Freedom is a feeling we can all recognize, but it’s experienced differently by each of us. For Canadian singer, guitarist, and producer Brett Carruthers, and Dutch Americana singer-songwriter JOASH, learning to play guitar became their personal path to freedom. Both recognize this connection.
They meet in the second episode of the Far Out Freedom 45 series. This series explores how, 80 years after the liberation of the Netherlands—where Canada played a vital role—music can still be used to celebrate liberation and freedom. It also raises the question: should artists actively stand up for peace and freedom through their music? Perhaps the answer can be found in the songs the two musicians share in the podcast: “Common Sense” and “Dead Skies.”
Freedom as Common Sense
For JOASH, “Common Sense” holds a special place in his career. With this song, he entered the Songs of Freedom contest, where emerging artists were invited to share their interpretation of freedom through music.
The main prize was a performance at the Liberation Festival in Wageningen, the city where peace was officially declared in 1945. That performance became a milestone in his career.
The song itself reflects on the freedom JOASH experiences, contrasted with the restrictions faced by people his age in other parts of the world.
The Repeating Rhythm of War and Fighting for Freedom
Brett Carruthers’ song “Dead Skies”, created with his band A Primitive Evolution (APE), addresses the cyclical nature of history—powers rising and attempting to dominate other nations, again and again.
The track blends music with archival footage, and though it was released some time ago, its relevance seems only to increase.
With A Primitive Evolution, Brett creates music that critiques or reflects on contemporary life. By contrast, with his other band, The Birthday Massacre, he makes more nostalgic, escapist music. With APE, however, the music confronts reality—songs like “Dead Skies” shine a light on the darker truths of our time.
Watch & Listen to the full episode of Far Out #6 now on your favorite streaming platforms. The last two episode of Apeldoorn and Burlington, Canada, will be online soon.
This project is powered and supported by: Gemeente Apeldoorn Poppodium Gigant V-Fonds Mojo Dojo.
