From America to Mexico to Argentina travels the ever-curious music project known as Death is a Business. It’s hard to call the group a singular band since the lineup frequently changes. It can’t be helped however, as they experiment with – and splice genres from – around the world. The latest member, Sonia Erika, took an interesting turn away from her campaign for advocacy in cannabis to become their vocalist.
A Harvard graduate and co-founder of the Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council (MRCC), Sonia is a long-time advocate for cannabis legalization. It was only recently that she shifted her focus to music, though her beliefs remain strong. This is evidenced in the meaning of the new single by Death is a Business, titled “Golden Boy.”
Rock, jazz, soul, and hip-hop are all good descriptors for “Golden Boy,” as the track seamlessly bridges the various styles toward something new. The ultimate concoction is passionate, frisson-inducing, and even a little mathy. Such intricate expression of music theory, combined with Sonia’s progressively themed vocals, shows us what the band is all about.
The Meaning Behind “Golden Boy” and Death is a Business
It’s one thing if your band’s a platform for activism, but it’s a whole ‘nother boat alongside talented musicians. Past the spacy intro of “Golden Boy” is a groove palace unlike anything on this earth. That tantalizing effect is all thanks to the sheer talent of the four members. You will hear complex syncopation, unconventional form, and flawless jams all within six minutes listening to Death is a Business.
Guitarist El Tres De Nova started Death is a Business in 2013 from his college dorm room. As the project molded itself over the years, members came and went. Joining himself and Sonia for “Golden Boy” are bassist Seb Mondet from Spain and drummer James Jones of NYC.
“Legalization in exchange for equity and peace,
Instead of justice, all we got was police…”
Sonia’s lyrics in “Golden Boy” tell the story of her campaign for equitable legal cannabis. Even after founding the MRCC and pouring her soul into the movement, she still couldn’t help feeling she had let the community down. Certain phrases reference the expectation she held for change and, even more so, the absence of it.
The themes in “Golden Boy” are particularly meta, considering the conflict in the story is what drove Sonia to join Death is a Business in the first place. And while the MRCC continues to uphold cannabis activism and progressive voices in the Bay State, the departure of one of its founders due to dissatisfaction is a worrying notion; perhaps there is more good left undone.
More about the Massachusetts Recreational Consumers Council
Five years since its founding, the MRCC is over 2,000 followers strong and continues to work with state and local governments to support BIPOC communities in Massachusetts. Their self-stated objective is to “support a solidarity economy that centers the health of our most marginalized communities through public health, public safety, and racial justice education.”
Outside of the MRCC and Death is a Business, Sonia Erika continues her fight. As a former undocumented immigrant, she takes a stand on behalf of those in similar circumstances. She is also the Creative Director of EatMe, a borderless artist collective providing funding and support to socially aware content creators around the world.
At the time of writing this, she is in Brazil with Death is a Business furthering the reach of the band’s messages.
Stream “Golden Boy” by Death is a Business
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Check out the MRCC
