Kaz Murphy draws on protest-song history with new single ‘Old Protest Records’

Southern California folk singer-songwriter Kaz Murphy has released “Old Protest Records,” the latest track from his forthcoming fifth studio album, Making Noise: Songs Of Rebellion & Redemption.

Released via Green Monkey Records, the song places Murphy’s folk songwriting alongside elements of Americana and Appalachian bluegrass, with Jacque Grad’s violin among the instrumentation.

At the centre of “Old Protest Records” is Murphy’s fascination with the history of protest music. The song draws its narrative from titles associated with generations of political and socially conscious songwriting, referencing work by artists including Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, Pete Seeger, Billie Holiday, Bob Marley, Public Enemy, Woody Guthrie and Phil Ochs.

Songs referenced in the track include Dylan’s “Masters of War,” Simone’s “Mississippi Goddam,” Seeger-associated standard “We Shall Overcome,” Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” and Ochs’ “I Ain’t Marching Anymore,” alongside several traditional songs.

“I was listening to old protest songs and had the idea,” says Murphy. “I carefully curated each title to create the narrative of my song.”

“Old Protest Records” follows earlier material from Making Noise: Songs Of Rebellion & Redemption, including the title track and “Iowa Ohio Arizona.” The 10-track album is due for release on September 18 through Green Monkey Records.

The record was made at Goat Mountain Recording in Landers, California, with Murphy and Pat Kearns producing. Murphy handles lead vocals alongside acoustic guitar, harmonica, tremolo guitar and tambourine, while the wider lineup includes Grad, Ben Shaw, Susan Kearns and Mir Taylor.

According to the release, 50% of proceeds from the album will be donated to Field Team 6, an organisation focused on registering Democratic voters.

“Old Protest Records” is out now, with Making Noise: Songs Of Rebellion & Redemption following on September 18.