Divisive, ever-urgent, and obstinate, America’s debate around gun reform persists ad nauseam. Meanwhile, the new single by Austin’s Hong Kong Wigs takes a position that’s hard to argue.
“I don’t have an issue with guns,” singer/guitarist Jon Fichter reveals. “I just don’t like assholes who carry guns around in public places.”
That’s the thrust of “I’m So Free,” which takes aim at “vigilante creeps” that view themselves as a symbol of freedom as they’re walking through the parking lot of your local grocery store with a Glock on their hip.
“You know that guy who drives a Ford Raptor and gets out strapped with a handgun?” specifies Fichter about inspiration for the song. “I just had that happen to me a lot in one week, and it fucks with your head, making you wonder, ‘What side is this person on? Should I be thinking they’re a good guy or a bad guy or neither?’”
The catchy track, advancing the local trio’s forthcoming full-length debut, evokes power-pop with a hint of Steely Dan. The lead vocals of Fichter, best known for his work in Sweet Spirit, meld with those of bassist/vocalist Anastasia Wright for a powerful, chorus-ending harmony. In the potent second verse, Fichter tries to understand the mindset of open-carry enthusiasts.
“You’re taking sides, And that’s the problem. Because you have the right, You just had to have one. Can you see yourself on the evening news? Are you a hero or a man with everything to lose?”
Hong Kong Wigs have made the song available to stream, while also offering a pay-what-you-want download, with all proceeds going to Everytown For Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for universal background checks on firearm purchases.
“I’m So Free” streams here first:
This article appears in November 1 • 2019.