“‘Battleground’ is about how we as a society let people and companies with lots of money, power and influence get away with things that we’d otherwise be very wary of,” says Jack Barksdale.
It’s weighty stuff for a folk song—especially coming from a guy who still isn’t old enough to drink. But the Fort Worth, Texas, native has never been one to shy away from social and economic inequity in his young career as a singer/songwriter. “The Scam Song,” also from his upcoming Battleground EP (Cloverdale), covers some of the same territory, taking satirical jabs at an economy that favors the wealthy and well-connected. The title track, however, takes a more serious tone, its simmering arrangement driving home a sobering narrative about our broken justice system.
Acclaimed Canadian singer/songwriter Julian Taylor adds his vocals to “Battleground.” Barksdale quickly became an admirer after the two met at a John Prine tribute event in 2025. Says Taylor about “Battleground,” “It’s a stellar song from an artist who continues to break new ground lyrically.”
Filmed by Memphis-based photographer and visual artist Jamie Harmon, the accompanying video isn’t meant to be taken literally. “It’s more of a symbolic gesture to capture the overall feel of the song,” says Barksdale. “Taking the idea of class warfare and letting the eye and ear travel and search through the song in a symbolic manner.”
We’re proud to premiere Jack Barksdale’s “Battleground.” Look for the new EP on October 16.
—Hobart Rowland
See Jack Barksdale live.
