STONECHILD by Friendship Commanders

“STONECHILD” was written about the circumstances of Stonechild Chiefstick’s death on July 3, 2019. Stonechild was a Chippewa Cree man who was part of the Suquamish Tribal community in Poulsbo, Washington. Stonechild was 39 years old when he was killed, a father of five. He was killed by a white police officer in front of many community members who were gathered to observe the 3rd of July fireworks display. Systemic racism continues to inform the unfolding story and we want to elevate what we can here. We want you to know his name, his life. Cassy Fowler, who speaks in Lushootseed on the track, does so on behalf of Stonechild’s family. The txʷəlšucid (Lushootseed) lyrics were written by txʷəlšucid Cassy Fowler (Suquamish), Zalmai Zahir ʔəswəli (Puyallup), and Chris Duenas (Puyallup). The song was written to acknowledge a life, question a death, and stand in solidarity with a community that has lost someone. We, alongside the people who knew him, demand justice for Stonechild.

“YOUR REIGN IS OVER” was written in a fit of frustration. During a year that has held a pandemic, a revolution for racial justice, economic uncertainty for so many, devastating environmental emergencies, and what is likely the most important presidential election of many of our lifetimes, the song was written to shout-down people who use immense privilege and platform to cause further harm.

Tracklist

1.	Stonechild	4:10

2.	Your Reign Is Over	3:16

Credits

released October 12, 2020

TTS059

Produced by Friendship Commanders
Engineered by Jerry Roe and Buick Audra at Fort Knockout, Nashville TN
Additional tracking was done at The Shoebox, Nashville TN
Assistant engineering by Matthew Singler
File-doctoring of Lushootseed track by Justin Francis
Mixed by Kurt Ballou at GodCity Studio, Salem MA
Mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege, Portland OR

"Stonechild" music and English lyrics were written by Buick Audra
(Buick Audra Music / BMI)
The txʷəlšucid (Lushootseed) lyrics were written by txʷəlšucid Cassy Fowler (Suquamish), Zalmai Zahir ʔəswəli (Puyallup), and Chris Duenas (Puyallup)

"Your Reign Is Over" was written by Buick Audra

Buick Audra - guitar and vocals
Jerry Roe - drums and bass

Cover art by Ethan McCarthy

FC would like to thank the family & community of Stonechild Chiefstick, The Suquamish Tribal community, Cassy Fowler, Lynne Ferguson, Zalmai Zahir ʔəswəli, Chris Duenas, Kurt Ballou, Brad Boatright, Matthew Singler, Justin Francis, Ethan McCarthy, Aaron Gray & Heavy Talent, Dave Johnson & Scale Model Guitars, Hime Amplification (who truly saved the day), The Shoebox, and Rocky y Tommy.

Buick Audra would like to thank the women—especially Lynne and Cassy, Jerry, Boey, Tom Spaulding & D’Addario, and MESA.

Jerry Roe would like to thank Chris Brewer & Meinl Cymbals, Scott Garrison & DW Hardware, Joe Testa & Vic Firth, Gregg Keplinger, Jeff Steiger at CAPI Gear, Joshua Colby at Vintage King, Chad Evans & Mark Ellis at Westlake Pro Audio, and Josh Thomas at Rupert Neve Designs/sE Electronics.

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