Pop-world duo HuDost has released another activist anthem, ‘Beat the Drum Harder’
We fell in love with award-winning duo HuDost last year when they released their activist anthem “Our Words Will be Louder” in response to the killing of Black Americans by police. Now, they are calling for the conservation of the planet with the release of their pressing new single and mesmerizing new music video, “Beat the Drum Harder.”
Led by Montreal, QC artist Moksha Sommer and Bowling Green, KY artist Jemal Wade Hines, the song is from HuDost’s forthcoming album, Anthems of Home, which is due in November.
“The single addresses our disconnection from — and harm of — the planet, and our awakening to the needed return,” the band said. “It is a joyous and celebratory call for us to open our ears and consciousness to the heartbeat of the earth that brings us back to the source.”
For the music video, HuDost was able to partner with esteemed choreographer Rebecca Steinberg and accomplished videographer Sam Boyette. They worked with the WKU Dance Program & WKU Dance Company and involved almost 20 additional dancers.
“The creation process was challenging as all preparations were done within the restraints of Covid,” the duo recalled. “Rehearsals were conducted via zoom, and all preparation was done separately.
“It was only on the day of filming that everyone came together in-person, freshly vaccinated, and delighted to work. That in-person union was a symbolic mirroring of the greater message of the song and video…
“Even if we are estranged or isolated from our greater source, the return can and will happen.”
Moksha Sommer grew up in the mountains of southern Quebec and, through her entire childhood, her parents fought for the conservation of Mount Pinnacle (land of the Western Abenakis) that they were fortunate enough to call home. The land was finally protected, and the struggle taught Moksha a great deal about what it truly means to respect the land and live in alliance with it.
HuDost have been committed advocates/activists for the non-profit ONE for several years and have learned a great deal about music as a form of advocacy. “Beat the Drum Harder” reflects that in subtle but accessible ways.
HuDost’s previous album, Water + Mercy (2019) received rave reviews and, as an independent release, reached #24 on the Billboard sales charts for folk/Americana; it also won the duo the Independent Music Award for Social Action Song.
In the last year, HuDost have also received two Best of Nashville 2020 awards. They have been fortunate to have prestigious performance opportunities throughout the years and have toured internationally since 2006 — collaborating with wild, accomplished, and respected artists, musicians, dancers, and activists.
“It is through music that the losses and gains, pains and triumphs, and excruciating beauty of life can be given a voice of empathy,” they write.
“Beat the Drum Harder” is available now. Anthems of Home is available November 2021.
