Ragana, from the artist’s Bandcamp
Music is often a reflection of the current political climate, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that multiple artists this month recorded music in response to the Israel-Palestine situation. Of course, climate change is still a thing, and racists, fascists, and homophobes still exist. Here is your recap of notable socially conscious music released in October.
Songs/Videos:
1-800-GENOCIDE (Peoples Remix) – Rebel Diaz
The latest tune by the veteran activists and hip-hop duo sheds light on the situation in Palestine.
My Youngest Son Came Home Today (featuring Michael Stipe) – Billy Bragg
This previously unreleased version of the Eric Bogle anti-war tune appears on Bragg’s recently released boxset The Roaring Forty 1983-2023. Bragg has also recorded a version of the tune on his 1990 protest album The Internationale.
Biko (featuring Rhiannon Giddens) – Silkwood Ensemble
This reworking of Peter Gabriel’s anti-apartheid tune appears on the upcoming Silkroad Ensemble EP Phoenix Rising, out Nov. 3, 2023.
I Got Paid Today – Snotty Nose Rez Kids
The latest single by the indigenous hip-hop duo isn’t as explicitly political as some of their previous tunes. Still, if you were to view it as satire it could be considered a witty critique of consumerism.
Mammoth – Seth Glier
Concerning Seth Glier’s latest tune, the singer-songwriter states: “Scientists Sergey Zimov and Nikita Zimov are in the process of picking through the ice and melting permafrost of northern Siberia for the perfect frozen sample of a Woolly Mammoth. Their goal is to take the DNA and bring the mammoth back to the plains it once roamed. There is some merit to this idea as a climate solution. The Permafrost is one of the largest carbon reservoirs we have. In the grazing ecosystems, mammoths trample snow while foraging during the winter. When the snow is packed beneath their significant weight, it allows deeper freezing of the permafrost and thus protects it from degradation. I was struck by this and how strange it might feel for the mammoth & decided to write the song from its perspective.”
The song also appears on Glier’s upcoming climate change theme album EVERYTHING which will be out January 26th. 2024.
Pray – Hamell On Trial
The latest track and video by the veteran folk-punker is a scathing indictment of religious hypocrisy. It appears on his upcoming album Bring The Kids, out November 17th.
As the Bombs Rain Down – David Rovics
This tune by the activist and singer-songwriter is a poignant commentary on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
8 Hours – R.J. Phillips Band
This tune and video is a tribute to past labor organizers such as Bill Haywood, Mother Jones, and Joe Hill, who fought for the 8-hour work week.
Albums:
Blouse Club – Problem Patterns
The debut album by the feminist Belfast punk band furiously rallies against misogynists, homophobes, and anyone else who exploits or oppresses. The band was also motivated by a conversation with their musical hero Kathleen Hanna, who advised them that if there wasn’t a backlash, then they weren’t doing their job properly. The group effectively grabbed the baton from groups like Bikini Kill and is creating a riot grrrl movement for a new generation.
Desolation’s Flower – Ragana
With its impeccable blend of gorgeous clean vocals and harsh dirty vocals, the latest album by the metal duo strikes the perfect balance of light and dark. The album contains a strong anti-fascist message and the album’s title track is described by the duo as “a hymn of gratitude for queer and trans ancestors, known or unknown, by blood or affinity, whose joy and survival make our lives possible, and whose memory inspires and helps us resist the tide of increasingly visible hatred and oppression.”
Hurryia for Gaza – Phrex, Sawra!, Cutkachi
This collaborative project is organized by Switzerland-based DJ and producer Phrex, who states on the album’s Bandcamp page: “No words can describe what is going on right now. A genocide is unfolding – bombs are dropping and killing civilians. All I can contribute is music. It feels dull sharing music in the face of what is happening but it’s what I am able to do now. All money raised will go to one of these Organisations:
– Palestinian Medical Relief Society (friendsofpmrs.org)
– Médecins Sans Frontières (msf.ch)
I will post receipts of the transactions on my Instagram (@phrexbass).”
The Silver Cord – King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
The prolific band from Australia released another album. Like many of their more recent albums, they touch upon climate-related themes.
Doom Loop – Dream Nails
The potent sophomore album by the UK feminist punk band is filled with anthemic tunes to make incels and transphobes uncomfortable. It also explores what it truly means to be an ally and denounces those who only give lip service to the idea of allyship.
Let Them Eat Fake – False Fed
When a group includes the lead singer of hardcore pioneers Discharge and members of crust punk pioneers Amebix, it should be no surprise that their debut album includes an aggressive musical attack with politically explicit lyrics.
Identity – Nitin Sawhney
The latest album by the prolific UK musician, producer, and songwriter is a compelling exploration of personal and cultural identity. Sawhney made the following statement to Reuters concerning the inspiration behind the album: “Identity as a subject of discourse or debate on social media and mainstream media has become increasingly distorted so that it’s very much about a kind of pejorative judgment … of people’s identity … quite often on the basis of prejudice rather than understanding. So I thought it would be great to actually make an album that’s a celebration of identity effectively and it’s really … inviting a lot of people that I respect and admire as artists to participate in a collective, kind of, speaking out about how they feel about their own identities.”
Polygon – Gayla Bisengalieva
The latest project by the Kazakh-British musician is a riveting concept album based on the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. It was referred to as ‘the Polygon’, and 465 nuclear tests were conducted during its existence. The album explores the long-term environmental and cultural impact.
The Boy of Many Colors – The Boy of Many Colors
The debut album by the Australian indigenous rapper explores his cultural heritage and pointedly critiques colonialism.
GAZA Mixtape EP – Checkpoint 303
Checkpoint 303 is described on their Bandcamp page as “an activist sonic project that creates experimental & electronic music, by combining field recordings performed mainly in Palestine, Tunisia & Egypt”. The 4 track EP features new remixes and earlier releases in support of the people of Gaza during their ongoing struggles.
Irish Rock N Roll – The Mary Wallopers
The rollicking sophomore album by the Irish folk band blends celebratory traditional music with incisive anti-capitalist lyrics.
A Stranger That You Met Before – A Day Without Love
The latest album by the project of musician Brian Walker deals with the different joys and challenges of being an indie artist. It embraces the power of community and it is proof that DIY can be an act of protest.
Also, check out the ongoing 2023 playlist of protest music that has been featured on the site.