Tanya Tagaq Calls Out Black Pussy on Their Bullshit Name

Photo: Jenn McInnis

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Jun 28, 2016

Plenty of people have told Portland's self-described "sex-charged, '70s-influenced, hide-your-daughters-because-they're-coming-to-town rock'n'roll band" Black Pussy that their band name is less than appropriate when it comes to issues of systematic racism and sexism in society. The latest instance of the band trying to brush these larger implications aside has led to a war of words with celebrated throat singer Tanya Tagaq.

Toronto-based artist Lido Pimienta first tried to explain the issue to the band in a series of private messages on Twitter, which the band promptly laughed off. The group then invited those who expressed concern to come to a show to come speak to them in person about the name. But after the way they acted, it's unsurprising everyone took their invitation with a grain of salt. Demonstrating how seriously they took everyone's concern, Black Pussy hit out at their detractors on social media in the best way they knew how. The war of words started soon after. This isn't the first time people have taken issue with the band's name. It sparked a national conversation last spring when the group had lined up a series of dates in Canada for a North American tour, even causing an Ottawa venue to outline an inclusivity policy in the wake of the backlash.

Judging by these recent events, it seems the band will continue to be known for their poor naming decision rather than their music.

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