“Our Words Will Be Louder” Sparks Awareness and Speaks Out Against Injustice
Above: single art for “Our Words Will Be Louder”
IN RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE NATION,
HUDOST
--THE AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL DUO--
HAVE CREATED AN URGENT, TIMELY SONG AND MUSIC VIDEO
“OUR WORDS WILL BE LOUDER”
THE SONG AND VIDEO BRINGS AWARENESS AND SPEAKS OUT AGAINST INJUSTICE
NASHVILLE, TN (October 12, 2020) -- HuDost, led by Kentucky-based musicians and activists Moksha Sommer and Jemal Wade Hines, have released a powerful video for their forthcoming single, “Our Words Will Be Louder.” The new song, officially out on Friday, October 16, is a vital message for positive, collective action to be taken in this vulnerable and polarized time. “Our Words Will Be Louder” was co-written with Dan Haseltine (GRAMMY Award-winning band Jars of Clay) and Guitar World magazine’s “Acoustic Guitarist of the Year,” Christie Lenée.
The music video for “Our Words Will Be Louder” which has several cameo performances from artists and activists including Jars of Clay, Kevin Hearn (The Barenaked Ladies), Kevin Clash (creator of Elmo), Cy Curnin (The FIXX), Gangstagrass, Jai Uttal, Hymn for Her, The Accidentals, JP Durand, Liza Carbe (Incendio), and others. Specifically, the song addresses how inadequate people can feel until they give their voices to a larger purpose.
Proceeds from “Our Words Will Be Louder” will be directed to The Poor People’s Campaign, a non-profit organization committed to lifting up and deepening the leadership of those most affected by systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, and ecological devastation as well as to building unity across lines of division.
At the end of HuDost’s music video is riveting footage of peaceful protests and the voice of The Poor People’s Campaign’s main leader, Reverend William J. Barber II, saying these words:
“We will stand up again, we will march again, we will preach again, we will organize again. We are black, we are white, we are latino, we are native American, we are democrat, we are republican, we are independent, we are people of faith, we are people not of faith, we are natives and immigrants, we are business leaders and workers and unemployed, we are doctors and the uninsured, we are gay, we are straight, we are students, we are parents, we are retirees, we are America, and we are here and we ain’t going nowhere!”
The power of his voice and this unyielding proclamation, summarizes the message of the song and music video. Sommer and Hines both have learned a great deal by acting as congressional district representatives for ONE, a non-profit advocacy organization working to end extreme poverty globally, in Kentucky for almost six years. Through advocacy work, they have come to know how to be a voice for people who are not being heard and have been amazed by what can happen with the power of collective voice. In this desperate time, they feel profoundly pushed and inspired to work locally and nationally. Their music is a direct expression of this drive and they hope that it will be part of what motivates others to take action in this time.
In addition to benefiting The Poor People’s Campaign, HuDost also hopes that this song will encourage early voting. There has never been a greater need for all voices to be heard.
HuDost were recently honored with an Independent Music Award for their song “Rise Together” in the “Social Action” category (also co-written with Dan Haseltine from Jars of Clay).
“Our Words Will Be Louder” will be available on all streaming formats on Friday, October 16 and a special exclusive four-track download will be available at the official HuDost online store.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT “OUR WORDS WILL BE LOUDER”:
“Woody knew the power that one voice had to change the world. As we continue sharing his legacy, we are proud to use the power of our voices and sing along with ‘Our Words Will Be Louder’ to inspire, unite, and encourage standing up for change. Please join us as we Folk the Vote this year and use our words to speak for the collective. One voice, United. Be the machines.” --Deana McCloud (Director of the Woody Guthrie Center)
“When I speak to the transformative power of American generosity, I am not just saying the words, I am living them. As an American, I believe still, the United States offers hope.” --Suud Olat (Congressional District Leader, The ONE Organization)
“When music dances with a vision for how the world could be, it uses the full weight of our hearts and minds. It echoes in every chamber, and fires in every edge of gray matter. This song is meant to move the conversation forward, and I’m grateful to be a small part of it.” --Dan Haseltine (Jars of Clay)
“We have to believe that through being proactive and positive in our message, we can change the course of what’s happening in the USA and the world today. The sentiment and name of this song ‘Our Words will be Louder’ sends a powerful message: that stressing unity and justice for ALL of us instead of division and hate is the only way to freedom.” --Liza (Incendio)
“Freedom is the only human sensation that allows the heart to amplify its natural power. We shall never truly feel this power until we all stand free in an all encompassing universe. The words sound out the call. Open ears. Open hearts. Open arms.” --Cy Curnin (The FIXX)
“There is a beautiful synergy that happens when you meet someone through the heart and find out that the person or people stand for the same things that you stand for. That is what I felt when I met Moksha and Jemal. It is why when I was asked to be a part of HuDost’s song I immediately jumped in. I hope that this song gives rise to those who are disillusioned with the world right now. Raising our voices, pushing for equality and basic human rights is something worth fighting for.” --Alana Bridgewater
“The world needs peace and uplifting music right now. Together, let’s bring a little more love. May we rise and let our voices be heard!” --Christie Lenée
“It’s never been more important than now to vote. The decisions being made now will affect us for the rest of our lives, and we all need to have a say in those decisions.” --The Accidentals