Rock Against Hate

Colie Brice - "Turn The Tide"

"Turn the Tide" was written as information unfolded about the Parkland shooting on the TV.. It was a foul day and I was watching the waves washng over the bulkhead at my Dad's place in Lavallette, NJ. No matter what your individual political perspective might be, I think most of us can agree that we need to "Turn the Tide" and force the hate to recede like angry flood waters as we seek higher common ground.

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Catherine Wacha - "Dust Off Your Riveters"

Back during World War II women were told it was their duty to step out of the kitchen and fill the jobs left vacant by the men who had gone off to war which is where we got the iconic Rosie the Riveter image from. When the men returned home from war the women were told to get back into the kitchen. It was my way of saying, “We’re not done yet, there is still more fighting we need to do.”

I wanted to make not only a political song but one that also touched upon very real people who stood for varying causes throughout the years. The image of Rosie the Riveter was inspired by Naomi Parker Fraley, a very real woman who worked in a machine shop during World War II. Malcolm is referring to Malcolm X who was a key figure in the Civil Rights movement. Gilbert is referring to Gilbert Baker who designed what became the Gay Pride Flag. Crystal is referring to Crystal Lee Sutton who was the real life “Norma Rae” who was a champion for workers rights.

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Wiser Time - "Revolution (alternate mix)"

We're somehow taught to hate or discriminate against things as a product of how we were raised, and our unique environments and experiences. And that's unavoidable and OK. But if a person truly wants to grow, then they have to work towards opening up their mind and not being so rigid about things that they don't truly have a perspective or understanding of. It starts with your mind and what's within you. That's the revolution.

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Lion-Hearted - "Chumpistador"

CHUMPISTADOR is our moniker for the self-proclaimed "stable genius" who currently occupies The White House with dog whistle firmly in the same tiny hand that scarily has access to our nukes. There obviously was (and continues to be) too much content to cover in a song about him... So the emphasis was to commemorate the hateful means he utilized in which to obtain office, particularly (as illustrated in the song's companion video) his divisive (ab)use of Twitter.

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A Halo Called Fred - "If You're Going Through Hell (Keep Going)"

There are times when life seems bleak and hopeless - The politics of today can seem as bleak as selling your soul to the devil, creating monsters that destroy life on earth, or creating a chain reaction that will destroy the universe. But no matter how bad things get, there's one thing we can always do... KEEP GOING!!!

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Deena - "Skating On Melting Ice"

In this crazy world we’re all facing challenges of all kinds. Stay close to love, try to be good and welcome in the next generation. We’re all skating on melting ice.

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Bern & The Brights - "Keep Yourself Together (Remix by Paisley Longthrob)"

"Keep Yourself Together" wrote itself. We had that chorus line to start, and it took a while to figure out who we were speaking to. We realized it was a message to queer youth and the rest of the lyrics came easily. It's about the struggle of learning to walk in the world with this nature that falls outside heteronormative expectations, and a reminder to hold onto oneself; be your own friend.

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The Fisherman & The Sea - "The Funny One"

"Bad presidents make for good music" Tom Morello once said. And as so many others, I have been intrigued by the antics of the current US president. 'The Funny One' is based on the controversy that late night comedian Stephen Colbert caused a year ago with a joke alluding to an intimate relationship between the current Russian and US presidents. The backlash Colbert faced included a trending hashtag #firecolbert as well as mounting public pressure for him to apologize. Colbert stood his ground though and thus portrays an interesting moment in time where comedians like him, John Oliver, Seth Meyers and others use the means of comedy and laughter to display the absurdity and detachment of the current US administration from the lives of ordinary folk. 'The Funny One' is a homage to these comedians who use their platform to give a voice to the voiceless.

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The Hobonauts - "Same Charade"

I had a friend who was in an abusive relationship. This song was written after a conversation I had with her before she decided to seek help.

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Danny Rongo - "I Can't Comprehend Hate"

I wrote 'I Can't Comprehend Hate' shortly after September 11, 2001. My thoughts remain intact today and will for the rest of my life. I cannot believe how 'hatred' in general can lead to such atrocity. Yes, we have not seen the likes of that day since, but hatred and divisiveness remain a constant in our world today. THAT MUST STOP! We must reconnect with our inherent truth that WE ARE ONE. I thank you for sharing the concerns that this CD represents. To learn more about 'oneness' please visit my website.

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John Van Ness - "Only Want You To Dance"

Only Want You to Dance was written as a response to the Pulse Night Club tragedy. The song is a call for love and acceptance for ALL. Our society is at fault for polarizing points of view. Religion and politics dehumanize anyone that don't fit their point of view. The core message of this song is that love and acceptance will conquer hate. In addition, hate won't stop love and it won't keep us from dancing!

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Above The Moon - "We're Still Here"

We’re Still Here was written shortly after the 2016 election results. It came from a place of disbelief and uncertainty, but also one of hope. The chorus, in particular, was inspired by the Women’s March and the protests against the travel ban, where people of all backgrounds, ages and experiences came together for what they believed was right. While the song as a whole is somber, it has an underlying strength and persistence, which ties into the idea of losing a battle, but not the war.

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