At this point, I’m not even going to attempt a proper intro. Here is a sampling of notable socially conscious music released in October. RIP D. H. Peligro.
Songs/Videos:
The Delicate Nature (Featuring Laurie Vincent) – Bob Vylan
This is the latest single from the UK grime punk duo which touches upon an array of social issues. Concerning the motivation behind the tune, the duo stated: “When I look back at my life I realize how some of the decisions I made could have landed me in places that would have taken away my freedom, my autonomy, or my health but I’m also able to see how some of those same decisions equipped me with skills that allowed me to better myself, my life and help me grow as an individual.”
War Pigs – Puddles Pity Party
Puddles is probably most known for previously being a contestant on America’s Got Talent. Despite the niche of it, Puddles does a beautifully mournful cover of Black Sabbath’s anti-war tune.
The Machine – MILCK
This dark indie-pop tune is a bit of a musical departure for the socially conscious singer-songwriter. Lyrically it still conveys the message of empowerment that she is known for.
Fantastic Negrito – Man with No Name
This is the latest video off Fantastic Negrito latest album White Jesus Black Problems, a concept album dealing with his lineage of being an ancestor of a white Scottish servant and a black slave. The song was previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
During the month he released three other videos for the album (you can also watch the entire film), “Virginia Soil“, “Register of Free Negroes” and “In My Head“.
Albums:
M.I.A. – MATA
The sixth album by the Tamil singer-rapper finds her in fine form musically and lyrically. Like previous efforts, she blends candid autobiography with pointed socio-political commentary.
Mali Obomsawin – Sweet Tooth
The solo debut of the former member of the Americana trio Lula Wiles is a compositional suite that masterfully employs field recordings of relatives at Odanak First Nation to relate the story of the Wabanaki people. Previously featured album track “Odana” as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Miko Marks & The Resurrectors – Feel Like Going Home
This is Marks’s worthy follow-up to her powerful 2021 album Our Country (one of the best protest albums of 2021). The album strikes the right balance between the personal and political, at times expressing frustration with long-standing social ills that continue to be unresolved. The album track “Trouble” was previously featured as a Daily Dose of Protest.
Dropkick Murphys – This Machine Still Kills Fascists
Technically released on September 30th, but since it was released after I did that month’s recap I will make an exception. The veteran Celtic-punk band was approached by Woody Guthrie’s daughter Nora about putting unused Guthrie lyrics to music. Sadly, Guthrie’s anti-fascist message continues to resonate.
Sault – 10
The latest EP by the mysterious and prolific UK collective features one ten-minute track “Angel”. The epic composition has three distinct parts and features collaborations from British singer Jack Penate and Jamaican reggae singer Chronixx.
Ali Suffadin – Wolivo
The latest album by the Kashmiri folk singer-songwriter expresses the plight of the people of Kashmir at the hands of the oppressive regime of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. “We are living in the most militarised zone [in India],” Saffudin says. “To be Kashmiri is to be political. To sing in Kashmiri is even more political.”
Beckah Amani – April
The debut from the Tanzanian-born, Australian-based singer-songwriter is a soulful collection of tunes that address her experiences dealing with racism and tackle other societal concerns such as climate change.
Star Feminine Band – In Paris
This Benin group is made up of seven young women between the ages of 12-18. This potent album addresses issues faced in their cultures such as arranged child marriage and genital mutation. Also, they come from a cultural background where the simple act of young women picking up musical instruments is a bold political statement.
Backxwash – His Happiness Shall Come First Even Though We Are Suffering
Just released, the latest album by the Canadian rapper completes a trilogy heavily based on autobiographical details. This latest release dissects the impact of environmental influences. Like previous releases the personal is political.
Brian Eno – FOREVERANDEVERNOMORE
The latest album by the influential ambient music pioneer is environmentally themed. The album included a 375-word statement concerning the motivation behind the album. It included the following: “I’ve been thinking about our narrowing, precarious future, and this music grew out of those thoughts.”
Tales Of The Town – Tales Of The Town
This album is a companion to the informative podcast and upcoming documentary film of the same name. It details the historical development of Oakland which includes freed African slaves fleeing there and the eventual formation of the Black Panther Party.
Serj Tankian – Perplex Cities
The latest EP by the Lebanese-born American-Armenian singer-songwriter is a musical departure from his work with the influential political metal band System of a Down, but lyrically it still covers a lot of the same ground. Songs such as the stirring “I Spoke Up” include the lines “Justice can’t be served without the truth. Even though my life’s at stake. Freedom’s not an oath you break.”
Below is the ongoing playlist of 2022 protest tunes which features music that has been featured on the site: