It has been a crazy month. Hopefully, everyone is holding up well with the self-isolation and social distancing. Crazy times, but we always have the music to help get us through. Here is a sampling of some notable socially conscious music released during the past month.
Songs/Video:
Steve Earle – John Henry was a Steel Driving Man
The veteran singer-songwriter modern updating of the John Henry folklore appears on his upcoming concept album, Ghosts of West Virginia, due out May 22. The album addresses the Upper Big Branch coal mine disaster that killed twenty-nine men on April 5, 2010.
The Four Fathers – Affordable
The Four Fathers are a UK political rock band who is fronted by veteran activist and investigative journalist Andy Worthington. Their latest potent single “Affordable” exposes the lies of the housing ‘regeneration’ industry.
Benjamin Gibbard – Life in Quarantine
Not necessary a direct protest song, but this topical tune by the Death Cab For Cutie and The Postal Service’s frontman well articulate what many are feeling living through the Coronavirus pandemic.
S.G. Goodman – The Way I Talk
“The Way I Talk” is the first single off of the singer-songwriter upcoming debut album Old Time Feeling, due out May 29. It is produced by Jim James.
“The song is inspired by the plight of the farming community in Kentucky where I grew up, where big business and the laws that protect them have vast control over my community.” She said in a statement to Fader. “It is a scary thing calling into question the very thing that put food on my table and is putting food on my niece’s table (she plays the little girl in the video). Isn’t that the case for every person working a factory line who is afraid to unionize? Or a fast food employee afraid to take sick leave to care for her kid? We are all expected to be thankful, not question, and shut our mouths.”
Lukas Nelson & Family – Turn Off The News And Build a Garden (Quarantunes Evening Session)
This recently posted video features Lukas Nelson joined by his brother Micah and his legendary father Willie, performing the title track off his band Promise of the Real 2019 album. The song resonates even more now. A constant negative news cycle can drive one even more crazy during periods of self-isolation. At times we need to turn off the news and channel our energy into something productive and positive.
Matt Pless – All Good
The latest single by the veteran folk-punker is a stylistic departure. The catchy pop tune is a tongue in cheek satiric examination of fame and the music industry.
Markis Precise & Talib Kweli – From A Distance
This collaboration between producer Markis Precise and veteran socially conscious rapper Talib Kweli features poignant commentary on issues of race in America.
David Rovics – Once This Pandemic Is Over
The veteran singer-songwriter and activist has been writing a number of topical Coronavirus related songs. One of those tunes, “Climate Catastrophe Fascist Empire 2020 Blues Massacree” has been recently featured as a Daily Dose of Protest. “Once This Pandemic Over” addresses whether or not this will be a “teachable moment” or just another sad example of history repeating.
Run The Jewels – Ooh LA LA
Recently the rap duo released the first two singles from their anticipated fourth album, Run The Jewels 4. “Ooh LA LA” isn’t as politically direct as some of their tunes, but the song still expresses anti-authority sentiments.
Run The Jewels – Yankee And The Brave (ep.4)
This is the first of the two singles that they released. The hard-hitting tune features provocative verses from Killer Mike referencing Christoper Dorner, an ex-cop turned cop killer.
Ron Sexsmith – Sam Stone
The veteran Canadian singer-songwriter posted his cover of John Prine’s classic anti-war protest tune after it was announced that Prine had Covid-19 symptoms and was in critical condition.
Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Cops With Guns Are The Worst!!!
This is the latest single from the Canadian indigenous rap group’s upcoming EP Born Deadly, due out April 3rd. The hard-hitting tune is a direct response to the Wet’suwet’en pipeline protests taking place across Canada, and the police brutality taking place in connection with it. It also celebrates the perseverance of Indigenous people in times of struggle.
Albums:
Body Count – Carnivore
The seventh studio album by Ice-T’s metal band displays an unbridled ferocity and take no prisoners political commentary.
Psalms One & Optiks – Before They Stop Us
Psalm One is a Chicago rapper who also goes by the name Hologram Kizzie. This four-track EP is a collaboration with producer Optiks. It is an expert blend of experimental beats and insightful lyrics.
She also recently posted the video for the EP’s title track.
Time – These Songs Kill Fascists
Time is a socially conscious hip-hop artist and journalist. His latest album pays homage to Woody Guthrie. The album’s anti-fascist sentiments are found in tunes that address topics such as Heather Heyer’s murder, rape culture, Denver’s history with the KKK, gentrification, abolishing ice and the alienation of technology.
U.S. Girls – Heavy Light
On her latest album, experimental pop artist Meg Remy continues her knack for blending catchy dance beats with pointed lyrical critiques. She continues to make music that moves the body and engages the mind.
Below is the ever-expanding playlist of 2020 Protest Songs