“Stay out of politics” is something that a lot of people comment on the internet these days. No one wants their beloved musicians, athletes, actors, etc. to say anything political. But how can we not write honestly about the world around us? “Citizen” is a song aimed at shutting down this notion of keeping quiet.

I met Gary Clark Jr. at BottleRock in Napa, and he came to mind again almost two years later when we wanted to add something to the song to give it a finishing touch. His bold and free style of playing seemed to speak to the core idea of the song.

I’m inspired by the people protesting in the streets, the POC leading the charge to dismantle white supremacy, and the other voices speaking out about the myriad of issues we are faced with in 2021. “Citizen” was written shortly after his election and is released to the world as a farewell to perhaps the worst and most divisive president in US history.