In response to alarming restrictive legislative measures against the women of Texas and elsewhere, seminal NYC leading musical lights Sonic Youth have shared new releases to fundraise for Fund Texas Choice and Abortion Support Network.
The band has made two vintage live sets available in full, from the Austin Music Hall, Austin, Texas from 1995 (on the post-Lollapallooza ‘Washing Machine’ tour), as well as Live in Dallas at the Gypsy Tea Room (‘Rather Ripped’ tour) in 2006. These classic, previously unreleased shows are available for stream and download from 5th November, with 100% of their proceeds to support the two causes.
Three new Sonic Youth t-shirt designs are available: two from Texan photographer/friend of the band/author of the recent ‘Texas Is the Reason’ book Pat Blashill, and a third tee featuring a variation of Richard Prince’s “Dude Ranch Nurse” artwork. The first Blashill tee features a photo from their Austin/Continental Club ’85 gig, the second features pro-femme lyrics from their song “Flower” coupled with various photos of assorted women from the 80’s Texan punk scene. Proceeds of both of these will also benefit ASN and Fund Texas Choice.
Sonic Youth have dedicated great energy in making previously unreleased sounds available to their fanbase. Historically, their trailblazing cross-country tours of back to the mid 80’s consolidated their independent/artistic stance with many formative Texan bands and artists, including the likes of the Butthole Surfers, Big Boys, Daniel Johnston, and Meat Joy. The enduring support from Lone Star state fans for SY warrants a favor returned specifically for this state’s fanbase, and in broader scope, Sonic Youth support a national and world community where abortion is embraced as health care and a human right.
