In 2020, COVID-19 was not the only pandemic plaguing the United States. Simultaneously as the nation battled the ongoing lockdowns and safety precautions that changed overnight, the never-ending presence of police brutality made its way across the country and onto our social media feeds. From the March death of Breonna Taylor to the on camera footage of officers murdering George Floyd, Americans were reminded once more of the unjust law enforcement systems that were failing citizens on a daily basis. New stories of civilians murdered in cold blood broke daily, and people were forced to face the uncomfortable reality that this in fact WAS America and it was time to stand up, fight back, and make a wave.

So, millions took to the streets. Protesting amidst the pandemic to help fight for change and to help protect those who were unfairly targeted due to the color of their skin or background. The Black Lives Matter movement had never ended since its beginnings in 2016, but in 2020 it grew a voice stronger than ever before.

And through this momentum, countless citizens found themselves horrified yet inspired. Ready to dedicate whatever they could to help bring attention to the cause and advocate for the change that is still so desperately needed. New foundations were created, organizations of protestors formed social media campaigns to educate others, and in the case of virtual-based band Ink to Spill, some even took to the recording studio to help demand a call to action and share their support for the fallen victims.

Released January 12th, “Chalk Lines” documents Ink to Spill’s support for the Black Lives Matter movement and expresses their concerns with how law enforcement officials are treating civilians.

Calling out discriminatory practices, as well as the absurd number of murders committed at the hands of police officers, the alternative rock track calls for a change in police practice and for the humanization of the countless victims- both those known and unknown to the public.

And though the track was only released this year and pays homage to the past year’s victims, the band wrote it several years ago after the 2016 shooting of Philando Castile during a traffic stop.

“I wrote Chalk Lines the day I saw the footage of Philando Castile being needlessly executed in his car, as his child had just exited his car with his wife calmly pleading with the officer,” songwriter Bob Sauer shared of his wiring process. “Everybody’s woke alarm clock goes off at a different time, and mine was extra loud that day.”

In addition to the song release itself, the band also released a powerful music video that showcases both instances of the police brutality the track condemns as well as the beautiful memorials and protests that have formed in honor of the victims.

However, though the footage is taken directly from live news footage, it does show direct police brutality and viewer discretion is advised.

“Through song and video, “Chalk Lines” seeks to honor those African-Americans who have been slayed in haste and unequivocally state that Black Lives Matter.”

– Bob Sauer

You can stream “Chalk Lines” out now, and connect with Ink to Spill via the links below.

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