Amid all the positive ongoing racial conversations happening all across the globe, post-hardcore outfit Slaves have just announced a future name change following the release of their upcoming album To Better Days.
Commenting on the matter, the band took to their socials to say:
“As individuals, as well as a collective, we hold certain virtues close to our hearts – honesty and transparency with our fans being some of the most important.
Early on in the process of writing and recording the new album To Better Days, we discussed what this new iteration of our band should sound like, what it should look like, as well as what it should be called. We decided then, this would be our last release under the name ‘Slaves.’
The name ‘Slaves‘ was conceived as a reference to the band’s battle with substance abuse in the past, to the idea that we become enslaved by our addictions and by our own demons. Our goal has always been to tackle these difficult subjects head on, as well as to build a community and share stories of hope to let others know that their inner demons can be defeated.
However, this definition of the name neglects to take ownership of its racial connotations. As obstinate supporters of the BLM movement, we cannot continue to tour our music and our positive message to a word associated with such negative weight and hurt.
To Better Days will represent the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another for the band. This is something we have been planning for a while and are excited to start unveiling [our] new music, new name, later this year.
We are thankful to our fans that continue to stick by us and we look forward to sharing this new era with you moving forward.
With love and gratitude,
Colin, Felipe, Matt, Weston, Zack”
Along with the news regarding their upcoming name switch, the band has also shared their brand new single “Like I Do.” To check it out, see below. Afterward, make sure to pre-order To Better Days here.
