Alexis Krauss of the alternative rock duo Sleigh Bells unveiled an original song by Alexis Krauss and the Our Land Collective. The song entitled, “Our Land,” and is in response to President Trump’s assault on our National Monuments and Parks.
“Our Land” is written by Krauss and co-produced by Krauss, Shane Stoneback (Vampire Weekend, Sleigh Bells), and Chris Vultaggio. It features contributions by activist Josh Fox, Springtime Carnivore’s Greta Morgan, and additional vocals by Tunde Olaniran as well as wells.
In a statement regarding the track, Krauss said of the effort;
“Inspired by my love of wild spaces and in response to President Trump’s assault on our national monuments, I wrote ‘Our Land’ as a protest song. The song led to a collaborative recording session and quickly developed into a film project, in partnership with professional photographer/producer Chris Vultaggio. Chris and I set out for Utah in efforts to expand the project and tell the story of Bears Ears and its people.
From deep canyons to towering mesas we were captivated by the overwhelming beauty of these threatened lands. However, the struggle is about more than just protecting breathtaking views, it is about respecting and conserving thousands of years of Native American history and culture. These lands are sacred not just because they are rich in archaeological heritage, but because they are a living breathing landscape actively relied upon as a source for sustaining a way of life: food harvesting, medicine gathering, grazing, wood hauling, spiritual healing, and communing with ancestry.
The current administration sees fit to trade these lands for resource extraction. Native communities are contending with yet another threat, not only to their lands but to their health, well-being, and way of life. This is but one more humiliation to bear by an already beleaguered people, sadly all too familiar with systemic abuse and institutionalized exploitation.
We’ve joined this cause to support those on the front lines of this fight and to amplify the millions of dissenting voices that are already shouting to be heard.”
The companion video for the song was filmed in Bears Ears, UT and is co-produced by Krauss and photographer/producer Chris Vultaggio. In the video, Krauss is joined by Karen O, Animal Collective’s Geologist, Maggie Rogers, Miya Folick, Sunflower Bean, Edward Sharpe, Tunde Olaniran, and A Place To Bury Strangers, as well as activists devoted to preserving national parks and defending the ancestral land of indigenous peoples.
All proceeds from the sale of the song along with related merchandise will directly help fund Utah Diné Bikéyah’s effort to reinstate protection for the entire Bears Ears National Monument. Utah Diné Bikéyah is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works to preserve the culturally significant ancestral lands of indigenous communities.
Listen and watch the video for “Our Land” below. Don’t forget to click here to support the cause.
“Our Land” released January 26, 2018
Written by Alexis Krauss
Produced by Alexis Krauss, Shane Stoneback and Chris Vultaggio
Additional production by Jeffrey Fettig
Recorded at The Creamery
Engineered by Jeffrey Fettig
Additional engineering by Peter Darmi
Mixed by Shane Stoneback
Mastered by Joe LaPorta at Sterling Sound
Vocals by Alexis Krauss
Slide guitar by Joel Krauss
Acoustic guitar by Chris Vultaggio
Banjo by Josh Fox
Cello by Rufus Capadoccia
Keyboard by Greta Morgan
Percussion by Zach Fischer
Additional vocals by Tunde Olaniran and Alex Nelson
Leave a Comment