What's Happening?
Tom Waits has unveiled a new spoken word piece titled 'The Fly,' which serves as the B-side to his recent collaboration with Massive Attack. This marks Waits' second original recording since his 2011 album 'Bad as Me.' The piece is accompanied by an animated
lyric video illustrated by his son, Casey Waits. In 'The Fly,' Waits uses his distinctive growl to deliver a four-and-a-half-minute reflection on the persistence of flies and their symbolic connection to human folly. The track is co-written with his wife, Kathleen Brennan, and follows 'Boots on the Ground,' a protest song also recorded with Massive Attack. Both tracks will be featured on an 'EcoSonic' 180g 12-inch vinyl single, with proceeds supporting civil rights and community advocacy organizations.
Why It's Important?
The release of 'The Fly' underscores Tom Waits' continued influence in the music industry, particularly in the realm of spoken word and protest music. By collaborating with Massive Attack, Waits bridges different musical genres and generations, potentially reaching a broader audience. The decision to donate proceeds from the vinyl sales to civil rights and community advocacy organizations highlights the intersection of art and activism, reflecting a growing trend among artists to use their platforms for social change. This move could inspire other musicians to engage in similar philanthropic efforts, thereby amplifying the impact of their work beyond entertainment.
What's Next?
The release of 'The Fly' and its accompanying vinyl could spark further collaborations between Tom Waits and other artists interested in blending music with social commentary. As the vinyl becomes available for preorder, it may attract attention from both Waits' long-time fans and new listeners drawn by the collaboration with Massive Attack. The success of this project could lead to additional releases that support various causes, potentially setting a precedent for how artists can leverage their work for advocacy. Additionally, the animated lyric video may inspire other musicians to explore creative visual storytelling methods to complement their music.
