Redhead Mack Band push back against Canada’s past injustices with their reflective new single Oppression — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
There’s a classic adage that says those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. And in a world where old injustices and inequalities continue to be uncovered while current one remain, that statement unfortunately still rings true. For Calgary rockers Redhead Mack Band, educating youth about rather recent scandals such as Canada’s residential schools and the tragic price paid by Indigenous children is a difficult challenge. But fortunately, they’ve taken a great step towards creating awareness of universal injustices with Oppression, the latest single from their album You Know That You Want To.
“Teaching children the history of wars, slavery, genocide, etc. is all impactful, but usually refers to events that feel long ago or far away,” says singer-guitarist Kevin Phillips, a schoolteacher during the day. “Explaining to elementary kids that residential schools happened here in Canada and were still a thing when their parents were kids was interesting. The song doesn’t refer to specific events in history, but states that, along with trying to not be divided and work together, we need to stop treating anybody as ‘other.’ “
Oppression, brought to the band by Phillips, was fleshed out by the rest of the group — lead guitarist Lee Carlson, bassist and backing vocalist Jared Wiebe and drummer Ian Fraser Love. The result is a tender slice of Southern-tinged rock, which the band says emerges as “a bit more serious and laid back” than the rest of the material on You Know That You Want To.
One subtle but interesting turn of phrase in Oppression is a reference to the late soul singer Solomon Burke and his rendition of the song None Of Us Are Free. The song, perhaps first recognized when Ray Charles recorded it, appeared on Burke’s 2002 album Don’t Give Up On Me. None Of Us Are Free also featured a guest appearance by The Blind Boys of Alabama. While some might consider it a throwaway line, the lyric shows the depth, care and tact Redhead Mack Band have toward the issue — and its music overall.
Redhead Mack Band have performed across Western Canada, but for them, “being in a band isn’t just about playing shows — it’s about passion, heart, and a love for the music that drives us every day. Each practice, each performance, and every note we hit reminds us why we do what we do. It’s the connection, the energy, and the thrill of creating something that moves people. We pour our souls into every song, and it’s that love for music that keeps us going, no matter what challenges come our way.”
Check out Oppression above, listen to more of You Know That You Want To below, and keep up with Redhead Mack Band on their website, Facebook and Instagram.
