Delta Rae just released their newest single, “Hands Dirty”. It is a powerful and honest song written from a female’s perspective about standing up against discrimination, working towards equality, and not giving up by doing what we can to invoke change. One example: exercising our right to vote.
With lyrics like these, I find the song to be very inspiring and thought-provoking:
“I could raise the crops from the earth
I could raise my children from birth
But when I’m looking for work
They say that job ain’t for her
I could be a good mans wife
I could give a new child life
But when I fight for my rights
They say no woman, no cry
But I ain’t giving up
I can’t count on luck
I get my hands dirty
I show up so early
They show me no mercy
So I just keep working
Maybe God could save me
Or my boss might pay me
Right now no one serves me
Maybe their hands are dirty, dirty, dirty, dirty”
In today’s heated climate filled with political discourse, divisiveness, and the #MeToo movement, it’s a very relevant and empowering anthem for women or anyone who has had to fight to be heard. Yes, it might be 2018 and some might think that we have moved past that; however, it is very much still an issue in our world. We SHOULD have already moved past this, but sadly we have not. Women are still making less than their male counterparts. Talented female artists on country radio are struggling to get anywhere close to equal airplay, far below what is given to male artists. Women are still not equal in roles of leadership within our government. Finally, too many women find themselves being survivors of sexual assault finding comfort that they are not alone with #MeToo movement. We’ve got much work to still do and can’t be afraid as socially conscious people to get our “hands dirty” by being proactive about bringing about change with something as simple as starting a conversation about it.
I recently had the pleasure to speak with Brittany Hölljes, who along with her brothers, Eric Hölljes and Ian Hölljes, Grant Emerson, Elizabeth Hopkins, and Mike McKee form the group, Delta Rae.
Delta Rae emerged from Durham, North Carolina nine years ago etching out a sound all their own that can best be described as southern gothic, swampy, folk with strong harmonies blended with an emphasis on big percussion and big voices through the lead of Brittany Hölljes and Elizabeth Hopkins. The group as a whole is filled with passion, purpose, energy, and joy in the creation of music unafraid to step outside the box of what everyone else is doing. Their name taken from a character in a book that the Hölljes’ mother created and writes about that has yet to be published.
Photo Credit: David McClister
Pictured: L-R: Back Row – Liz Hopkins, Brittany Holljes, Grant Emerson
L-R: Front Row – Mike McKee, Eric Holljes, Ian Holljes
Brittany Hölljes is a bold, beautiful blonde with a razor sharp intellect who gives off a more mysterious vibe and comes alive on the stage, which always seems to put me in mind of musical great, Stevie Nicks. I think it’s just what comes most natural to her from the way she dresses on stage and where she probably feels most comfortable to be herself; expressing herself artistically through music.
Deciding to open up about her own personal experience is what inspired Brittany Hölljes to write this song alongside her brother and bandmate, Ian. There is strength to be found in sharing your truth and putting feelings down into words can be quite healing. Sadly, at the age of 15, she was sexually assaulted. I am so sorry that she ever had to go through that traumatic experience. This vile act, which is much less about sex and more about power over another, is not uncommon in our society. Far too many women have their own stories to share. I believe it is 1 in every 3 women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime, and those stats are derived from those strong enough to report it. I think the actual statistics would shock us if we really knew the full scope of the problem if the unreported experiences were brought to light and figured in; lots of experiences we are now hearing from social media with the #MeToo movement. With the support of her brothers and parents, she survived and came out stronger; although it is something that always stays with you and shapes you for the rest of your life.
Another sad part is that our society has created this rape culture where people are more likely to blame the victims in questioning what they were wearing, if they were drinking, etc., which tries to suggest the blame falls on the female while seemingly excusing the male with the “boys will be boys” comment suggesting that they can’t control themselves. People have to stop this victim blaming. Period.
Brittany Hölljes even experienced some negative feedback from people on the internet after she opened up about what happened in her past, hearing comments like: “get over it”, etc. These responses are just so wrong and hurtful. Always try to put yourself in another’s shoes and show empathy whenever you can. I greatly admire her strength and determination as she shared her truth.
She spoke with The Washington Post about being a woman in country music and how the industry has reacted read the full article here: https://goo.gl/JhcCLq.
Brittany told writer Emily Yahr at The Washington Post, “I wanted to make sure that they knew this song is about female empowerment, but it is also coming from someone who doesn’t always feel powerful, who experienced someone trying to take my power from me. We can rise from that place. … We have to change this environment and narrative so that the next generation and women don’t have to experience this kind of misogyny.”
“It’s really a song for anyone that has had to fight to find their place in this world” and “anyone that is struggling under the thumb of the proverbial ‘man'”, stated the singer when speaking with me over the phone.
You can catch Delta Rae every Wednesday now through December 19th at The Basement in Nashville beginning at 8pm with The Delta Rae Revival. Limited tickets to this intimate performance are still available at: www.deltarae.com.
Below is a glimpse of what you can expect to see, but there is much, much more and you really want to see it in-person.
For our full review of the the Delta Rae Revival, click here to be taken to that article.
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