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A gentle reminder that "Outrage fatigue" is real and is actually a tool of fascists like Trump. Keep fighting but give your self permission to step back and relax and rest before picking up the fight again. I was thinking about this today, and in my head, my initial counter-thought was that it was my white privilege to think I could take a break (and that is a question worth considering), but I say this for everyone in the fight.
The other thing is recognizing what is productive. I absolutely hate comment sections - it brings out the shittiest side of everyone. But, (if you critically evaluate the role of trolls in such forums) it can be a way to understand the "other side". If a person making comments is being genuine and honest, even if you think they are misguided or wrong, the words they use and the arguments they make can help to shed light on what we are up against.
That being said, I can waste time and energy getting worked up over posts in the comment section of articles, tweets, or Facebook posts. It can (and does) put me into a mental tailspin and contributes to my exhaustion and burnout. Like all of life, balance is important. This fight is essential and critical and vital, but it is not everything. Quite moments, laughs with friends, music, art, nature are all important, too.
Continuing our Featured Friday Playlist recap with songs 9-12. We will cover songs 13-15 tomorrow to wrap up this week's list.
9. "I Love You (Don't Laugh)" by Andre Salvador and the Von Kings
Andre Salvador and the Von Kings is the moniker of indie pop singer-songwriter Tim Cheplick who is based in Brooklyn. This is the debut single from the forthcoming self-titled album. The album was recorded in Nashville and produced by Robin Eaton. Proving that coincidences reign supreme here at E2TG, Robin Eaton has worked with numerous artists and friends including Tommy Womack, Tim Easton, and Swan Dive to name a few. Most famously (I guess), he has worked alongside Jill Sobule on several albums.10. "Hold On (Italians in the Night)" by Beth McKee
Friend of E2TG Beth Mckee is back with a new single that captures the feelings this time in which are are living. The song was co-written at the beginning of the pandemic with fellow Orlando singer-songwriter Terri Binion. McKee's drummer husband plays on the album. And she once again works with producer John Pfiffner who produced her Dreamwood Acres album - which was our introduction to her music.11. "Your Parents (Dancing with the Stars)" by Benedict Sinister
Next up, a rather interesting track from electro-pop artist Benedict Sinister which is a pointed and clever take on meeting the significant other's parents - told with a distinctively New York bent. The song is packed full of references - pop culture, politics and more. The cleverness never overwhelms the joy of the track.12. "Barcelona (Memoryy Remix)" by Kevin Herig
A remix of a recent single by indie-pop singer-songwriter Kevin Herig by electro-pop artist Memoryy. I dig it. A cool addition to this week's playlist.
Featured Friday Playlist
