February may be a shorter and typically shitty month, but it did manage to produce a decent amount of socially conscious music. Here is a sampling.
Songs/Videos:
SAGA (Acoustic) – Hurray for the Riff Raff
This is a powerful acoustic reworking of a track that appeared on Hurray for the Riff Raff’s excellent 2022 album Life On Earth (one of the best protest albums of that year).
Against The War – Beans on Toast
Beans on Toast is the moniker of UK singer-songwriter Jay McAllister who has built a cult following for himself for his mixture of quirky tunes and social commentary. Since 2009 he has released a new album on his birthday (December 1). His latest single is an anti-war protest song, with 100% of the proceeds from Bandcamp going to Campaign For Nuclear Disarmament. The tune also features vocals from fellow UK singer-songwriter Issy Ferris.
Run For Cover (featuring Snotty Nose Rez Kids) – Boogey The Beat
Boogey The Beat is the alias of Les Boulanger, an Indigenous Canadian DJ, and producer, who has previously worked primarily behind the scenes. This is the first single off his upcoming debut album Cousins. It also features contributions from the Indigenous Canadian rap duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
I’m Still Here (U.S Political Prisoner Never Forgotten Version) – Scott Crow, Time, Televangel, Dissonance, David M. Williams
This single is a collaborative effort of several socially conscious artists. 100% of the sales support U.S. political prisoners through the art and political project The Certain Days: Freedom for Political Prisoners Calendar, a joint fundraising and educational project between outside organizers across North America and political prisoners.
Albums:
Anarchist Gospel – Sunny War
The latest album by the roots artist is a compelling blend of the personal and political and it promotes a message of resilience and perseverance. Concerning the album, Sunny War made the following statement in an interview with The Bluegrass Situation:
“The album title isn’t really political, to me. I felt like the big choruses [on the album] felt gospel in a way, but it wasn’t religious so I felt like it was Anarchist Gospel. It was really because of the one song, “Whole,” where I just felt like the message of the song was kind of about anarchy, in a way that most people could understand. I guess I’m more of a socialist now, but it’s the same sentiment. I just want people to have what they need. That’s more what anarchy means to me. It seems like it’s government that’s in the way of people getting what they need.”
“For me, it’s more personal. When I was homeless, a lot of times we would be living in abandoned buildings and we’d get arrested for that. Anarchy, to me, means, “Why can’t we be here? Nobody else is going to be in here. Why are you keeping us from this?” It feels weird that we don’t get to claim where we live, but other people do. Why do they have more rights to the same places? I don’t know if that’s anarchy, so much as I just think people have a right to everything.”
Raven – Kelela
The sophomore album by the R&B singer is a warm embrace of black and queer empowerment. Kelela made the following statement concerning the album: “I started this process from the feeling of isolation and alienation I’ve always had as a Black femme in dance music, despite its Black origins. RAVEN is my first breath taken in the dark, an affirmation of Black femme perspective in the midst of systemic erasure and the sound of our vulnerability turned to power.”
Shook – Algiers
The latest album by political indie rockers finds the band at their most eclectic and the lyrical message is as radical as ever. It is jammed packed with guest artists including Rage Against The Machine’s Zack de la Rocha, Billy Woods, and Backxwash who effectively help deliver the album’s anti-capitalistic and anti-racist message.
Grandfather Courage – Fantastic Negrito
The latest album by Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, who performs under the moniker of Fantastic Negrito is an acoustic version of his exceptional 2022 album White Jesus Black Problems (one of the best protest albums of that year). The album is based on the experiences of his great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandparents a white Scottish servant Elizabeth Gallimore and a black slave whose name had been long lost.
Optical Delusion – Orbital
The tenth album by the veteran English electronica duo focuses on issues of political division and discontent. The album effectively expresses post-pandemic and post-Brexit angst.
I Play My Bass Loud – Gina Birch
This is the latest album from post-punk pioneer Gina Birch, who was notably a part of the influential band The Raincoats. The songs rage hard against the patriarchy with tunes such as “Pussy Riot”, “Feminist Song”, and “I Will Never Wear Stilettos”.
Power and Exclusion From Power – Mary Ocher
This 4-song EP by the Russian-born experimental musician speaks out against totalitarian regimes and proceeds from the release support Ukrainians impacted by the war.
Kyiv Eternal – Heinali
Addressing similar themes, Ukrainian composer Heinali released a haunting ambient album, which features field recordings taken from his besieged city of Kyiv.
Bless This Mess – U.S. Girls
Compared to previous albums from the project of experimental pop artists Meg Remy this album delves more into the personal, being recorded while pregnant and subsequently giving birth to twins. But the album still features her trademark incisive social commentary, focusing on the world that her children will inherit.
The Reset – Macy Gray & The California Jet Club
The latest album by the veteran R&B singer-songwriter Macy Gray was in response to dealing with post-pandemic PTSD and trying to hit the reset button. The album also heavily explored the issue of police brutality. Her cover of Body Count’s “Cop Killer” was previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
This Is Why – Paramore
The latest album by the veteran alt-rock band explores themes of inequality and post-pandemic anxiety. One of the album’s highlights is “The News” which lead singer Hayley Williams explains: “The 24-hr news cycle is just impossible to comprehend. And I feel a pang of guilt when I unplug to protect my headspace. The common reaction, or non-reaction, seems to be dissociation.”
The Land, the Water, the Sky – Black Belt Eagle Scout
The latest album by the project of indigenous singer-songwriter Katherine Paul is stunning. She stated in a press statement, “I created The Land, the Water, the Sky to record and reflect upon my journey back to my homelands and the challenges and the happiness it brought.” Previously featured three tunes from the album as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Sustained Resistance – Maelstorm & Louisahhh
Even though they have been frequently collaborating for a decade, this is the debut album of the techno-punk duo. The album includes the potent tracks “Vixen” and “America” which express anger over the battle against body autonomy in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Russian Turbo Polka Metal – RUSSKAJA
The latest album by the self-described “Russian Turbo-Polka Metal” band is heavily influenced by the political climate of their native country. It is an example of how resistance music can also be a rollicking good time.
Workin On A World – Iris DeMent
The latest album by the folk music icon balances realism with optimism when it comes to political progress. As she eloquently expresses on the title track, “I get up in the mornin’ knowing I’m privileged to be workin’ on a world I may never see.” Without being preachy Dement effectively critiques current world events.
Cracker Island – Gorillaz
The eighth studio album by the alt-rock virtual band is a loose concept album based on a quasi-religious cult. The album explores issues such as being stuck in social media echo chambers that promote divisive tribalism and makes it difficult to discern truths.
Attachment Styles – M(h)aol
This is the debut full-length from the feminist Irish post-punk band. The band effortlessly blends an aggressive music attack with lyrics that scathingly indict rape culture and misogyny.
Below is an ongoing playlist of notable 2023 protest music featured on the site.