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Declare Independence

"Declare Independence" is a song written and performed by Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk, appearing as the tenth track on her seventh studio album, Volta, released on May 1, 2007. The track was issued as the album's third single on January 1, 2008, through One Little Indian Records. Featuring aggressive brass instrumentation and production by Mark Bell, its lyrics urge revolution and self-determination, originally inspired by the independence aspirations of Denmark's autonomous territories, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, drawing from Iceland's own history of emerging from colonial rule after centuries under Danish control. The song's anthemic call to "raise your flag" and reject external domination resonated beyond personal or regional contexts, leading Björk to dedicate performances to various separatist causes, including Kosovo during a 2008 Tokyo concert, which prompted Serbian festival organizers to drop her from the Exit Festival lineup amid backlash over the dedication to the newly independent region. Similarly, concluding a Shanghai performance with shouts of "Tibet! Tibet!" invoked support for Tibetan autonomy, resulting in condemnation from China's Culture Ministry for violating laws and offending national sentiments, and prompting vows for stricter oversight of foreign artists at domestic events. These incidents highlighted the track's provocative potential, transforming it into a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions, though it garnered no major awards despite its cultural impact and Michel Gondry-directed music video depicting pyrotechnic live fervor. Later dedications, such as adapting lyrics for Scotland's 2014 independence referendum, further underscored its adaptable rallying cry for sovereignty movements.

Background and Production

Conceptual origins

Björk conceived "Declare Independence" during the composition of her 2007 album Volta, drawing inspiration from ongoing discussions in Icelandic media about the self-determination aspirations of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, autonomous territories under the Kingdom of Denmark. The lyrics explicitly address these regions, urging them to reject subservience and assert sovereignty, echoing Iceland's own path to full independence from Denmark on June 17, 1944. Björk framed the track as a rallying cry against colonial dependencies, reflecting her broader interest in cultural autonomy shaped by Iceland's historical struggles for independence, a recurring theme in her oeuvre. The song's conceptual foundation aligns with anti-imperialist sentiments, positioning small nations as capable of breaking free from larger powers without economic ruin, a notion promoted in interviews by highlighting Iceland's post- viability as a model. While initially targeted at contexts, the anthem's universal phrasing—"Declare independence / Don't let them do that to you"—allowed for broader application to global independence movements, though emphasized its roots in regional rather than abstract ideology. This origin predates high-profile dedications, such as to during a 2007 or in performances shortly before 's unilateral declaration of from on February 17, 2008.

Recording process

"Declare Independence" was co-produced by and Mark Bell, a longtime collaborator who contributed synthesizers, beats, effects, and programming to the track. Damian Taylor served as engineer, handling programming, editing, and mixing duties alongside and Bell. The song's recording occurred during sessions for 's 2007 album , which involved collaborations across multiple international locations including , , , and , though specific studio details for this track emphasize Bell's electronic production input. The track features 's layered vocals processed for a , anthemic quality, backed by programmed electronic beats and heavy brass arrangements sampled from her 2005 soundtrack . These elements were assembled to evoke a punk-inspired urgency, with Bell's beats providing a distorted, bass-heavy foundation. No extensive public documentation details sequential recording steps or exact session dates, but the production aligned with 's broader experimental approach, blending live brass samples with digital manipulation to create the song's revolutionary sonic texture.

Musical Composition and Lyrics

Structure and style

"Declare Independence" employs an style characterized by aggressive electronic percussion and brass-heavy arrangements, creating a militaristic, marching rhythm that propels the track forward at a of 148 beats per minute. Co-produced by and Mark Bell, the composition originated as Bell's instrumental demo, which Björk augmented with layered brass elements and her vocals, resulting in a high-energy in C-sharp major lasting 4 minutes and 13 seconds. The production features processed, megaphone-distorted vocals delivered in a cold, chant-like manner, evoking industrial rawness over traditional melodic . Structurally, the song adheres to a verse-pre-chorus- framework, though its repetitive refrains and escalating intensity lend it a chaotic, anthemic feel rather than rigid pop . It opens with a percussive build-up, transitioning into verses that deliver imperative phrases on , followed by pre-choruses emphasizing symbolic acts like flag-making. The erupts as a hook-heavy declaration—"Declare independence"—repeated with increasing fervor, supported by bold horn stabs and driving beats that mimic a rally cry. This cyclical repetition, combined with minimal chord progressions favoring fifths over standard rock triads, prioritizes rhythmic propulsion and thematic urgency over complexity. The overall style blends electronic dance elements with defiance, featuring synthetic basslines, tribal drumming, and triumphant that contrast Björk's yet commanding vocal , fostering a sense of urgent suited to live performances where participation amplifies the chant's communal power.

Lyrical content and themes

The of "Declare Independence" primarily consist of urgent, repetitive imperatives urging to external , including phrases like "declare independence," "raise your flag," "make your own stamp," and "start your own ." These directives evoke the practical steps of and symbolize the rejection of imposed control in favor of . At its core, the song explores themes of and against , applicable on both personal and collective scales; has likened it to advising a friend to escape an abusive relationship while extending the to nations seeking from larger powers. The emphasis on creating independent symbols—flags, stamps, —highlights causal mechanisms of , where tangible acts of differentiation foster identity and resilience against . Politically, the lyrics align with support for suppressed territories asserting independence, initially inspired by the and Greenland's quests for greater autonomy from . reinforced this through live dedications, such as to following its unilateral declaration of independence from on February 17, 2008, during performances, and to during its September 2014 campaign. She has stated that observing such movements brings her "much pleasure," underscoring the song's endorsement of for entities under foreign or imperial influence. These applications generated controversies, including the 2008 cancellation of her Serbian festival appearance after the Kosovo dedication, illustrating the lyrics' provocative stance on real-world separatist struggles.

Music Video

Development and direction

The music video for "Declare Independence" was directed by , a frequent collaborator with on prior projects such as "" (1995), "" (1997), and "" (1997). The concept drew direct inspiration from 's live performances during the Volta tour, prioritizing a raw, energetic group dynamic over narrative storytelling, unlike their more surreal earlier videos. emphasized creating an environment of mutual energy exchange among performers, rejecting a hierarchical structure where she dominated visually. Gondry introduced the military-industrial aesthetic to underscore themes of equality, dressing the ensemble—including , band members, and extras—in neutral, utilitarian uniforms that blended performers into the industrial backdrop, echoing the live show's attire but amplified for visual uniformity. This approach avoided overt symbolism initially but incorporated flags sewn onto sleeves representing and the , directly linking to the song's dedication to those territories' autonomy from . The director's experimental manifested in an elaborate, custom-built set featuring mechanical contraptions simulating a factory for flag production, enhancing the video's rhythmic intensity without relying on digital effects. Filming took place over two days in early October 2007 at a warehouse in , , capturing the band's full —including and percussion—to mirror the track's live arrangement. Gondry opted for practical effects and kinetic camera movements to convey urgency and collectivity, aligning with Björk's vision of the video as an extension of communal rebellion rather than individual heroism. Post-production focused on minimal to preserve the performance's immediacy, resulting in a four-minute clip that premiered online in late November 2007.

Visual elements and symbolism

The music video for "Declare Independence," directed by Michel Gondry and released in December 2007, depicts Björk performing amid a group of uniformed figures connected by taut strings to a central apparatus resembling a gramophone fused with a microphone. These strings, filled with paint that splatters upon movement, extend from the device manipulated by Björk, controlling the synchronized, puppet-like actions of the ensemble, who wave flags representing Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The setting features a metallic, industrial stage evoking a militaristic or post-apocalyptic aesthetic, with performers donning tin-foil helmets and armbands bearing the flags, culminating in fireworks erupting from brass instruments during the climax. Symbolically, the strings illustrate themes of and external , akin to under authoritarian or colonial , mirroring the song's call for against Danish oversight of the dedicated territories. The gramophone device parodies or tools, suggesting revolutions can be orchestrated, yet the persistent strings at the video's end underscore the challenges in achieving true , blending empowerment with cautionary realism. Gondry's , inspired by Björk's live performances, emphasizes chaotic and the futility of blind adherence, extending the lyrics' political urgency to broader critiques of power structures. The symbolize explosive , aligning with the track's to fostering independent currencies, currencies, media, and flags for suppressed groups.

Release Formats and Promotion

Single releases

"Declare Independence" was issued as the third single from 's album by One Little Indian Records, with initial promotional releases appearing in the in December 2007. The official commercial release followed in January 2008 across multiple formats, including digital download, 12-inch , and CD. A limited edition was also produced, containing double 12-inch , CD, and DVD components featuring the music video and additional content. The digital EP, available through platforms such as , featured the Mark Stent mix of the title track alongside remixes including the Ghostigital "In Deep End Dance Remix 12"" (2:53), 12" mix (5:21), and Black Pus mix. Physical editions included the original version, Mark Stent instrumental, and various dub and remix variants, pressed on formats such as white-label 12-inch records. Specific releases, like the 12-inch single (catalog TPL 837), encompassed tracks such as "Declare Independence (Mark Stent Mix)" (4:16) and "Declare Independence (The Halli & Kaktus Remix)." These releases emphasized experimental , aligning with the song's abstract and hardcore stylistic elements, and supported promotional efforts tied to the 's . No major international chart-topping variants were noted, with formats primarily targeted at collectors and digital consumers in and .

Marketing and tie-ins

The "Declare Independence" was promoted via a limited-edition deluxe released on January 1, 2008, through One Little Indian Records, restricted to 10,000 copies worldwide. Housed in a sealed fold-out wide-spined sleeve with custom inner card sleeves and paper vinyl covers for the discs, the package emphasized artistic presentation to attract dedicated fans and collectors. This multi-format collection comprised two heavyweight 12-inch vinyl records featuring exclusive remixes—including the Ghostigital "In Deep End Dance" 12" remix, Mark Stent mix and instrumental, and Matthew Herbert 12" remix—alongside a CD single and a DVD with the Michel Gondry-directed music video and additional visual content. The remixes, produced by Icelandic electronic duo Ghostigital, British producer Mark Stent, and electronic artist Matthew Herbert, extended the track's dubstep-influenced original into club and experimental dance variants, broadening its appeal in electronic music circles. Promotional DJ versions of these remixes were also distributed to support radio and club play. Tie-ins integrated the single with Björk's ongoing Volta Tour (2007–2009), where live renditions often served as the set closer, captured in tour recordings like those from the May 5, 2007, performance at Theater. This linkage reinforced the song's thematic urgency through immersive live experiences, with the deluxe release's DVD complementing tour footage in later compilations such as (2009).

Commercial Performance

Chart achievements

"Declare Independence" garnered limited chart success as the third single from Björk's 2007 album , released on January 1, 2008. In , the song debuted at number 38 on the Singles Top 50 chart in August 2008 before climbing to a peak of number 19, where it held for one week and totaled three weeks on the listing. It also charted in , entering the Singles Top 100 at number 68 in August 2008—its peak position—and lingering for four weeks overall. The track failed to register on prominent markets like the or US Billboard rankings, reflecting its niche appeal amid Björk's experimental style.

Sales and certifications

"Declare Independence" was released exclusively as a limited-edition deluxe on January 1, 2008, featuring two 12-inch vinyl records with various remixes (including the Mark Stent mix and versions by Ghostigital and ), a CD, and a DVD containing the Michel Gondry-directed . This multi-format packaging emphasized artistic and collectible value for dedicated fans rather than mass-market accessibility, aligning with Björk's approach to later singles that prioritized experimental presentation over traditional promotion. The release did not garner significant commercial sales volumes, as evidenced by its absence from major singles sales tracking and lack of reported unit figures in industry databases. No certifications—such as gold or platinum awards—were issued for the single by key organizations including the (BPI), which certifies sales thresholds starting at 200,000 units for silver status in the digital era, or the (RIAA) for the market. This outcome reflects the track's niche positioning within Björk's oeuvre, where physical and digital uptake remained confined compared to her earlier mainstream hits from albums like Debut and , which did receive such accolades.

Political Context and Dedications

Intended message for and

composed "Declare Independence" as an explicit dedication to the and , autonomous territories within the Kingdom of , urging them to pursue full sovereignty. The lyrics, including lines such as "Declare independence / Don't let them do that to you" and references to raising flags, forming currencies, and rejecting subservience, were crafted to inspire these regions to emulate Iceland's 1944 separation from by establishing independent states. During live performances, reinforced this message by dedicating the song directly to the and , emphasizing their ongoing struggles against Danish oversight in areas like and . In interviews, highlighted Iceland's historical path to as a model, noting that both territories had drawn inspiration from Icelandic banking systems and cultural movements, yet faced persistent barriers to complete self-rule. She expressed that public sentiment in strongly supported their efforts, framing the as a rallying cry against colonial remnants rather than mere . This intent aligned with the territories' real-world dynamics: , with a population of about 56,000 as of , had expanded via a 2009 referendum but retained Danish control over security and currency; the [Faroe Islands](/page/Faroe Islands), home to roughly 50,000 people, similarly managed internal affairs but deferred foreign relations to . The dedication reflected Björk's broader advocacy for small nations resisting larger powers, rooted in Iceland's own post-WWII amid Danish dissolution, though she avoided endorsing and focused on peaceful assertion of . While the message resonated with pro-independence voices in both regions, it drew limited explicit endorsement from local leaders at the time, amid debates over economic viability under full separation.

Extensions to other movements

Björk adapted the lyrics of "Declare Independence" to support the referendum on September 18, . On the preceding day, she shared a modified version on , opening with "Scotland! Declare independence!" and incorporating exhortations such as "Start your own currency! Make your own stamp! Trust no one! / Government / Especially not / Your own!" This public endorsement aligned the song's themes of and revolution with the pro-independence "" campaign. The track's structure and rallying cry—"Raise your flag!"—have facilitated its reinterpretation for diverse separatist contexts beyond its origins, emphasizing economic and resistance to external authority. While has customized performances for specific causes, the song's generic appeal to suppressed groups has prompted informal adoptions in online discussions of movements like those in , though without direct endorsement from the artist.

Controversies and Criticisms

Tibet dedication backlash

During a concert at the Shanghai International Gymnastics Center on March 2, 2008, Björk concluded her performance of "Declare Independence" by shouting "Tibet! Tibet!" to the audience, explicitly dedicating the song to Tibetan independence in a manner consistent with its broader theme of supporting separatist movements. This outburst occurred amid heightened Chinese sensitivity toward Tibet, following the Dalai Lama's activities and protests leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Beijing maintains that Tibet has been an integral part of China since the 13th century. The dedication provoked immediate condemnation from Chinese authorities, with the stating that Björk's actions violated regulations prohibiting political advocacy in performances and "hurt the feelings of ." China's embassy in Reykjavik, , issued a formal rebuke, describing as "wrong" and emphasizing that foreign artists must respect host country laws during approved events. outlets, including the official , amplified the criticism, portraying the incident as an isolated but unacceptable breach that undermined cultural exchange. In response, on March 7, 2008, China's announced tightened controls on foreign entertainers, mandating that all lyrics and performance content be submitted for pre-approval to prevent similar "political" expressions, with violators facing bans or penalties. While was not explicitly banned, the policy shift—applied to all Western acts—effectively increased scrutiny and risked future exclusions, as evidenced by subsequent denials of visas for other artists perceived as politically risky. did not issue a public apology, framing the dedication as an artistic statement aligned with the song's intent, though it drew mixed reactions from fans, with some attendees expressing offense and others defending .

Kosovo and Serbia fallout

In late February 2008, shortly after Kosovo's from on , dedicated "Declare Independence" to "the people of " during performances at two concerts in , . This act drew immediate backlash from Serbian audiences and officials, who viewed Kosovo's —recognized by over 100 countries but not by or —as illegitimate and a violation of , amid ongoing disputes over the province's status following the 1999 . The dedications prompted the organizers of Serbia's EXIT Festival in Novi Sad to cancel Björk's scheduled headline performance on July 12, 2008, citing public outrage and potential safety risks. Festival co-founder Dušan Kovačević stated that the decision was influenced by the song's association with Kosovo's independence, which resonated poorly in Serbia, where polls indicated strong opposition to recognition (over 90% against in 2008 surveys). Serbian media amplified the controversy, framing the dedication as provocative support for separatism, echoing broader nationalist sentiments in the country. On March 5, 2008, responded via a public statement, clarifying that the song was intended for "all those that might feel oppressed or underfunded by their government," drawing parallels to Iceland's own from in 1944 after centuries of rule. She reiterated dedications to multiple causes, including , but did not retract support for , emphasizing when "all other means have failed." The incident highlighted tensions between artistic expression and geopolitical sensitivities in the , with no further performances by in reported since.

Broader critiques of the song's politics

The song's core political message, centered on urging territories like and the to assert sovereignty through symbolic acts such as creating flags and currencies, has been critiqued for overlooking the causal dependencies inherent in modern territorial . Independence declarations, while symbolically empowering, do not inherently resolve economic vulnerabilities; 's public finances in 2007, for instance, relied on a Danish of DKK 3,202.1 million annually, equivalent to roughly 55% of its total , underscoring how separation could precipitate fiscal crises without diversified resource bases or institutional capacity. This approach risks promoting aspirational detached from pragmatic requirements, such as viable defense, trade networks, and administrative expertise, potentially exacerbating instability rather than fostering self-reliance. In the , where the dedication similarly stirred minor controversy, local stakeholders expressed reservations about external exhortations that bypassed nuanced negotiations already underway with , viewing them as presumptuous interventions from an artist whose own nation's in 1944 benefited from unique post-war contexts. Broader analyses highlight how such celebrity-driven advocacy, while well-intentioned, often amplifies romanticized narratives of at the expense of empirical assessments of post- outcomes, as seen in various separatist cases where initial enthusiasm yielded governance challenges. The song's repetitive, imperative —"Declare / Don't let them do that to you"—exemplify this reductionism, prioritizing emotional mobilization over detailed causal pathways to sustainable .

Reception and Legacy

Critical reviews

Critics lauded "Declare Independence" for its aggressive electronic production and anthemic energy, often citing it as a standout track on Björk's 2007 album Volta. Pitchfork praised the song's "industrial jackhammering," built around a wriggling synth lead, brash EQing, and white-hot digital noise, calling it a "gloriously messy few minutes" and one of Björk's most transcendent tracks to date. Similarly, The Guardian ranked it third among her 20 greatest songs in 2019, describing its distorted electronic punk as a "startling addition to the genre," potent enough to apply broadly to movements like #MeToo or Black Lives Matter due to lyrics urging resistance against oppression. The track's political explicitness drew mixed responses, with some reviewers appreciating its raw protest ethos while others critiqued its vocal delivery and abrasive sound. Slant Magazine noted how the song builds in "amplitude and hysteria," nearly eclipsing earlier aggressive tracks like "Pluto" from Homogenic, within the context of Volta's 3.5/5 rating. Sputnikmusic reviewers frequently highlighted it as a "beast of a protest song" and a Björk classic, emphasizing its crushing bass, heavy drum beat, and intense percussion that elevated the album's otherwise uneven material. However, Drowned in Sound characterized Björk's vocals as "shrill-toned" over a sound resembling a ZX Spectrum's chiptune, implying a dated or grating quality. NME compared its sonic style to a Warp Records track remixed by a "salty voiced robot" from the Short Circuit films, underscoring a perception of mechanical harshness in the single release. Retrospective analyses have reinforced the song's enduring appeal as a rallying cry, though its nonspecific call to independence has invited scrutiny for oversimplifying complex . Dazed retrospective on Volta in 2017 portrayed it as a "brutal anthem" decrying imperialist violence, aligning with Björk's intent for the track to evoke emotional justice akin to escaping abusive relationships. Despite Volta's middling aggregate scores—such as Pitchfork's 5.8—the song's live iterations and dedications amplified its reception, cementing it as a high-energy closer in performances.

Live performances

Björk prominently featured "Declare Independence" as a regular set closer during her Volta Tour from April 2007 to September 2009, spanning over 100 shows across Europe, North America, and Asia. The song's high-energy delivery, backed by a brass section and electronic elements, often ignited audience participation with its chant-like refrains. Notable performances included the Glastonbury Festival on June 22, 2007, where it capped the set amid pyrotechnics and crowd fervor. At Roskilde Festival on July 7, 2007, the track's explosive finale was broadcast on MTV, highlighting its festival suitability. A live recording from L'Olympia in on June 25, 2008, captured during the tour, was released on the album and DVD in 2009, showcasing Björk's commanding stage presence with tribal percussion and visual effects. Other Tour stops featuring the song included the United Palace Theatre in on September 20, 2007; Fox Theatre in on September 11, 2007; and Auditorium Theatre in on May 12, 2007, where it followed tracks like "" and "." The song reappeared in Björk's Biophilia Tour from 2011 to , integrated into multimedia presentations with apps and custom instruments, though less frequently as a closer compared to . A performance at in emphasized its enduring appeal in a stripped yet intense arrangement. Post-Biophilia, live renditions became sporadic, with occasional encores in select shows, such as dedications during later s reflecting the song's activist undertones.

Cultural influence and reinterpretations

Björk adapted the lyrics of "Declare Independence" in a September 17, 2014, Facebook post supporting Scotland's independence referendum, changing them to "Scotland, declare independence! Start your own currency / Follow your own policy / Make your own decisions" to urge a Yes vote. This reinterpretation extended the song's original message—aimed at Greenland and the Faroe Islands—into broader applications for self-determination campaigns, demonstrating its rhetorical flexibility in cultural and political discourse. The track's production, featuring distorted electronic elements crafted by Mark Bell, has been recognized for pioneering a "techoid" sound that blended aggression with experimental , influencing subsequent producers in the genre. Bell's contributions, including heavy and abrasive synths, positioned the as a sonic that resonated in discussions of musical and identity. In academic analyses of culture, "Declare Independence" serves as an emblem of post-1944 narratives, urging peripheral regions toward and reflecting Björk's role in articulating nationalistic sentiments through . Such interpretations frame the song not merely as music but as a cultural intervention in debates over territorial self-rule, though its direct impact on movements remains anecdotal rather than empirically measured.

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