Early June 2025, Democracy Forward announced a fundraising double album featuring a host of incredible musicians including Brandi Carlile on two tracks – to be released on week commencing July 3 2025. Read the press release here.
Democracy Forward says on their website they are a “national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education, and regulatory engagement.”
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.”
It says of the album – “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.”
Brandi Carlile is contributing to two of the tracks: Speak Your Mind, which originally appeared in the Netflix animated series, We The People, in 2021, and her duet to Allison Russell’s re-record of her song, You’re Not Alone from 2022.
It’s the first time either song has seen a physical release.
The album could be purchased here for a limited time, although it sold out quickly. It’s says a new repress is on it’s way – so keep checking for the near future. (edit – written June 2025) .
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
