Hello everyone, it’s your host Oliver from DULAXI, and today I’m delighted to be joined by Deptford Sound Collective, a South London-based collective of musicians, artists, and community activists from Deptford, England. Blending alternative pop, contemporary pop, and socially conscious songwriting, the collective uses music as a platform for storytelling, awareness, and conversations around equality, civil rights, and community struggles.
Today, we are discussing their latest single, “#KissMyArse The Queer Fight Back,” a bold and satirical response that transforms frustration into creativity, humour, and musical expression. Through this release, Deptford Sound Collective explores the role of protest music in modern society while highlighting the importance of visibility, unity, and standing against discrimination.
Before we begin our conversation with Deptford Sound Collective, here’s what you need to know about today’s featured project.
ABOUT DEPTFORD SOUND COLLECTIVE
Based in Deptford, South East London, Deptford Sound Collective is an ensemble bringing together musicians, artists, and community activists united by a shared belief in the power of music to inspire conversation and create change. Drawing influence from the protest songs of previous generations, particularly the socially conscious movements of the 1960s, the collective creates music that combines pop energy, memorable hooks, and meaningful messages.
Their work reflects the history and spirit of their local community, with Deptford and Lewisham serving as important influences on their creative identity. Through their music, the collective seeks to highlight stories of struggle, resilience, equality, and civil rights while reminding audiences that creativity can be a powerful form of activism.
Their latest release, “#KissMyArse The Queer Fight Back,” arrives as a response to wider conversations surrounding LGBTQ+ representation, free expression, and the role of music in social debates. Rather than approaching the subject through anger alone, Deptford Sound Collective channels their message through satire, humour, and an energetic pop approach designed to encourage people to listen, reflect, and engage.
The single was created as a statement of solidarity and empowerment, focusing on themes of dignity, queer joy, and the belief that music can help amplify voices that are often overlooked. The collective views songwriting as a way to connect personal experiences with wider social issues, creating songs that invite audiences to participate rather than simply observe.
Led by Ray Barron Woolford FRSA, who has previously written songs and managed bands focused on raising awareness of social issues, Deptford Sound Collective continues to develop music that combines entertainment with purpose. Their approach draws from the tradition of protest music while bringing those ideas into a modern setting through contemporary production, pop influences, and community-focused storytelling.
The collective’s previous creative work includes projects exploring equality and civil rights, including the film “Liberty Kath Duncan: The Untold Struggle for Civil Rights,” which reflects their interest in preserving important histories and sharing stories of activism. Through both film and music, they continue to explore how art can connect generations and keep conversations about social progress alive.
With “#KissMyArse The Queer Fight Back,” Deptford Sound Collective continues their mission of creating music that encourages unity and challenges division. The release also marks another step in their ongoing journey, with future projects including “#RiseUp,” an upcoming dance-focused track that aims to bring their message to new audiences.
Having this brief introduction to today’s featured project, I’m sure both new listeners and longtime fans are excited to hear directly from Deptford Sound Collective. So, without further ado, let’s begin today’s interview.
INTERVIEW SESSION
Oliver:
Before we talk about the new single, I’d love to start with the people behind the music. Deptford Sound Collective brings together musicians, artists, and community activists from South East London. How did this collective first come together, and what shared values united everyone involved?
Deptford Sound Collective:
A group of Friends sitting after Christmas, reflecting on the break and looking at the World and thinking it’s so large and yet so small. What can we really do in 2026 to make a difference and progress our activism and common anger? I, Ray Barron Woolford FRSA, have written songs before and Managed Bands a Pop group that uses music to raise social issues with an 80s vibe and with a sing-along hook, great heels and banging tunes may be our way to take on the world.
Oliver:
Deptford has a long history of diversity, creativity, activism, and community spirit. How has the area itself influenced both your identity as a collective and the messages you choose to amplify through your music?
Deptford Sound Collective:
Deptford and Lewisham’s Importance in Working-Class and Civil rights History and Struggle has always been left in the Shadows, Which Is why I made the film Liberty Kath Duncan: The Untold Struggle for Civil Rights. Film and music are the way we share and engage with our History of Struggle whilst trying to remember the bravery of heros who won what most take for granted.
Oliver:
Many artists create music primarily for entertainment, while your work often carries a social purpose alongside the music itself. What experiences led you to believe that music can still be a meaningful tool for activism and community engagement today?
Deptford Sound Collective:
We were on a Reclaim Pride March in London in 2019. Many of us who identify as queer were unhappy that Pride has become a Parade when it should be a Protest until equality for all is truly global. I heard the chant “We’re Here, We’re Queer, and We’re Not Going Shopping.” It inspired me to write songs that people can sing, chant, let out their anger and feelings with a sense of solidarity and protest.
Oliver:
You have spoken about drawing inspiration from the tradition of protest songs that emerged during the social movements of the 1960s. What is it about that era of music that continues to resonate with you, and how do you adapt those ideas for a modern audience?
Deptford Sound Collective:
We think People long for the Solidarity and Sence of Power of the 60s against the odds. The Black Panthers fought the System with the 1969 Panther21 Trial and Won. We all seemed to be united, and we all miss that Unity and empowerment; we are trying to rekindle that vibe and sense.
Oliver:
The collective’s work consistently promotes equality, civil liberties, and solidarity. How would you describe the mission of Deptford Sound Collective, and what do you hope people understand about your purpose beyond the music itself?
Deptford Sound Collective:
Showing and inspiring people globally that with your voice and a Song, we all have power. Music allows us to go global with no money, no fame, just a phone.
Oliver:
#KissMyArse The Queer Fight Back arrives as both a song and a statement. Can you take us back to the moment when the idea first emerged and explain what inspired the collective to create this particular response?
Deptford Sound Collective:
This was a Hard song to write, i was livid that Holly Valance who had got Rich on the LGBTQ fan base chose to trade us for the Far Right, Her Song was NOT funny it was designed to be hateful to help it go viral, The Far Right after the Song was Banned as it was so vile protested its ban was an abuse of their free speech so i had to address this, and i wanted to write a Song that was satire, had Humour to take on the far right without the neeed to nbre nasty, because we are better than them
Oliver:
Rather than responding with anger alone, the song appears to use humour, satire, celebration, and music as its primary weapons. Why did you feel that approach would be more effective than simply confronting the issue head-on?
Deptford Sound Collective:
Please reach out to people who do not share your views. A silly pop song might seem like that, but when people are attacked every day because of their sexuality, gender, or colour, it needs to be called out.
Oliver:
The title immediately grabs attention because it reclaims a phrase that had already become part of a wider public debate. What made reclaiming that language important, and how does the song transform its meaning?
Deptford Sound Collective:
Queer was also reclaimed in the same way some people of colour reclaimed the N word as a way of empowerment.
Oliver:
Throughout the release, there is a strong emphasis on love, dignity, unity, and queer joy rather than simply opposition. Why was it important for the song to stand for something positive rather than focus exclusively on what it rejects?
Deptford Sound Collective:
We are all so fed up with gharte and diffusion; our music is raising issues and champions those who try to have a good life but struggle. We are trying to create Love Not Hate as a pathway in dark times.
Oliver:
Music has often played a central role in social movements, helping people feel seen, connected, and empowered. What role do you hope #KissMyArse The Queer Fight Back will play within the wider conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion?
Deptford Sound Collective:
We are so proud of what we are doing, Singing Songs about issues that no one talks about, including our own Queer media that fails to realise LGBTQ also get Broke, have disabilities and mental health issues and can be homeless as well as refugees and migrants and yet this huge segment of our LGBTQ community is never spoken or written about. Are they not also worthy of having a voice?
Oliver:
Satire can be difficult to balance because it needs to be entertaining while still delivering a meaningful message. How did you approach the songwriting process to ensure the humour never overshadowed the deeper purpose of the track?
Deptford Sound Collective:
A good Heart
and Love
Oliver:
Protest songs can sometimes become very serious and heavy, yet this track appears to embrace energy, confidence, and even celebration. How important was it for the music itself to feel uplifting and empowering despite the subject matter?
Deptford Sound Collective:
I think Pop Protest Music is so much more powerful when it’s driven by humour and great heels
Oliver:
As a collective made up of people from different creative and activist backgrounds, what was the collaborative process like while developing the song, and how did those different perspectives shape the final result?
Deptford Sound Collective:
Every song has a different BTeam. We all have different Ideas and musical tastes. Our next single #RiseUp in August is an Ibiza-vibe dance track to reach out even to the Beaches of the Mediterranean and the warehouse party goers of the North.
Oliver:
The release has been timed around London Pride, one of the most significant celebrations of LGBTQ+ visibility and community in the UK. What significance does that timing hold for you, and how does it connect to the message behind the song?
Deptford Sound Collective:
I was at the First Pride Marches in the 1970s. I am sad that it is no longer about protest or even remembering how we got here.
Oliver:
Your music often seeks to amplify voices that may feel marginalised or under attack. During the creation of this track, were there particular conversations, stories, or experiences from within the LGBTQ+ community that influenced your thinking?
Deptford Sound Collective:
All our Songs are based on real-life stories and experiences. That’s what we believe makes them so powerful globally. Struggle and poverty are universal.
Oliver:
Beyond the political discussion, there is also a deeply human element to this release. What message would you like listeners who may not normally engage with LGBTQ+ issues to take away after hearing the song?
Deptford Sound Collective:
That Struggle does not see Colour, gender, or sexuality; it’s its commonality that should unite us in a Rainbow Coalition
Oliver:
Looking at the current social climate, do you believe artists and musicians have a responsibility to speak out on issues that affect their communities, or is that ultimately a personal choice for each creator?
Deptford Sound Collective:
Sadly, it’s tough. We have had songs banned, and most of our Songs Shadow-Banned for being too political. Why are so many artists staying silent? That’s not a pathway we will be following.
Oliver:
How have audiences responded to your previous releases supporting equality and civil rights, and have any listener reactions particularly reinforced why this kind of music matters?
Deptford Sound Collective:
It’s mad that 30% of our audience is in Mexico and that everyone is obsessed with Spotify. We are just doing what we love, what we think is the right thing to do, and hopefully the fans will come.
Oliver:
The quote, “We will not be silenced or shamed—we will dance, sing and march louder than ever,” captures a powerful sense of resilience. What does that statement mean to you personally, and how does it reflect the spirit of the collective?
Deptford Sound Collective:
I was brought up when being GAY was a crime. I was 38 before I could live who I was and feel safe to do so
Oliver:
Looking beyond this release, what is the long-term vision for Deptford Sound Collective, and how would you like your music and activism to be remembered in the years ahead?
Deptford Sound Collective:
The Great Tom Robinson Wrote a Fantastic Song back in the 70s. It was called ” Sing if you’re Glad to be Gay: People sang it at football grounds; we sang it on the first Pride March in London, and police officers lining the route were singing, ” That’s True Protest Song Power, I never Forgot, and That Song is a Great Classic, Thank You foir This Interview, We will Be doing our First Live Show this November in London Follow our Social Media for Info
“Deptford Sound Collective’s latest release shows how music can become a meeting point between celebration, identity, and social reflection, proving that powerful messages can still arrive with rhythm, humour, and a sense of community.”
~ Oliver (DULAXI Team)
MY EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVE
Listening to #KissMyArse The Queer Fight Back feels like stepping into a space where music, activism, and personal history meet. The track carries a clear sense of purpose while embracing the energy and character of pop music. Through its bold approach, memorable spirit, and collective storytelling, Deptford Sound Collective demonstrates how songs can become a way of preserving experiences, encouraging conversations, and connecting people across different backgrounds.
~ Oliver (DULAXI Team)
CLOSING
A huge thank you to Deptford Sound Collective for taking the time to share the story, inspiration, and deeper meaning behind #KissMyArse The Queer Fight Back with DULAXI. Through this conversation, the collective has offered insight into the experiences, values, and creative ideas that continue to shape their music and activism.
We encourage readers to experience the single for themselves and discover the message, energy, and personality behind this unique release. As Deptford Sound Collective continues their journey with new music and upcoming performances, we look forward to seeing how their blend of creativity and social awareness continues to develop.
Thank you for spending time with Oliver and DULAXI. Stay connected with us for more artist interviews, stories, and conversations from across the global music community.