Betties dissect each song on new EP ‘Whitey’ in detail!
The Dead Betties have just released their new EP, “Whitey,” a powerful collection of five tracks that delve into themes of romanticized violence, white supremacy, surviving sexual violence, reclaiming energy, and paying tribute to Liz Phair. The band self-produced this EP and lead singer Joshua Ackley reflects on the importance of their music in the current societal landscape. Ackley expresses, “I’m really proud of what we’ve managed to pull off in our career—and now we’re sitting back and looking at what’s happening in the world and realizing that, not only is it really time for us to do what we set out to do, but it’s our responsibility, because we’re the adults now. It’s on us as a society to do better and actually put out the art that we want to hear, instead of sitting back and complaining about not hearing it.”
Each track on “Whitey” carries a profound message and purpose. The first track, “Whatever, Anyway,” originates from Ackley’s frustration with America’s glorification of violence. He challenges the notion of romanticizing the past and sheds light on the harsh truths that have been conveniently erased by society. The song serves as a rejection of embellished historical narratives and confronts the fallacy of simplicity in the nation’s history.
The title track, “Whitey,” delves into the concept of whiteness as a cultural construct. Ackley reveals that the song is not an attack on individuals but rather a critique of a system that thrives on silence, disconnection, and compliance. Through the process of writing this track, Ackley discovers the layers of conditioning within himself and uncovers the absence inherent in societal values tied to whiteness.
“Game Over,” another track on the EP, explores the complexities of loving individuals who struggle with self-acceptance. The song conveys a mix of emotions – messy, melodic, and angry – while hinting at the liberation that comes from letting go of trying to fix someone else’s insecurities. By disengaging from the cycle of attempting to mend another person’s self-doubt, one can reclaim their own emotional energy.
The EP also features a cover of Liz Phair’s “Girls! Girls! Girls!” as a tribute to the impact her music had on Ackley during their teenage years. The band sought to capture the rebellious spirit and sense of empowerment that Phair’s music provided to queer youth in the ’90s, viewing it as a revitalization of survivalist energy for a new generation.
Finally, “What’s a Good Victim Supposed to Say?” is a deeply personal track that addresses the experience of surviving sexual violence. Ackley exposes the societal expectations placed on survivors, highlighting the contradictory nature of demanding honesty while simultaneously punishing those who speak up. The song remains unresolved, mirroring the ongoing struggle of survival in the face of trauma.
Overall, “Whitey” stands as a testament to The Dead Betties’ commitment to addressing important social issues through their music. The EP serves as a platform for challenging societal norms, advocating for self-empowerment, and amplifying marginalized voices in the punk rock scene.