Album Features Iconic Artists Michael Stipe and Big Red Machine, Tyler Childers, Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, John Prine and More

Proceeds from the Album will Support Democracy Forward’s Work, including its Pro Bono Legal Representation of People and Communities in Defense of Civil Rights and the Constitution

Washington, D.C. – Today, pre-sales begin for Democracy Forward, an exclusive double album focused on democracy, resilience, and courage. The album will feature songs from best selling artists Michael Stipe and Big Red Machine, Tyler Childers, Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, John Prine and more. The album, which will be released on vinyl the week of July 3, is a partnership between national legal organization Democracy Forward and prominent literary magazine The Bitter Southerner. Proceeds for the album will benefit Democracy Forward’s work, including the legal representation it provides free of charge for people and communities to defend their rights under the Constitution. 

Since Inauguration, Democracy Forward has taken on some of the most significant issues affecting people, families, and communities to confront anti-democratic extremism head-on. From stopping the federal funding freeze, to blocking the decimation of the Department of Education, to protecting religious liberty, to safeguarding due process, to stopping DOGE and Musk from taking Americans’ sensitive and personal data, and more – Democracy Forward has won court orders for people and is just getting started. 

“The work of Democracy Forward ensures that people and communities – that all of us – are heard and that our rights are protected,” said Skye Perryman, President & CEO of Democracy Forward. “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. Each of us has a role to play in strengthening our democracy, and every voice matters.” 

In Michael Stipe’s original spoken word recording for the album, he notes: “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.”

“It’s an honor to be included in this and to stand with the hard work of Democracy Forward to preserve what our Constitution stands for in hopes of becoming our best selves and all the individuality and self expression that comes with it,” said She Returns from War.

“Such an honor to be a part of this record, and grateful for the people at Democracy Forward who are righteously fighting for our freedoms,” said Langhorne Slim.

“At The Bitter Southerner, it’s our job to lift up organizations tackling our country’s crisis head on. Skye Perryman and all our heroes at Democracy Forward are doing just that (so we are very proud to give this record the same name, Democracy Forward.) And that artist list? Sublime! Sending this inspiring double album out into the world is an honor,” said Kyle Tibbs Jones, Editorial Director / Co-Founder at The Bitter Southerner, BS Records.

Full Artist & 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 Abebimpe – 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 Big Red Machine – No Time For Love Like Now

Album produced by BS Records, a division of The Bitter Southerner, Inc.
Executive Producer: Shelly Colvin
Legal: Jeffrey H. Colvin, Esq., Marcus & Colvin LLP
Cover Photo: Dan Winters
Remastered for Vinyl: Jesse Mangum at The Glow Recording Studio
Vinyl Production: Echo Base

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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.