David Byrne and Devo have teamed up for “Empire,” which is featured on Noise for Now Vol. 2, a compilation benefitting abortion access. Revived from its original conception in 1997, the cut takes the form of a march with militaristic drums and blaring horns before Byrne’s beautifully wacky voice gives the song a circus-like feel. It’s parodic without ever becoming saccharine.
“Years ago, I did a record called Feelings in which I collaborated with different musicians on the songs,” noted Byrne. “I worked with members of Devo on two songs, one of which is on the album. The other one, ‘Empire,’ is an ironic capitalist fascist anthem and, at the time, I thought our version was just too mean and caustic for release. Well, times change, and it certainly resonates now in ways it maybe didn't then.”
Devo’s Gerald Casale also said, “We were on board working with the dark satire of David Byrne’s ‘Empire’ over 30 years ago. The song was prescient and we got it. Now it can be heard!”
Check out the track below, and pre-order Noise for Now Vol. 2 here.
