2. "Urus Itu Negara, Bukan Badan Gue (With Luna Onar)"
The Indonesian hyperpop collaboration with Luna Onar, which translates to "Mind the Country, Not My Body," tackles social themes. It expresses a woman's dissatisfaction with society's emphasis on body policing at the expense of the nation's democratic downfall.
3. "Bol'shoy Dyadya i Kreml' (With Aslan Rasputnikov)"
The story of Aslan, a gay Asian man engaged to 'big daddy' Ivan in the Kremlin, is told in this nu-metal song. The song explores themes of political intrigue and forbidden love.
4. "Patty Hearst (With LIL PAZUZU)"
Inspired by the notorious Patty Hearst case, this industrial rap song featuring LIL PAZUZU depicts a girl's disenchantment with her nation's government, which ultimately leads her to become radicalized.
5. "Run Like Hell (With Texas Mexico Line)"
An outlaw country rock song about an American farmer frustrated with ICE's actions, leading him to commit illegal acts while contemplating Marxist ideologies.
Q: What do you want this album's listeners to learn?
Michael: Rebellion involves more than just rage; it also involves a sense of acceptance. Even if they come from quite different origins, many people can relate to the stories that these songs, whether they be in the genres of country, metal, or hyperpop, tell. We're all ultimately simply attempting to understand the world we live in.
Michael Wenas's reputation for pushing boundaries and tackling difficult subjects through his music is cemented by the album's seven additional pieces, each of which explores distinct tales and musical approaches. Red Not Dead: Songs from the Comrades is positioned to be one of the year's most intriguing albums due to its audacious lyrics and songs that defy genres.
