When I found out that Bahari was going to cover Buffalo Springfield‘s famous hit, “For What It’s Worth”, I was entranced. When Stephen Stills, famously of both Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, wrote the track in late 1966, it was initially thought to be a protest war song condemning the Vietnam conflict, but in reality it was inspired by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in November of 1966.
Regardless of the origins of the single, “For What It’s Worth”, became a rally cry and a counterculture phenomenon that is still relevant today. The Southern California trio Bahari, consisting of vocalist/bassist Natalia Panzarella, vocalist/keyboardist Ruby Carr, and vocalist/guitarist Sidney Sartini, chose to cover this infamous song in honor of non-profit organizations, March For Our Lives and Everytown For Gun Safety. By sharing the video as a small part of their support for the victims of the recent mass school shootings, Bahari continues to lead from the front helping bring additional awareness to the movement for strengthening gun control.
Additionally, the music video, which includes clips of news reports of recent shootings and photos of victims, is directed by Lysa Heslov, best known for her 2017 documentary, Served Like A Girl, and makes the video emotional and heartbreaking. Bahari adds their signature flare with their beautiful harmonies, but have added a level of seriousness leaving behind their youthfulness and beach-inspired themes.
Artists like Bahari are following in the steps of the giants like Buffalo Springfield that came before them, creating awareness and being a part of the solution. The maturity of their music is only the beginning and as our nation’s children continue to gain influence for positive changes, Bahari will be at the leading edge of their generation’s consciousness.
Please watch the new cover of Buffalo Springfield‘s “For What It’s Worth” by Bahari on YouTube below and buy the track on iTunes now!