Michael Stipe and Big Red Machine, Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit are among the artists lending their work to a new double album, Democracy Forward, to benefit the group of the same name.
Democracy Forward has challenged Trump administration actions on immigration, DOGE cuts and federal funding freezes, among other actions.
Other artists on the album include Tyler Childers, Brittany Howard, John Prine, Wilco and Langhorne Slim. The album, a partnership of Democracy Forward and literary magazine The Bitter Southerner, will be released on vinyl and online on July 3 and started taking pre-orders today.
In a recording for the album, former R.E.M. frontman Stipe said: “We believe in the importance of our democracy and also our ability to save it. The world is depending on us. This fight is not over. The day is not done.”
Skye Perryman, President & CEO of Democracy Forward, said in a statement: “At a time when so many communities across the nation are hurting and being targeted, music, art, and expression helps to bring people together in community, which creates the conditions for courage. We are incredibly grateful to the artists who have dedicated their music to support the American people’s rights and our democracy during this consequential time.”
The album is produced by BS Records, a division of The Bitter Southerner, led by editorial director and co-founder Kyle Tibbs Jones.
The artist and track list:
Michael Stipe, “Invocation” (new)
Sierra Ferrell, “American Dreaming”
Wilco, “Cruel Country”
Tyler Childers, “Long Violent History”
Brandi Carlile, “Speak Your Mind”
Hurray for the Riff Raff, “Colossus of Roads”
Brittany Howard, “Another Day”
Tunde Adebimpe, “People”
Kevin Morby and Waxahatchee, “Farewell Transmission”
Fruit Bats, “A Lingering Love”
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Something More Than Free” (Live from the ACL Live)
She Returns from War, “Ruthless”
John Prine, “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven” (Live at Fifth Peg Chicago)
S.G. Goodman, “Satellite”
Allison Russell (featuring Brandi Carlile), “You’re Not Alone”
Langhorne Slim, “Life Is Confusing”
Blue Mountain, “Jimmy Carter”
Danielle Ponder, “So Long”
Jim James, “Here in Spirit”
Michael Stipe and the Big Red Machine, “No Time for Love Like Now”
