Black Belt Eagle Scout, also known as Katherine Paul, returns with the new single ‘Don’t Give Up,‘.
If you’re looking for a gentle reminder to keep going when things feel too much – look no further. The track touches on topics like mental health awareness and the importance of connection to our surroundings – something we can all relate to over these past few years. Its heartfelt lyrics and calming melodies will leave you hopeful for better days ahead.
Paul says, “‘Don’t Give Up’ is a song about mental health awareness and the importance that my connection to the land plays within my own mental health journey,” She wrote the track over two years, first starting right before the pandemic in 2020 at a songwriting residency in Coast Salish territory.
She elaborates: “Spending time with the land and on the water are ways that strengthen my connection to my ancestors and to my culture. It helps heal my spirit and is the form of self-care that helps me the most. The lyrics ‘I don’t give up’ mean staying alive. I wrote this song for me but also for my community and anyone who deals with challenging mental health issues to remind us just how much of a role our connection to the environment plays within our healing process. At the end of the song when I sing ‘the land, the water, the sky,’ I wanted to sing it like my late grandfather Alexander Paul Sr. sang in our family’s big drum group – from the heart.”
Black Belt Eagle Scout is no stranger to writing about complex topics. Much of her music touches on issues like colonialism, racism, queerness, love, and loss. But her experience as a queer Indigenous woman gives her a unique perspective that sets her apart from other artists in the indie folk scene. Her music speaks to her listeners on a deep level, which is evident in lines like “You heard it here today, I told you my story / That I found healing in you / Windy leaves are flowing / And in these leaves / They come from people who grow / But we’re to listen, guide us / I want everyone to know / I don’t give up.”
Listening to ‘Don’t Give Up’, it is clear that Paul’s connection to the land runs deep. Throughout the song, her thoughtful, dreamy vocals take you on a reflective journey punctuated by swelling guitar, percussion, and mellotron. She weaves natural imagery and personal experiences to create a tapestry of being connected to something bigger than oneself.
In addition to the release of ‘Don’t Give Up,’ Black Belt Eagle Scout is now selling a special charity t-shirt design, with proceeds supporting the Chief Seattle Club.
The Chief Seattle Club is dedicated to helping Seattle’s houseless Natives get off the streets and back on their feet.
Missing and murdered Indigenous women and people are tragically especially prevalent in Seattle.
Black Belt Eagle Scout will commence her UK and EU touring debut next year, so be sure to catch her at a date near you.
Black Belt Eagle Scout Tour Dates
Fri. Feb. 24 – Manchester, UK @ Night & Day
Sat. February 25 – London, UK @ Moth Club
Mon. February 27 – Paris, FR @ Le Pop Up
Tue. Feb. 28 – Belgium, BE @ Botanique – Witloof Bar
Wed. March 1 – Netherlands, NL @ Paradiso Upstairs
Thu. March 2 – Copenhagen, DK @ Stengade
Sat. March 4 – Rotterdam, NL @ Rotown
Sun. March 5 – Germany, DE @ Badehaus
