As artists, Dan & Faith have drawn acclaim for their refusal to shy away from the difficult social issues dividing America. On their latest single, ‘Se Llama Juanita’, they offer a deeply humane ode to those who come to other places just trying to find a better life.
New England husband and wife duo Dan & Faith have unveiled their latest album, Who We Are, featuring the straight-talking, emotive protest single ‘Se Llama Juanita’.
The duo create “dream-inspired folk music” that speaks to our contemporary era, while also channelling the protest element that made folk such a vital genre in mid-20th-century America. To that end, their songs are narrative-driven, often telling humane stories with a resonant social message.
‘Se Llama Juanita’ (which translates as ‘Her Name is Juanita’) tells the story of a young girl’s journey across the US southern border. The song’s lyrics take a vivid - and sometimes visceral - look at how treacherous these journeys are for young women.
The song not only acts as a plea for compassion (something that many are lacking in modern America), but it also unabashedly delves into the wider context behind the immigration issue, with the lyricists being unafraid to reference America’s role in foreign intervention - and their shameful backing of military juntas throughout southern American countries.
The bravery of the lyrics is buoyed by the soothing, clear-sighted melodies, the deceptively simple acoustics, and the earnest vocals on the part of both Dan and Faith themselves. In telling ‘Juanita’s’ story, they ensure that this highly divisive issue isn’t reduced to headlines or numbers, but is given the humane dignity that it deserves.
The duo themselves have stated that the song was written to chime with their heartfelt support for immigrants who wish to pursue safety, freedom, and a life they can call their own in America.
Speaking about the message behind the song, the duo said: “There is nothing illegal about the people or their request. These people simply want a chance to live in peace.”
Who are Dan & Faith?
Based in New England - but frequently found touring across the country - Dan & Faith have three studio albums to their name, as well as an ever-growing catalog of singles. Their stripped-down musical approach has won them fans throughout the US, with many latching onto their dynamics as a duo - as well as their storytelling abilities, which are never less than sincere.
In 2024, Dan & Faith released Who We Are. The album has received critical acclaim from fans, critics, and music lovers, with Nick Noble of WICN (Worcester Public Radio) calling it "a triumph" and naming it one of 2024’s ‘six superb new releases by New England-based artists’.
Dan & Faith’s previous single, ‘My Name Is George’, won praise for how it dealt with trans issues in a sensitive, yet eye-opening, way.
You can listen to Dan & Faith’s latest single, ‘Se Llama Juantia’, and their latest album in full on Spotify.