Two of the most influential acts of the '80s have joined forces for a track on a new compilation to benefit abortion access and reproductive rights.
The song "Empire" by David Byrne and Devo is out now in advance of the release of the Noise for Now Vol. 2 compilation, due June 21 digitally and on vinyl.
The album also includes exclusive songs from Courtney Barnett, Faye Webster, Big Freedia, The War on Drugs and others.
The album's release comes on the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs vs. Jackson case that has greatly affected reproductive rights in the U.S.
"Years ago, I did a record called Feelings in which I collaborated with different musicians on the songs," Byrne said in a statement. "I worked with members of Devo on two songs, one of which is on the album. The other one, 'Empire,' is an ironic capitalist fascist anthem and, at the time, I thought our version was just too mean and caustic for release. Well, times change, and it certainly resonates now in ways it maybe didn't then. It was a joy to work with the Devo guys, they knew exactly what the song is about."
Devo's Gerald Casale added, "We were on board working with the dark satire of David Byrne's 'Empire' over 30 years ago. The song was prescient and we got it. Now it can be heard!"
In 1980, Devo released an album and song titled "Freedom of Choice," which Casale alluded to in his statement. "Unfortunately, the forces of tyranny are striking with impunity now. These bad actors are not Pro-Life so much as they are Anti-Choice. They want women to live in a real-life version of The Handmaid's Tale," added Casale. "But there's more of us who respect human rights than those who want to crush those rights. Freedom of Choice is a constant fight. Devo salutes Noise for Now for their efforts to save a woman's right to abortion."
The Byrne-Devo collaboration was originally released in 2022 on the digital-only benefit compilation, Good Music To Ensure Safe Abortion Access To All, which was available for only 24 hours via Bandcamp. The album, which featured the "Liberate Abortion" cover art created by Kim Gordon, raised more than $230,000.
Noise for Now Vol. 1 was released as a vinyl-only limited-edition album in 2023, featuring songs by Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell, Bully, Wet Leg, My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes and others. It's still available for purchase via the Noise for Now store.
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