Nadya Tolokonnikova from Pussy Riot shared “TOXIC”, a new single with Dorian Electra. The track, which was produced by Dylan Brady of 100 Gecs, appears with a hyperactive, extremely digital and often bloody image. Find that below.
In a statement, Tolokonnikova noted that this year, Pussy Riot is creating political music and art for the 10th time. “‘TOXIC’ is political because personal is political,” she said. “Being single reflects the importance of self-care, appreciating your sanity, and avoiding relationships that poison you.” She continued:
A few years ago, I had an emotionally abusive relationship (which was also physically abusive – I was held against my will in a house where we lived). The best way to process trauma for me is to create art. That’s why we wrote TOXIC with Dorian and Dylan. Besides music, I use other tools to convince others that their sanity is paramount, train to recognize emotional violence, and to leave abusive relationships as soon as possible.
“I am very honored to see on this track,” Dorian Electra said in a statement. “Nadya is one of my all time favorite people, friends, and collaborators, and I’ve always been so excited about Pussy Riot’s mix of activism and art. This song came together so quickly with Nadya and Dylan in the studio – we knew we had to do something hella abrasive and sweet at the same time. “
In January, several members of the Pussy Riot collective were arrested in Russia after protesting the release of opposition leader Alexey Navalny. A few days later, the ensemble released a video for the new song “RAGE”, which went into production last year after it was classified as “gay propaganda” by the Russian authorities last year.
Last summer the band released new songs “Riot” and “1312”, and Tolokonnikova wrote a commentary for the New York Times in support of Navalny. Peter Verzilov, another member of the group, was arrested twice in 2020.
