Indeed, it is a total delight to be able to shine the limelight once more on the Deptford Sound Collective, the real soul of South London music. For quite a while now, they have managed to capture the dynamic spirit of their environment and transform it into beauty. They made their mark on us with those addictive songs, “Give Me. Give Me. Give Me, I Want It All,” “#Stop Running,” and “Miss You #Tupac”, songs which stole my heart as soon as I heard them. Now, it’s time for them to take our speakers by storm with their latest single, “#Broke.” It’s time to unravel the mystery of this newest release and get into the music.
The song begins with a gentle yet alluring tune played on the piano, which is quickly complemented by the sound of snapping fingers in time with the beat. The song has a highly infectious rhythm not only because it sets the pace but because it makes you crave the rest of the music.
Apart from the infectiously rhythmic beats, “#Broke” is an intense and uncensored account of the life in modern times. It recounts the story of a person who is engaged in a ruthless grind day after day, cycling, working hard at three different jobs but even then finds themselves tied down to welfare to make ends meet. In such a way of life, concepts such as love, leisure, or relationship have ceased to be a reality and turned into luxury as there is no room left for anything but plain survival. What was once viewed as a story relevant to far-off developing economies is here, at our doorsteps, as in light of the general downturn of economy none of us are exempt. The system has clearly become broken as it widens the divide between those who flourish and those who support it. This song provides the required loud voice for the silent frustration of the silent majority: nurses, delivery men, warehouse workers, care workers, retail staff and all others who follow every rule and regulation but get excluded from the stability they deserve. As one of the representatives of the Deptford Sound Collective put it in his/her statement, #Broke is not simply a music song; it is also a mirror reflected upon the face of modern Britain. “We see working people cycling in rain and tiredness, stocking up shelves, smiling at clients, and choosing whether to heat or eat”, says the band
Now, the Deptford Sound Collective presents their latest release, the sixth in their renowned and essential series of tracks – the anthem #Broke. It is not only a track but an honest depiction of the lives of millions of people around the world who continue to get stuck in the cycle of wage slavery in the UK and across the planet. The Deptford Sound Collective is a group of musicians, activists, and artists that originate from South London with a tradition of making music that helps make real changes. They create music tracks that serve as the background for resistance, healing, and hope. Whenever they support housing struggles, fight for mental well-being or stand up in international solidarity, the Deptford Sound Collective proves one thing – their music is the protest you can dance to.
In summary, “#Broke” is more than just your regular song because it is a massive anthem against oppression. It pays tribute to the inner strength and courage of people who have to endure hard work in silence without forgetting that this whole system has failed people by making them work so hard for almost nothing. It goes without saying that the Deptford Sound Collective makes sure that the music produced is always at the highest heat possible in terms of both intellectual stimulation and impact on people. I consider it a privilege to experience what these people create.
Stream “#Broke” on Spotify
