LOS ANGELES, CA- Boxing Gandhis are a Los Angeles based funk/soul band that made some waves back in the early/mid-90s when their debut album spawned the hit single “If You Love Me (Why Am I Dyin’)”. The band recently reunited and recorded their latest album, Culture War, which was released on August 16, 2019.
A band that has always prided themselves on writing music focused on social issues (per Boxing Gandhi founder David Darling, “It’s what brought us together in the first place”), they’ve decided to put their money where their music is, and are donating ALL proceeds from the album directly to the ACLU to help minorities and immigrants who otherwise may not have a voice.
The songs on Culture War were inspired by recent national/political events. David Darling says:
In April 2018 news reports started showing up about child separations at the southern border. I was horrified. I’m a parent, and active in children’s rights, and support. The idea that a government could inflict that kind of fear and emotional pain on children as a punishment or deterrent freaked me the fuck out. I started to write – I didn’t know what else to do. I started to write the song “Disappear” from the standpoint of trying to comfort a child who probably doesn’t speak English, doesn’t know what’s happening, and is scared to death. The song sounded like a Boxing Gandhis song. I called all of the original BG’s and asked them if they would reform and make a record with me.
Originally the idea was to make an EP about the immigration and asylum issues, but that turned into a full-length CD about many of the issues we were talking about when we started writing. The new America looks a lot like the old America…but worse because lack of empathy is in fashion right now.
David spoke candidly about “getting the gang back together” and finding a way to get the music out to the world as well:
All of the original members came together and we decided to try to use the record for something tangible – make money to help fund the struggle. The vote was unanimous to give all the proceeds to organizations that were supplying legal services to immigrants, suing the government about policy, and generally fighting the fight. We decided that the ACLU was doing most of the things we believe need to be done. I spoke with my friend Kirk Pasich, founder of Blue Elan records about the project, and he didn’t blink – he offered to put the record out on his label.
Boxing Gandhis broke up 25 years ago after 2 records and years of touring. We will always be family, but the band had become a bit of a struggle. Besides this record being a voice, and for me a weapon, it also ended up being therapy for the family.
Hopefully, Culture War will serve as some therapy for our nation as well or at least “put a little drop of love in your silly mutherfucking head”.
Listen to, purchase, and join Boxing Gandhis’ efforts as well.
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