Out here determined to change history, Woody Lissauer recognises that art, particularly music, has the power to change hearts and minds. With his new single, ‘No Kings’, this self-styled “artivist” is rallying the citizens of Earth to make the world a better place in which we can all live.
Woody himself is standing on the shoulders of giants, following on from his father, a fellow music enthusiast who had an impressively extensive record collection and his own civil-rights themed radio show. Starting his classical music training at just the age of 5, Woody was already writing songs by 9. He then completed his BA in composition under jazz legend Hank Levy, following which he was quickly recruited to play full-time with some of the biggest touring bands in the Mid-Atlantic music scene. He’s not stopped since.
Woody Lissauer’s day job is as a founding member of Baltimore band, Cubic Feet, among his many other music projects, but by night, he shares stages with major touring acts and fronting original bands on the Chrysalis, A&M & Warner labels, as well as constant club work, through which he’s developed a distinctive solo performance style, which is built around intricate guitar work and original songwriting.
His musical repartoire spans decades, of which “Artivism” is just one small piece; he is also proficient in punkified Russian bardskoy musik, poetic French ballads, and banjo-blazing folk and Tommy Emmanuel-style guitar explorations. His discography is well-worth perusing, and there’s no better place to start than with new release, ‘No Kings’.
Built on the refrain, “Once there was a dream, there would be no kings”, harking back to the foundation of the American Republic, and the bold vision of the founding fathers, stepping up to question power, authority, and civic responsibility in modern-day democracy. ‘No Kings’ draws from these core beliefs, in genuine and inspired expression of frustration. He calls on everyone to reclaim those freedoms and agency that they fought so hard to have.
Working with Chuck Sabo, best known for his work with the Elton John and Tina Turner bands, as well as Myles Evans and guest singer Gordon Michaels, the “No Kings Choir” turns heavenward with every sentiment, their voices a challenge to rampant tyranny, together channeling the unshakable power of standing as one against it.
Without hesitation, Lissauer lets the world know how he, and many others, truly feel, that there is no place for fascism in the United States Of America – or indeed the world – “No kings but us!” we all declare. “No kings at all!”
The accompanying music video was created by Lissauer himself, calling on decades of filmmaking and editing skills he’s developed alongside his music career. He turns recognisably iconic American imagery on its head, and twists it into a dystopian landscape, which sadly is eerily familiar. A wrecking arrow slices through the Capitol building, the hallowed halls crumbling, a reminder that the foundations the USA was built on could easily tumble down fast. The fragile dream that opens the song, however, is one that refuses to disappear, and “No Kings” is a clarion call for people to prevail against the powers that would try to destroy it all.
Be moved by the music video for ‘No Kings’ below, and find out more about Woody Lissauer and his music online on Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify.
