Strange Famous Records CEO Sage Francis wisely scooped up ardent political and human rights activist Jared Paul and his Prayers for Atheists crew, who stormed the scene last summer behind their outstanding self-titled debut EP and its leadoff single “Psalm for St. Paul,” documenting Paul’s arrest in Minnesota outside the Republican National Convention (a grass roots fundraising effort eventually led to all charges getting dropped). Edutainment is in effect when catching Prayers for Atheists in action; in July, the foursome embark on yet another cross-country tour, and Paul will pounce on the opportunity to drop some knowledge nationwide (think Chuck D. disguised as a 5′5″ bike messenger). Guitarist Alan Hague’s chugging, neck-snapping riffs complement Paul’s fiery, slam-poet insight. PFA’s live show is not to be missed, as evidenced by sold-out gigs at Firehouse 13 and AS220.
Runners-up
2. Big Tall Buildings
3. The diePods
4. Fairhaven
*PFA’s “Psalm for St. Paul” & B Dolan’s “Border Crossing” were also nominated for “Song of the Year,” both made solid showings behind the eventual winner:
1. Deer Tick, “Easy”
2. Prayers for Atheists, “Psalm for St. Paul”
3. B Dolan, “Border Crossing”
4. Six Star General, “One-Sided Walkie Talkie”
(http://thephoenix.com/BMP/Providence/2010/BreakthroughAct/)
———————————————————————————————–
We accepted the award last Wednesday at the RI Music Award Show and gave the longest acceptance speech of the night. In our speech PFA denounced the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan, plugged RI community action groups (including the RI Mobilization Committee), encouraged participants to check out the independent news program “Democracy Now!” and then led the audience in anti-BP/Big Oil protest chants.
It was the kind of speech we felt those who voted for us deserved to have representing them.
We are putting the finishing touches on our new album now and will be taking off on a 40-city, nation-wide tour starting June 24th. Winning a 2010 RI Music Award is the perfect way to start off the trip and we thank you for taking the time to vote.
We’re dedicating this award to Sage Francis, Strange Famous Records, and Dan Sawyer Studios for their unwavering support and advocacy. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.
Thanks Again!
Brand new album soon!
Sincerely,
Alan, Jared, Marco, and Cousin Tom
To download the FREE mp3, click the down arrow in the player above.
