GRAMMY-nominated Icelandic band KALEO has released a new single today, July 19. It notably tackles a tough and topical subject in the U.S. Titled “USA Today,” the song delves into the epidemic of gun violence in America through carefully crafted lyrics and a melody that highlights the urgency of the issue. Through a repetitive beat like a runaway freight train, KALEO has created a harrowing environment where the message thrives.
“This is a snapshot of the gun-related atrocities we’ve witnessed over the past decade while living and touring in the States which affected us all deeply,” said lead vocalist Jökull “JJ” Júlíusson in a press release. “After yet another act of senseless gun violence at the recent Pennsylvania rally, we felt compelled to speak out and release this song.”
The statement continues, “We’re hopeful that this moment will change everything and we all will acknowledge the need to institute common sense gun safety laws in America. Our hearts go out to the family of the innocent victim that died this weekend, and to anyone who has been touched by such nonsensical violence here or around the globe.”
KALEO will be donating a portion of the proceeds from “USA Today” to Everytown For Gun Safety, a gun violence prevention program in the U.S.
KALEO Takes a Stand Against Gun Violence with New Single “USA Today”
It is interesting that a band from Iceland chose to write a song about gun violence in America. Iceland has a similar culture surrounding guns that the U.S. has, where citizens support and exercise their right to own a firearm. There is reportedly one gun for every three people in Iceland, which has a population of about 330,000 as of 2018. However, residents mostly use their guns for sport or hunting. The homicide rate was 0.3 per 100,000 people as of 2021. Before that, there hadn’t been an incident of gun violence in Iceland since 2007.
There are strict gun laws in the country. The government tests those who do own guns to make sure they understand and respect the responsibility that comes with owning a firearm. Iceland has implemented detailed tests, background checks, and practice sessions. This is to be sure of an applicant’s skills and motives for owning a gun.
Is it possible for the U.S. to learn from Iceland’s gun laws? When asked about the differences between the States and Iceland, JJ explained, “There’s a stringent process you have to go through to even get approved for [gun] ownership [in Iceland].” He continued, “The police don’t carry firearms except the swat team. There are guns in Iceland but almost all of them are shotguns and rifles used specifically for hunting. And as far as I know, handguns aren’t even legal for the general population.”
“Gun Laws Need to be Amended to Incorporate Common Sense,” Says JJ
Gun violence is a hard subject to talk about, but KALEO approaches it with strength and emotion on “USA Today.” This is clearly something the band cares about. The single is powerful and poignant. Even though it was originally written in 2019, it came at just the right time.
According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the U.S. has a homicide rate of 4.52 per 100,000 people. According to the Gun Violence Archive, in June 2024, the U.S. only went 7 days without a mass shooting. The Archive defines this as an incident that kills or injures two or more people.
“I think what needs to happen is gun laws [in America] need to be amended to incorporate common sense,” said JJ. “If there’s something we should all agree on it’s that the death of innocent people at the hands of gun violence needs to end and it needs to end now.”
Featured Image via Big Feat
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