The unreleased collaboration between David Byrne and Devo is available
David Byrne hey I have to have shared an unreleased song titled “Empire“, which they defined as an “ironic capitalist-fascist anthem”.
The song was originally co-written for the former Talking Heads frontman's fifth solo album, “Feelings“, from 1997, but was not included in the final version. A version of the song appears on Byrne's 2004 album, “Grown Backwards”.
As announced earlier this year, Byrne and Devo's collaboration, which dates back nearly three decades, will be featured in “Noise For Now, Vol. 2“, a charity compilation for independent abortion providers in the United States.
The collection is scheduled to be released on June 21, two years after the Supreme Court overturned the Roe v Wade ruling. Other artists who contributed to the project are Faye Webster, The War On Drugs And Courtney Barnett.
“I worked with the members of Devo on two songs, one of which, 'Wicked Little Doll', is featured on the album “Feelings”,” Byrne said in a statement, referring to a track featuring Mark Mothersbaugh And Gerald Casale of the I have to.
“The other one, “Empire,” is an ironic capitalist fascist anthem and, at the time, I thought our version was too nasty and caustic to publish.”
Continued Byrne: “Well, times change and it certainly resonates now in ways that maybe it didn't resonate then. Devo were a joy to work with, they knew exactly what the song was about.”
Gerald Casale of the I have to he added: “We “have been on board” working with David Byrne's dark satire of “Empire” more than 30 years ago. The song was prescient and we understood it. Now it can be heard!” Casale then added: “ Unfortunately, the forces of tyranny are striking with impunity. These bad actors are not so much Pro-Life as they are Anti-Choice. They want women to live in a real-life version of The Handmaid's Tale.”
He then continued: “But there are more of us who respect human rights than those who want to crush them. Freedom of choice is a constant struggle. I must – concluded Casale – salute Noise For Now for its efforts to save the right to abortion of women”.
The non-profit organization Noise For Now “allows artists and entertainers to connect with grassroots organizations working in the field of reproductive justice, including access to abortion, and to support them financially”, reads the official site.
He adds that: “Noise For Now is the connection between touring musicians, progressive promoters, athletes, artists and local reproductive rights organizations in cities across the country.”
The first volume of the series “Noise For Now” was published last November, with contributions from Wet Leg, Maya Hawke, Tegan And Sara and other. Byrne and Devo's track “Empire” was made available for just 24 hours last October as part of the “Good Music To Ensure Safe Abortion Access To All” charity album.
Additionally, on the Talking Heads side, “Everyone's Getting Involved: A Tribute To Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense” was released last month, featuring covers from the likes of Miley Cyrus, Paramore and Lorde.
