Violitt, a Los Angeles-based post hardcore band, has unveiled a new song/video in the form of “Don’t Let Them In,” which is a sonic rager dedicated to domestic violence awareness month, that is sponsored by iGotOut. The song is driven by Summer Cooke’s piercing howls, with Greg Karas on guitar and co-writer/producer Justus Dixon on bass and synths. According to Cooke, it’s supposed to be a “whistleblower’s anthem” as well as a “survivor’s ballad.” “Don’t Let Them In” is filled with all of the caucaphonus hallmarks of their dark-wave industrial sound, bristling in warning against forceful control, high demand groups, family violence, and psychological abuse.
The song’s music video features the faces of women and men who had the strength to speak up about these concerns. Some of these include people seen in documentaries like “The Vow” and “Seduced,” both of which featured activist Kelly Thiel, to whom Cooke connected as a creative consultant for the video.
“Don’t Let Them In” was inspired by Cooke’s personal experience, which she likened to a vulnerable period in her life. The song’s message sparked a desire to compose a piece that fully expressed Violitt’s mission: using music as a tool for social change and reform. We must constantly fight to keep the conversation going and open, engaging individuals with diverse backgrounds in order for everyone’s voices to be heard. We also need to educate people on blindspots we have as a society, such as high-demand groups and coercive control, which many people may not be aware of and hence do not recognize.
“High-demand groups and coercive control are two things that go under the radar frequently. Especially in Los Angeles. The majority of the time, these locations promote light, empowerment, growth, and love on the surface, but inside it’s a different story,” Cooke explains. “There is a lot of maltreatment going on, weaponizing new thought language and spiritual language to dominate their followers, verbal abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and so on. You are then made to feel under intense pressure to recruit under the guise of emancipating the world. The abuse is very complex and most people aren’t aware what’s happening to them. Participants who express doubt about the groups method are often subjected to great shame.”
California SB-1141 prohibits psychological control, which includes harassment, gaslighting, financial abuse, intimidation, and other behaviors. However, in addition to laws, there is a need for community involvement in order for individuals to be able to identify these situations and contact people who are unable to leave on their own.
“There are so many individuals who suffer in silence as a result of psychological abuse and authoritarianism. It can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, sex, education, or other factors. It’s a really isolating experience when someone uses your mind against you,” Cooke continues. “When you can no longer trust your own mind as a result of psychological torture, when you no longer feel safe within your own body, it is one of the most devastating experiences. A large number of people do not survive and many are unable to determine what is happening to them.”
iGotOut is a nonprofit organization that operates on the two-fold mission of assisting victims of domestic abuse within community outreach and providing legal assistance to those who may require it. “Don’t Let Them In” is the first of many philanthropic efforts that Violitt will undertake over the next several months, each benefitting different causes. We look forward to seeing what other projects these talented musicians embark on throughout their careers!
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