The desert has become a pivotal landscape where, for centuries, people fought battles, and may have met the end. Up to this day, tons continue to fight against the many forms of oppression embarking them. In this case, it symbolizes the crossing point where undocumented immigrants strive to cut through that scorching desert that divides the U.S. and Mexico in hopes to reach the other side.
The New York-based politically-charged, future rock quintet, Outernational, holds no barriers. Counter-narrating the everyday experiences of immigrants and the voiceless classes, “The Beginning Is Here,” off the appropriately-titled Todos Somos Ilegales, starts by highlights an ongoing struggle we face — a discussion between two undocumented Latinos where promises and sacrifices are made (narrative from the film El Norte). As soon as the tune takes full sound, frontman Miles Solay shouts out some demands while prancing around, maybe targeted at us, first, second, third generation peeps and whoever else is listening, to get our asses out of comfort zone and take action. The video is cool, and the guys are fun to watch. The song is even more inspiring accompanied by full blasting sounds of militant trumpets and powerful electro fret works.
Photo Credit: Ashley Noelle
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Below find a playlist featuring Outernational’s “We Are All Illegals” with Tom Morello, Calle 13, and Chad Smith
TODOS SOMOS ILEGALES: WE ARE ALL ILLEGALS TOUR
4/4 – Brownsville, TX @ Galeria 409
4/5 – South Padre Island, TX @ IM Festival w Los Amigos Invisibles
4/6 – Laredo, TX @ AJ’s
4/7 – San Antonio, TX w Piñata Protest @ Hi Tones
4/9 – Marfa, TX @ Padre’s
4/10 – El Paso, TX @ Lips Lounge
4/12 – Arizona State University
4/12 – Komatke on the Gila River Indian Community (Akimel O’odham territory)
4/13 – Flagstaff, AZ @ Taala Hooghan Infoshop
4/14 – Tuscon, AZ (Occupied Tohono O’odham territory)
4/21 – Sacramento, CA @ Sol Collective
4/25 – Reno, NV @ Reno Underground
4/28 – San Diego, CA @ Roots Factory
5/1 Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo with Subsuelo / TIX
5/5 Houston, TX @ Continental Club w Los Skarnales
5/10 Houston, TX @ House of Blues with Calle 13
5/11 Austin TX @ Pachanga Fest with Calle 13
5/12 Austin TX @ Pachanga Fest
5/18 Chicago, IL @ Abbey Pub
5/24 NYC @ Dominion NY / TIX
*MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED