What is notable about the current year in protest music is diversity. Not only is there a wide range of genres and topics covered, but there is also a diverse array of artists who are making their voices heard. There was so much great music that it was difficult to narrow this list down to 30 albums. The objective of […]
Learn more →Most countries have holidays and observances that celebrate aspects of their founding and heritage. For many, it is an opportunity to display patriotic pride, but for others, it is the time to somberly reflect on dark chapters of their nation’s history. This is the premise of “Forever Half Mast.” Indie singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus wrote the song in connection with American […]
Learn more →Right now we will recap some of this week highlights in the world of socially conscious music. Songs and Videos (Not) Everybody – Marlon Craft This week the New York City rapper released his debut album Funhouse Mirror. The album leans more towards personal than political, but it does contain some insightful social commentary. Two powerful standouts are “Gang Shit […]
Learn more →“You will not replace us.” The white supremacists rallying cry expresses a paranoia that the white male Christian power structure is under attack. Racists, homophobes and misogynists want to preserve the oppressive status quo, which benefits them at the expense of the marginalized. The Seattle-based queer dreampunk band Dark Smith tackles these narrow-minded bigoted views on their latest album Degressive. […]
Learn more →Here is this weeks selection of newly released socially conscious music. Songs and Videos Where I’m Coming From – Lila Iké “Where I’m Coming From” is the latest single from reggae artist Lila Iké. It is an acknowledgement of how her Jamaican roots helped shape her. It is also an empowering tune of perseverance. World Revolution – Ziggy Marley (Featuring […]
Learn more →A recap of some of the socially conscious music released in the past week. Songs and Videos Gang Shit – Marlon Craft This provocative new track and video are from Craft’s upcoming new album Funhouse Mirror, which is out June 18. The verses are told from the perspective of three different characters, a racist cop, a Klansman and a black […]
Learn more →When speaking out against injustices, sometimes the most appropriate response is to say, “Fuck you.” Examples in protest music include Rage Against The Machine’s “Killing in the Name” (“Fuck you, I won’t do what you what you tell me”), N.W.A’s “Fuck tha Police” and YG’s “Fuck Donald Trump.” Javid Music Party, an independent Chicago and Los Angeles-based artist and activist […]
Learn more →Here is a selection of newly released socially conscious music which is worth a listen. Songs and Videos Maria – grandson “Maria” is a cover of a Rage Against the Machine tune which appeared on Rage’s 1999 album The Battle of Los Angeles. The lyrics chronicle the indignities faced by a Mexican undocumented immigrant. The recently posted video adds poignant […]
Learn more →Here is your weekly sample of recently released socially conscious music. Songs and Videos: Gacked on Anger – Amyl and the Sniffers The Aussie punk quartet just released their full-length self-titled debut. The album isn’t overly political, but “Gacked on Anger” is a righteous 70s inspired anthem of disenfranchisement. Notable lyrics: “I wanna help out the people on the street/But […]
Learn more →Back in the 1950s and 60s, New York’s Greenwich Village played a role in establishing the counterculture with its vibrant scene of anti-establishment beat poetry and folk music. That renegade spirit is still very much alive among a new generation of New York base protest singers and poets. This is the premise of a new documentary by acclaimed documentarian Karen […]
Learn more →