After the tragic death of George Floyd and the on-going issues of police brutality, Austin, TX’s Big Loser decided they did not want to stand on the sidelines without fighting for justice. They penned the song “Ruby Red” and will have 100% of the proceeds go to The Austin Justice Coalition.

“In the wake of George Floyd’s death, it became apparent in vividly horrible colors the amount of systemic racism that has been and still is in place in America. Countless black stories were shared via social media along with raw footage of police brutality. Just recently a video was released of an unarmed black man, Jacob Blake, being shot in the back by police in front of his kids. It’s still happening. It’s difficult to not be emotionally affected by all of it, and that’s why we wrote ‘Ruby Red,’ in hopes to release it and raise some money for a righteous cause. The Austin Justice Coalition is a racial justice group that educates and builds community power for people of color who live in Austin, Texas, that need support, community, and liberation during a time of systemic injustice in America. The issues in America run deep and wide, but we chose to team up with AJC because we believe the fight for justice starts locally and they’re a great organization helping those in need right now.,” explained frontman Chase Spruiell.

Fronted by Chase Spruiell, Big Loser is an American rock band that pairs hard-hitting lyrics, electrifying guitars, with beautiful song arrangements. Their debut record, Love You, Barely Living was released on April 3.

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Suzanne Santo

Ruby Red

Reviewed by: Brenda Hillegas

Here in the great city of Philadelphia, World Cafe Live and WXPN collaborate to bring us a weekly “Free at Noon” show. The free, hour-long live sets feature musicians who are usually in town for a headlining show. Last year, I caught Suzanne Santo along with Butch Walker and although I had loved Walker for many years, I left that show with an admiration (and a bit of a girl crush) on Santo.

On Santo’s debut solo album, Ruby Red, she collaborates with Walker on a track titled “Better Than That”. This song shows off what Suzanne Santo is made of – raw, honest vocals and a heavy dose of perfect Americana. It’s a shame “Better Than That” nearly closes out Ruby Red, as it’s a good enough lead track.

With that being said though, the first track, “Handshake”, draws in the listener with an eerie-pop intro and a raspy old record player sound. This anti-love song (or is it just an honest, actual love song?) proves what anyone who may have seen Santo perform before already has known. She’s the real deal.

Other stand out tracks include the soul-spilling “Best Out of Me”, the kick-ass “Love Fucked Up”, and “The Wrong Man” which is something that we can all relate to…right?!

After more than a decade-long career, Santo (who is also half of the duo Honeyhoney), gives us her all in a stand alone album. Her stellar songwriting across eleven songs creates unforgettable ballads, rock and roll, and incredibly pure, beautiful music overall.

Rating: Bad-Ass