“Empty Streets” is a song Diamond Thug wrote before lockdown and prior to the pandemic. It was written as an ode to feeling overwhelmed in the chaos of the world. It speaks to the tension and anxiety that arises through digesting media and to the difficulties of filtering through propaganda in search of truth.
Since lockdown, it’s clear that the words of the song took on new meaning. The chorus was intended to refer to a quiet, head-clearing walk through small town streets. However with the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns around the world, it’s obvious that the interpretation of the chorus has quite clearly shifted. Both the quiet walk and global lockdown serve as spaces for contemplation.
However the pandemic has introduced a sense of urgency in evaluating our actions that we’d lacked previously. In the weeks since finishing this song and video, the issue of police brutality and structural racism both at home and abroad has rightly risen to the centre of public dialogue and continues to be an important focal point of our Daily conversation. This song was not written with these times in mind, but it was written about our deep need for self-reflection and self-correction and we feel that now more.
Here a some reviews of “Empty Streets”
“Diamond Thug’s come-hither voice dances through salty beach air. It’s something to warm you in the coming winter months” Billboard
“As flawless vocals glide over soaring guitar riffs and electronic melodies, the track has clearly been created for lazy summer evenings and dancing under festival sunsets.” Wonderland
“The product of a musical constellation coming together with a glistening sheen and more than a bit of sparkle.” DIY
My 2 cents on “Empty Streets”
I find this song to be just what the doctor ordered. It’s emotional, heartfelt and extremely soul-touching. Diamond Thug are definitely one of the most-underrated acts in South Africa. It’s a pity that we can’t enjoy this song in a live music festival environment. I think that would be absolutely amazing.
The music video for “Empty Streets” was edited by Abigael Thompson. Footage from Armand Hough, Calvin Thompson & Joshua Rubin was used in the music video. It’s a visual masterpiece (in my humble opinion)
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