Image Source: The Chicks Facebook
Legendary country-pop trio The Dixie Chicks have announced they are officially dropping “Dixie” from their name, going forward as The Chicks.
The decision comes in after large anti-racist protests have taken place throughout the United States, and the world. The word itself is a slang word for the southern states of the USA, especially those that belonged to the pro-slavery Confederacy.
The politically outspoken trio, made up of Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer and Martie Maguire, said in a press statement “A sincere and heartfelt thank you goes out to ‘The Chicks’ of NZ for their gracious gesture in allowing us to share their name. We are honored to co-exist together in the world with these exceptionally talented sisters. Chicks Rock!”
Along with the name change, the trio dropped their new single March March. The accompanying video for the track features videos and images from the recent Black Lives Matter rallies as well as significant protests and movements throughout history. The song comes from their upcoming album Gaslighter, their first studio album since 2006.
This is not the first time the trio have used their music politically. In 2006, the band released their single Not Ready To Make Nice after receiving widespread backlash from the country music industry after a comment made onstage by lead singer Natalie Maines, criticising George Bush over the USA’s invasion of Iraq. The comment left the trio blacklisted from country radio. However, the track went on to reach iconic status, being certified 2× Platinum and winning three Grammy Awards.
Gaslighter is out July 17.