Welland, Ontario based reggae-rockers Street Pharmacy have teamed up with east coast industry veterans and Rochester, New York legends Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad on their newest single “They Don’t Give a $$$$.” The song, available for streaming starting July 3rd, 2020, tackles the root of the world’s rising tensions amid a year full of crises. The song also cleverly outlines the ongoing manipulation of power and modern corruption over humanity-focused ambitions.
“They Don’t Give a $$$$” mixes two genres deeply rooted in social commentary and calls to action, reggae and punk, while adding a modern rock anthem-edged chorus that serves as a rallying cry. The relevant subject matter and serious tonal qualities of the composition makes for a timely song that addresses current world issues head on while calling on the people to demand change from the top down. “They Don’t Give a $$$$” sees Street Pharmacy frontman Ryan Guay showcase his penchant for cheeky lyrics with double-edged meanings throughout the song’s chorus and outro. His lyrical versatility allows him to appear unafraid to venture into new territory when society is screaming for it. “The chorus lyrics and the use of the cash register sample was intentional from the very beginning,” said Guay. “Using the cash register sample in the midst of a heavy, alternative rock-oriented chorus allows for a two-fold meaning to co-exist: the pseudo-use of profanity for the purpose of hammering home the severity of the message and, more obviously, the issues of corruption and wealth distribution that has plagued marginalized and poverty-stricken people for far too long.”
Guay’s lyrical and sample-based hook are perfectly augmented by Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad frontman and bassist, James Searl’s call to action in two reggae-rock infused verses. “It’s impossible to squeeze all of our world concerns into a verse chorus verse, so we thought it important to stress the call to action and awareness. I think we both had our political compasses tuned by the rock, reggae, and the hip hop of our youth.”
The collaboration between artists promotes further dialogue between changemakers within society, calling for a unification of citizens across the globe to promote a broad expansion of human rights and an end to oppression.
Street Pharmacy and Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad have both helped grow the American reggae scene, garnering critical acclaim, countless media placements across trendsetting blogs, national television, and festivals around North America. The latest effort “They Don’t Give A $$$$” executes a fusion of genres and lyrical relevancy that is bound to garner attention from ears all over. Follow the groups below to stay up to date on further developments.
