While pairing music and social activism isn't a new concept, alternative rock band Yellowcard took one step beyond taking a stand and have put their music where their hearts are. The new video for the single "One Bedroom" from their soon-to-be-released album Lift a Sail (Razor & Tie; October 7, 2014) pairs the band's song about a safe haven with the efforts of international organization INVISIBLE CHILDREN which strives to end the reign of violence of Joseph Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army in Africa. The video can be viewed below:
"Working with Invisible Children for the 'One Bedroom' music video was an incredible experience," explains vocalist/guitarist Ray Key. "We have never had the opportunity to connect our music to something so much bigger than ourselves in such a direct way."
Says Alexander Collins, Invisible Children's Strategic Partnerships Manager, "Invisible Children is honored to have been able to partner with Yellowcard on this very sincere project, giving us all a look at the reality of what life is like for people in central Africa, who are still being terrorized by Joseph Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army."
Originally written as a ballad revolving around the apartment in Denver that Key and his wife shared during the first part of her rehabilitation from her spinal injury, the song centers around the two of them not letting the physical obstacles come in the way of their relationship. "It was just the two of us most of the time and that apartment seemed to be the only safe place on Earth for us both," Key remembers. "We went through so much, we shared so much there. So the song is sort of a love letter…letting her know what she means to me."
The "One Bedroom" video begins in a similar fashion that, however, soon turns tragic – a young couple are torn apart by LRA terrorists who abduct, beat and reprogram one of them, forcing him to serve as a soldier. Filled with statistics and dramatizations of the fear and terror that leader Joseph Kony and his LRA strike in the heart of Africa, the video is a wakeup call to remind people of their practices. "Together we can put an end to this unnecessary violence and bring back the women and children who are still held captive," adds Collins.
Yellowcard is Ryan Key (vocals, guitars), Sean Mackin (violins), Ryan Mendez (guitar), and Josh Portman (bass). Lift A Sail was produced by Neal Avron and will be released on October 7, 2014 via Razor & Tie.
