Allison Russell, from the artist’s Bandcamp
Here is a recap of some of the socially conscious music released in August.
Songs/Videos:
Snakelife – Allison Russell
This is the latest single and video from the Canadian singer-songwriter’s upcoming album The Returner, due September 8th. Russell describes the poignant tune as “an invocation of the Afro-Future-Rainbow-Coalition-Transformative Universe I wish to inhabit and foster.”
The Onion Kings of Ontario – No-No Boy
The latest track by the Julian Saporiti project song is dedicated to Saporiti’s friend Jim Mizuta and his community, who founded an onion farm in eastern Oregon after being incarcerated at the Japanese-American Heart Mountain internment camp. It appears on the upcoming album Empire Electric, due September 29th.
Animal – Anjimile
This tune from the upcoming album The King, due September 8th, features the potent lyric: “I heard ‘Blue Lives Matter’ from a white liberal / Piece of shit I couldn’t stand at all”.
Ostracized – Otep
With the latest single off the upcoming album The God Slayer, due September 15th, the veteran nu-metal act continues to be explicitly political and address issues of female empowerment.
Our Land Back – Irreversible Entanglements
One of many projects from the prolific poet/vocalist Camae Ayewa (Moor Mother), the avant-garde jazz ensemble describes their latest song as “an anthem to struggles for self-determination by peoples who have been dispossessed of their land and denied their right to return. It swings for autonomy and solidarity and against forgetting.” It appears on their upcoming album Protect Your Light, due September 8th.
A Plea to my Western Progressive Friends -Arkadiy Kots Band
This tune by Russian folk-punk group Arkadiy Kots Band marks the 65th birthday of political prisoner Boris Kagarlitsky. The title and lyrics are derived from one of Kagarlitsky’s last articles he wrote prior to his arrest, “A plea to my Western progressive friends”.
You’ll Never See Me Cry For Mitch McConnell – Pink Williams
This non-album single by the traditional (musically) but progressive (politically) country singer-songwriter clearly expresses his views of the Senate Minority Leader.
Albums:
Sundial – Noname
The latest album by the socially conscious rapper is a sardonic masterwork. She is unafraid to expose the hypocrisy of others, including her own.
Hold That Spirit – Raye Zaragosa
Zaragosa aptly describes her latest album as “a collection of songs about reclaiming your autonomy as a woman, discovering unconditional joy, healing your relationship to your body, and holding onto the spirit within during difficult times.”
Unreal Unearth – Hozier
The 3rd album by the Irish singer-songwriter was inspired by Dante’s Inferno and the Nine Circles of Hell. He effectively uses these themes to explore current social issues.
Fatherless – Cinnamon Babe
This is the debut of the nu-metal project of actress and influencer Stormi Maya. Maya taps into her experience as a black woman in a predominately white male genre.
Smile – Skindred
Like previous albums, the 8th album by the veteran Welsh ragga-metal band takes aim at socio-political issues on tracks such as “Black Stars” and “State Of The Union”.
Sing and Play New Folk Songs for Children – Mr. Greg & Cass McCombs
The latest album by veteran singer-songwriter Cass McCombs is a collaboration with a childhood friend and preschool teacher Mr. Greg (aka Greg Gardner). The album features a collection of progressive folk tunes that Greg wrote for his students and were rearranged by McCombs. It touched upon themes such as environmentalism and LGBTQ+ rights.
Black Tar – The Opioid Era x Nottz Raw
This collaboration between rap trio The Opioid Era and veteran producer Nottz effectively weaves a socio-political thread through hard-hitting tales of the streets. The tunes allude to current concerns over the partisan battle to control the Supreme Court and draw parallels to the Clinton era.
Live Boulder – David Rovics
The latest album by the prolific singer-songwriter and activist is a recording of a live performance from sometime in late 2003 or early 2004. The topical tunes still resonate in the current political climate.
Caught In The Act – Didirri
The Australian indie singer-songwriter’s debut album contains some stirring social commentary, such as on the track “Under Falling Skies” which expresses the overwhelming sense of climate anxiety that many are experiencing.
Walk Alone – Josh Gray
The 3rd album by the Americana singer-songwriter features articulate storytelling as he relates tales of hope, hardship, and perseverance. Also features the potent protest tune “Money or Blood”.
Intended Consequence – Various
From the album’s Bandcamp page: “Intended Consequence is a collection of music dedicated to the choice and continuum of Iranian women’s fight for freedom in the day-to-day.” Featuring ten tunes from talented Iranian women artists, proceeds from the project go to charities that assist women and marginalized groups in Iran.
Still Everything Blessed – Namebuddha x Time
I haven’t found too much online about Namebuddha, but Time has regularly been featured on this site (had an opportunity to interview him for the podcast). Like previous releases by the socially conscious rapper, the album is filled with poignant social commentary on a wide range of topics.
Check out the ongoing playlist of the notable 2023 protest music featured on this site.