Maruja’s Punk Message: Do what you think is right and share it
When the history of punk meets modern moral dilemmas, the resulting sound is often explosive. Saxophonist and vocalist Maruja Joe Carroll is currently navigating this collision, taking the stage for the 100 Club’s 50th anniversary of the Punk Special, bringing a unique blend of jazz-punk energy to the celebration.
This historic event is a nod to the legends who defined the movement, including Sex Pistols, The Clash, Siouxsie And The Banshees, and Buzzcocks. The celebration is set to feature a dynamic lineup, including Sprints and the London post-punk sextet Opus Kink, with ticket prices harking back to 1976 and priced at just £1.50 each.
For Maruja, this anniversary feels particularly timely. Having recently celebrated the one-year mark of their debut album Pain To Power, the band reflects on how deeply their music has resonated. They describe the experience of witnessing their work move people at live shows as “life-affirming,” noting the intense interactions with audiences about how the lyrics and message affect them.
The spirit of punk, inherently strong-willed and defiant, remains central to their philosophy. Carroll suggests that punk has always been about refusing to sell one’s soul, a sentiment that is particularly relevant now amidst high-profile industry conflicts. This view is amplified by the current atmosphere surrounding public figures and morality.
The recent public debate concerning the music industry, particularly the situation involving Macklemore being removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour over his stance on Palestine, brought these themes into sharp focus. Maruja, who are vocally pro-Palestine, framed this conflict not as a choice between sides, but as a fundamental moral imperative. They argue that the issue of genocide demands basic human morality, stating there should be no need to “pick a side.”
“You get misled that you have to pick a side, but this is a genocide,” Carroll explained. “There shouldn’t be any ‘picking a side’; it’s just basic human morality.”
This perspective echoes the core punk ethos. Maruja reflects that the music industry, and those within it, often prioritize profit over ethics. They point to the hypocrisy of those who claim to operate outside the system while benefiting from immense wealth. They believe that when huge artists fail to stand up for what is right, it highlights a profound lack of backbone.
The band’s influence extends beyond the music itself, inspiring a movement of awareness. Maruja observes a growing trend, the Maruja tattoo epidemic, where people adopt the artwork and lyrics, a visual manifestation of the solidarity they champion. Recurring lyrics, like the second verse to Look Down On Us, encapsulate this feeling—a message of hope that one can use awareness to empower themselves rather than retreat into isolation.
The connection between the artistic cause and real-world action is palpable. When artists address heavy topics, they often attract like-minded thinkers. Maruja draws inspiration from figures who have persistently pushed boundaries and demanded recognition, citing acts like Lambrini Girls and Enola Gay for their commitment to speaking truth and challenging established narratives.
Despite the intense political currents, the focus remains on the power of artistic expression. While the current noise is loud, the band remains focused on the fundamental punk truth: do what you think is right and share it with the world. They look forward to future announcements, determined to continue cooking up new material while honouring the history of the movement.
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