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Ink to Spill’s latest single, South Side, is a bold and beautiful reminder that art still holds power in the most troubled places. Released on July 17, the track marks the band’s first release of the year—and it’s anything but quiet. Inspired by the streets of Chicago, South Side follows a young girl who finds hope in crayons while walking through a neighborhood marked by daily violence.
Filmed on location and starring Farrah Adams—the daughter of Ink to Spill’s world-class drummer Ernie Adams—the music video brings the lyrics to life. Scenes of gun violence and news reports quickly give way to quiet moments of bravery, as the girl walks to school clutching crayons, her only weapon against chaos. Her art begins to connect with others—her classmates, her teacher—and becomes a force of hope.
Musically, the track is steady and emotional. Gus Reeves delivers each lyric with care, as if the story is his own. His voice blends gently with Ernie Adams’ percussion, which feels urgent but never frantic. There’s something raw yet warm about it. Meanwhile, new members John Tate (bass) and Anthony D’Angelo (guitar) offer smooth, controlled flourishes that elevate the band’s evolving sound. The mix is clean, deliberate, and never overcrowded.
Lyrically, the song doesn’t lecture—it observes. Bob Sauer writes with quiet compassion, drawing attention to a child’s daily walk through fear and her refusal to let it define her. The band resists dramatics. Instead, “South Side” becomes a tribute to everyday courage and quiet creativity.
It’s clear Ink to Spill has entered a new chapter. The story is real, the delivery is heartfelt, and the purpose is solid. “South Side” doesn’t just sound good—it matters. And in a time when music often skips over meaning, that alone makes it worth every second.
