Interview by Jason Setnyk | Photo by Theirry Brouard
Uber Alles, California – Chris Clemence has teamed up with Dead Kennedys and former Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer DH Peligro to record a new single titled “Revolution” coming out on August 25th via crowdfunding.
The song is a call to action against the current President, and also a fundraiser to benefit equal rights, education, and healthcare.
“The song “Revolution” is a call to action. It’s the State of the Union but directed at the current President. I wrote the lyrics because I, like many others, am disgusted by what is going on in our country and how we are allowing it to happen right before our eyes. The lyrics are about what is going on right now. I wanted to fight back and make a positive change for America with this song, so we are donating a portion of all proceeds to benefit equal rights, education, and healthcare. The only way to get a copy of the song is through our Crowdpac campaign. When you donate, a download of the song will be sent to your email on August 25th.
We also have some awesome “Revolution “t-shirts by Fathom Clothing for those who want to further support and wear their American pride. A copy of the song is included with all t-shirt purchases and these too also benefit the charity. You can get the merch either through Crowdpac or directly from Fathom“, Chris Clemence explained.
The Charlottesville protest organized by Unite the Right and attended by Ku Klux Klan members, Neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and others in the alt-right shocked the nation. Some protesters marched with guns, many marched at night with torches, and one ran his car through a crowd of counter-protesters and is charged with the murder of Heather Heyer. President Donald Trump’s response to the deadly and violent events in Charlottesville left many in a state of sorrow, anger, and disbelief – including D. H. Peligro.
“I’m still pissed off. It looks and feels like back in the Wallace Era of segregation. I’m angry that who we laughingly refer to as a President would flip flop back to his origin of supporting the KKK. When the skeletons come out of the closet so do the ghosts,” D. H. Peligro said exasperated.
“What happened this past week really solidified for me what we are doing and how badly we need action. I think Trump handled it horribly and it’s clear where he stands. He doesn’t want to lose support of his White Supremacist voters and to not denounce them directly and publicly is shameful. He doesn’t deserve to lead this country”, Chris Clemence added.
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D.H. Peligro thought it was a pleasure collaborating with Chris Clemence on the song “Revolution”.
Chris Clemence is a professional musician and accomplished songwriter. His resume includes the RapScallions’ hit song “Can You Feel It” which was aired during the Stanley Cup Finals and the Superbowl. Songs he has recorded on have also appeared on Playstation and Xbox games. Furthermore, he and his other band Screaming At Demons collaborated with Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers on a recording. Chris Clemence has also toured internationally and shared the stage with Jack White of The White Stripes, Chris Cornell of Soundgarden, Scorpions, Warrant, Sheryl Crow, and many others.
“It was a quite pleasant process working. It was already a match, like minded thinkers and all. We did some pre-production – we’re well seasoned vets so it was a snap!,” D. H. Peligro responded.
According to Chris Clemence, D.H. Peligro was the perfect choice to collaborate on this new song.
“Working with D.H. was an honour. He is an amazing musician and vocalist and in my eyes, and he was the only choice for the song. Every song I put out has to be real. There has to be meaning and a purpose behind it. As a legendary punk who has stood up to injustice as a career, DH made the perfect fit”, Chris Clemence proclaimed.
D.H. Peligro was the drummer of the Dead Kennedy’s from 1981–1986, and again from 2001 to the present date. He recorded with the band on three studio albums: Plastic Surgery Disasters, Frankenchrist, and Bedtime for Democracy. He also appeared on many of the tracks on the “Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death” collection.
He also drummed for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1988, co-wrote three of the songs that appeared on their 1989 album “Mother’s Milk”, and he also appeared on the recording of the song “Blues for Meister” on the 1994 album “Out In L.A.”.
Furthermore, Peligro received a Grammy nomination for a creative and amazing punk cover of Jimi Hendrix’s song “Purple Haze”. He has had an eclectic and inspiring career.
According to P.H. Peligro many Dead Kennedy’s songs are still relevant today, especially with the current political climate in America.
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“Oh I dunno…”California Uber Allias”, “Kill the Poor”, “Bleed For Me”, “A Child and his Lawnmower”, “Rambozo the Clown”, “Nazi Punks F-ck Off”… I could add to the list at infinitum,” D. H. Peligro replied.
The Dead Kennedys are no strangers to being political. In the 1980s they participated in the Rock against Reagan tour. Should there be a Rock against Trump tour now?
“Yes there should be a Rock against Trump tour now! So we can see the face of the opposite side and show up for ourselves inspiring the country and the world. The time is now,” D. H. Peligro declared.
On the Chris Clemence and D.H. Peligro Crowdpac it states:
America is at a crossroads. Our nation is divided like never before. Racism, wealth and social class inequities, and sexist views are just some of the problems, and they only seem to keep getting worse. Our current administration is like a bad reality show, run by a dangerous man who has no political experience. President Trump constantly is lying to our faces while he makes moves that only benefit himself and his regime. Being an American is about being patriotic and it’s about fighting for what’s right. This is our hour. It’s time to take a stand and fight back. But the best way to take a stand isn’t violence. It’s education.
There are many ways to change America – from protesting, to charity; it all adds up. There are many things ordinary Americans can do to become empowered, challenge the administration, and change the current state of affairs.
“Keep protesting! Stay up on whats happening politically, call your Congressperson. Remember, they work for us, not the other way round. There’s plenty to do,” D. H. Peligro observed.
“Exactly. And the most beneficial and easiest to do is to give to charity. Our campaign is directly supporting positive change and we need to all band together to make this happen… We want everyone to take action. No matter how small, proactive change adds up. Donate now to the Revolution campaign and join us in standing up for what is right and what we need as a country”, Chris Clemence reiterated.
“Yes, the song speaks for itself; moreover, what do other people get out of it? Inspiration,” D. H. Peligro pointed out.
The goal of The Clemence Foundation is to make a difference in a tangible way.
“I started The Clemence Foundation to make a difference. I strongly believe that we need equal rights, education, and an affordable health care system now more than ever. A lot of times with charities you donate but you don’t get something in return or don’t see where your money goes. With The Clemence Foundation, I wanted to have a song and t-shirts available as a reward for those who give for positive change, and also have my finger on exactly where their money goes and make sure it makes the most impact possible. I will be doing video and photo updates as donations come in showing donors the tangible change they are making,” Chris Clemence noted.
Chris Clemence announced some of the charities that will benefit from the fundraising.
“We will be benefiting the ACLU, Save The Children, Americares, and more. Every charity I have extensively researched to make sure that the money is going to benefit those in need. These organizations have a great history and I am happy to play a role in helping their recipients,” Chris Clemence stated.
Can fans expect more collaborations coming up?
“There is always something new in the works, so yeah you haven’t heard the last of us,” D. H. Peligro concluded.
Donations of $5 will be given a link for a free download of “Revolution“.
Donations of $40 (price includes shipping and tax) or more will receive an Official Revolution T-shirt by Fathom Clothing in addition to the song. You can choose between the “The Raven” or “Rise Up!” Design. See the collection here.
Donations of $60 (price includes shipping and tax) will receive the “The Executive Order” Official Revolution T-Shirt by Fathom Clothing in addition to the song. See “The Executive Order” T-Shirt here.
Donations of $1,000 or more will receive a download of “Revolution”, all three Official Revolution T-Shirts, as well as a one of a kind, custom 32×20 art piece hand painted by Chris Clemence as well as a personal thank you message and phone call. The painting will support the “Revolution” message and will come framed.
You can read more about “Revolution” and the Clemence Foundation at https://www.chrisclemence.com/