Austin Willacy, a renowned singer-songwriter and member of The House Jacks, has unveiled his latest single titled “Man Up.” The powerful song delves into the rejection of toxic masculinity and advocates for embracing a more sacred and compassionate expression of manhood. Willacy’s thought-provoking lyrics and soulful delivery encourage listeners to challenge societal expectations and stereotypes associated with masculinity. The inspiration behind “Man Up” stems from Willacy’s personal journey of healing his relationship with manhood. In collaboration with Patricia Bahia and Caley Rose, Willacy co-wrote the song during a Zoom session. The trio sought to address the harmful effects of toxic masculinity and promote a more inclusive, loving, and wholehearted approach to masculinity that embraces qualities like love, compassion, and support.
Through “Man Up,” Willacy aims to highlight the importance of recognizing and rejecting the narrow confines of normative masculinity. As a cisgender male, he acknowledges the privileges associated with his gender identity while also exploring the limitations and challenges it poses. Willacy emphasizes the distinction between his social identity, shaped by external perceptions, and his personal identity, which he views as more fluid and multifaceted. The lyrics of “Man Up” reflect the struggle and contradictions faced by individuals navigating societal expectations of masculinity. The song challenges traditional notions of what it means to be a man and encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability, emotional expression, and authenticity. It advocates for breaking free from harmful stereotypes and embracing a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of manhood.
Accompanying the release of the single is an official music video directed by Geraldine Teotico. The video portrays various characters, including Willacy himself, engaging in symbolic actions that challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. The visuals serve as a powerful complement to the song’s message, reinforcing the importance of rejecting toxic masculinity and embracing a more enlightened perspective. “Man Up” incorporates a blend of alternative indie, electronic blues, and retro soul genres. Willacy’s musical influences, including Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, and Peter Gabriel, shine through in the captivating and soulful sound of the song. The track’s gritty rock elements and positive vibes make it an engaging and thought-provoking listening experience.
As a seasoned artist, Austin Willacy’s work extends beyond his solo career. He is a dedicated member of The House Jacks, known for their a cappella performances and extensive discography. Willacy has also been involved in various social change initiatives, including co-founding the Arts for Social Change Jam program and organizing YES! Jams worldwide. “Man Up” is a timely release that contributes to ongoing conversations about toxic masculinity and encourages a shift towards a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of manhood. Willacy’s powerful lyrics and soulful vocals make this single a must-listen for those seeking music with a message. The song serves as a reminder to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions and reject societal pressures that limit personal growth and authentic self-expression.
Austin Willacy’s latest single, “Man Up,” is a powerful anthem that delves into the complexities of masculinity and challenges the limitations of societal norms. With thought-provoking lyrics and a captivating blend of alternative indie, electronic blues, and retro soul, Willacy brings a fresh perspective to the conversation about toxic masculinity and the need for a more inclusive definition of manhood. Drawing inspiration from his personal journey and experiences, Willacy co-wrote “Man Up” with fellow songwriters Patricia Bahia and Caley Rose. Together, they crafted a song that not only addresses the harmful effects of toxic masculinity but also seeks to embrace a more compassionate and authentic expression of masculinity. By highlighting the stereotypical ideals often associated with being a man, the song encourages listeners to challenge these norms and embrace love, compassion, and support, breaking free from the constraints that limit individuality.
The official music video for “Man Up,” directed by Geraldine Teotico, complements the song’s message with its visual storytelling. It features striking imagery and compelling performances that further amplify the themes of the song. From a boxer breaking free from societal expectations to a father and son challenging traditional gender roles, the video invites viewers to reflect on the impact of toxic masculinity and the importance of embracing a more holistic and accepting approach to gender expression.
“Man Up” stands as a testament to Austin Willacy’s commitment to social change and his desire to challenge societal norms through his music. By sharing his personal journey and encouraging dialogue around masculinity, Willacy invites listeners to question and redefine their own perceptions of what it means to be a man. The song serves as a reminder that masculinity can encompass a broad spectrum of emotions, colors, and expressions, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
As an accomplished singer-songwriter, Austin Willacy continues to push boundaries and use his platform to advocate for positive change. With “Man Up,” he delivers a thought-provoking and impactful musical offering that encourages individuals to embrace their true selves and reject the harmful aspects of traditional masculinity. Through his music, Willacy strives to create a world where everyone can express themselves authentically and be celebrated for who they are, regardless of gender or societal expectations.
“Man Up” is not just another single; it is a powerful statement that challenges the pervasive expressions of toxic masculinity and encourages the embrace of sacred masculinity—a call to reject societal constraints and instead celebrate individuality, love, and compassion. Austin Willacy’s artistry shines through in this song, leaving a lasting impact on listeners and inspiring conversations about the transformative power of self-acceptance and the importance of redefining gender norms in today’s society.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Austin Willacy is a veteran member of The House Jacks with whom he has produced 10 full-length albums and completed multiple world tours. For the past 20 years, Austin has directed ‘Til Dawn, Youth in Arts’ award-winning teen a cappella group that empowers youth to find their voices in many ways.
Austin is also an award-winning singer/songwriter with 4 CDs and 2 EPs to his name. His music is soulful and raucous, tender and comic. Austin’s music has been featured on The Sing-Off, Road Rules, an Australian ad campaign, and three feature film soundtracks, including Thrive, a documentary with over 90 million views. He’s appeared in Rolling Stone and has performed with icons such as Bonnie Raitt and up and coming artists like Jem, Vienna Teng, Rachael Yamagata and Amos Lee.
Austin is an organizer and facilitator for YES! and a former board member for Rainforest Action Network and the Freight & Salvage. He is one of the co-founders of the Arts for Social Change Jams in the US, Turkey, and India. He has co-organized over 20 YES! Jams in the US, Canada, India, and Turkey
Austin even has a side career in soundalike singing voiceovers for games including Guitar Hero and Karaoke Revolution; he’s a renaissance man. But, who cares about all that? Because what really matters is what Bonnie Raitt told him. “You can really F*ckin’ sing!”
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