West Philadelphia Orchestra advocates for climate change relief in Philly on new song “Ancestors”

No doubt climate change has been on the minds of many Philadelphians recently. It won’t be easy to forget the image of I-76 flooded up to Vine St. And, now that fall finally feels upon us, didn’t its onset seem a tad late this year? Instead of being bogged down by worry, ensemble brass band West Philadelphia Orchestra were inspired to make change. 

After experimenting with a number of new directions during the pandemic, West Philadelphia Orchestra resurfaced to release their first new music in over a year: the song “Ancestors,” with accompanying lyric video. “Ancestors” is a grand warning to everyone listening that our industries and lifestyles aren’t sustainable, and that the destruction we live with was fomented by our “ancestors of disaster,” who “felt entitled to live like masters.” West Philadelphia Orchestra’s passionate, introspective lyrics are matched by lush horns that devolve into a frenzied freestyle in the bridge. 

The video for “Ancestors,” which features doomsday images of floods and fires, was intentionally released just days ahead of the UN Climate Conference, which will decide how participating countries will deliver ambitious carbon emissions goals by mid-century. Back in Philadelphia, a portion of the proceeds for “Ancestors” on Bandcamp will be donated to Philly Thrive, a nonprofit fighting for environmental justice for communities of color and low-income status. Watch the full video at the link below and give it a stream on Bandcamp here.