Yeasayer, Nine Inch Nails, Chris Rock, Esthero and Steve Earle may never be on the same bill to play. But they, along with nearly 200 other artists, are uniting against Arizona’s new immigration law, SB 1070. Started by the Riot/Revolt king Zack de la Rocha, Sound Strike’s mission is raise awareness and get SB 1070 repealed. You can get the ACLU’s breakdown of why artists are climbing onboard here. Because even if Kanye West and Conor Oberst will visit you in another state, this is a chance to form your own opinion and flex a wee bit of your internet muscle by signing the petition. Oh yeah, and the whole website is bilingual.
The other end of the stick is that these artists should come to Arizona to rally there. Arizona promoter Charlie Levy made the fair claim that skipping a tour date might not be enough to raise the frenzy to the capitol level. In fact, it skirts the very state that needs the most fostering of free speech. Would you go play in AZ? Would it help? Or would you join Sound Strike?