the album, described on the album’s Bandcamp page as “a party album about the possible end of humanity as we know it, at turns deeply unsettling and sublimely joyful”.
“The Murdered and the Missing (Song for Chelsea Poorman)” – David Rovics
The prolific singer-songwriter activist continues to compose several protest tunes on a monthly basis. This poignant song deals with Chelsea Poorman, one of the thousands of murdered and/or missing Indigenous women in Canada. Rovics is currently working on a new album I Heard A Rumor, which will be his third album this year (the other two were among the 30 best protest albums of 2024 (so far)).
Albums:
Fine Art – KNEECAP
The sophomore album by the explicitly political Belfast rappers effortlessly blends the English and Irish language. The chaotic album features potent satirical lyrics and it also addresses how the band was withheld governmental funding because of their political views.
Maisha – Zawose Queens
Zawose Queens is a Tanzanian sister duo who tap into the culture of the Gogo (aka Wagogo) people. They also tap into the experience of their ancestors who were colonized by Europeans, to explore themes of empowerment.
occupation studies: soundtracks – amby downs
Prior to recording this album field recordist and sound artist amby downs spent four months in the state archives of Victoria, Australia doing research on the history of colonial land and water control. Bandcamp describes this album as “a collection of works that is about the colonial history of so-called Victoria (a “state” on the Australian continent). this collection of works goes through as a linear and non-linear narrative combined.”
Plagues Upon Plagues -SECT
Featuring a lineage that includes members of Earth Crisis, and Racetraitor it is no surprise that the explosive’ 4th album is an aggressive album filled with righteous indignation. The album explores plagues both literal, political, and ecological.
Suffs (Original Broadway Cast Recordings) – Shaina Taub
This is the Broadway cast recording for a play about the suffragists who fought for women’s voting rights.
Your Guide to Revolution – Mary Ocher
The Berlin-based artist who was born in Russia and grew up in Isreal tapped into that experience on her compelling new album. Concerning the motives behind the album, Ocher states: “I grew up in Israel, where I certainly did not feel I belonged and felt tremendous remorse and anger over the way our government has been treating Palestinians for decades, creating different classes of citizens. I’ve been writing about it since I was a kid and eventually left the country at age 20.”
New Wave Of British Transphobia – Gender Warfare
The latest EP by the UK queercore punk band Gender Warfare is clear in their intent. The seven tracks are packed with righteous indignation.
Compilation vol. 2 – Ambient Curation
Featuring an array of electronic artists, the latest compilation by Ambient Curation was created in support of Palestine. All proceeds go to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
Beauty & Truth – Michael Waugh
The latest album by the Australian queer country singer is described by him as “a record about being proud to be gay.”
Non Living Nature: Compositions for Dictaphone – Marios Moras
Back in 2020 Moras bought a used dictaphone. Through the use of the dictaphone, he effectively employs field recordings to create a dystopian world which is inevitable if we continue our course of abusing Mother Earth.
Echoes of Silence – Slave To Sirens
This explosively political album is by the Lebanese band, which describes itself as the “first and only all-woman thrash metal band in the Middle East”.
KACHAKACHA – XiAOWANG
The latest album by the Beijing punks takes a clear aim at the oppressive Chinese government. It also addresses other issues such as climate change.
Warrangu; River Story – DOBBY
The debut album by the Australian Aboriginal rapper sees him tapping into his personal experience, which includes his family fighting against nuclear waste on their land.
Check out the ongoing playlist of 2024 protest music.