Album cover for The Red Album, a pagan music project raising money for abortion access

The Red Album

We’re pagan, we’re pro-choice and we’re proud.

Nineteen pagan bands and artists have joined together to raise money for abortion access for everyone, everywhere in America.

S. J. Tucker * Mama Gina * Crow Women * Alexander James Adams * Mr. E * Meren King * Spiral Rhythm * Celia Farran * Spellsinger * Ginger Ackley * Pan Fried * Krista Chapman Green * Alexian * Brian Henke * Primal Rhythm * Louis Garou * Kira Lang * Sydney Michael * Richard Anthony Williamson

We have recorded our songs on our own time and our own dime. With the help of generous donors to our gofundme campaign for the album as a whole, and those who sponsored individual tracks, we raised the funds we needed to produce and promote the album. Thank you to all who contributed!

Buy The Red Album!

You can purchase a digital download and receive it immediately. Or, you can order a physical CD and we’ll ship it to you. Order here: https://theredalbum.bandcamp.com/album/the-red-album-pagan-voices-for-reproductive-rights

Each of the 19 bands also has copies of the physical CD, so if you’re at one of their concerts or events, you can buy the CD directly from your favorite band. Some may also carry it on their websites.

How the Red Album got started

The idea for The Red Album was born during a panel discussion at Pagan Spirit Gathering last summer. Several of us pagan songwriters were talking about our inspirations for writing music. We had just learned about the overturning of Roe v. Wade and we agreed, with passion, that we were inspired to write protest songs for abortion rights. 

After the festival, a group of us got together and decided to create a compilation, called The Red Album, contributing one song each. It’s very much like The Green Album that came out a few years ago. That project had an environmental action theme, raising money for the Rainforest Trust. The Red Album is also a compilation, and will raise money for abortion access and reproductive/human rights organizations. Like The Green Album, all the performers on The Red Album are pagan musicians. 

After a year of work, the Red Album has become a sizzling reality!

Our album release date was the 1-year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. All proceeds are being donated to organizations that support abortion access. Our first beneficiaries are Elevated Access and the National Abortion Federation. We’ve already donated several throusand dollars to each organization and expect to continue a stream of donations in the years to come.

Sponsorship

Each song can have two special sponsors. Most of the songs are fully sponsored. You can see who the sponsors are in the track listing below. We are very grateful for these supporters.

There are just a few songs that still have sponsorships available. For $75 (or more if you wish) you can sponsor a song and be listed below. If you’re interested, please get in touch with us at redalbumcontact (at) gmail (dot) com.

The Songwriters Speak

Here’s what the artists have to say about their songs for The Red Album: Pagan Voices for Reproductive Rights

1. Revolution by Mama Gina

I’m done with compassion and you’re out of time
You’ve shackled and bound me and stolen what’s mine
Now I am vengeance – I stand at your door
Your chains made me stronger than ever before

“I was angry with the SCOTUS decision, but I did not realize how much I had suppressed that fury and helplessness until I began writing Revolution. It is beyond time to give voice to that rage, and resolve to protect our rights and those of future generations.”

You can read a blog post about this song, here.

Revolution was sponsored by Phoenix Silverstar, in honor of “my music-loving late son Bear”
and by Lou Gastuch, in honor of “Bodily Autonomy”.

2. Devil at the Door (explicit version) by S. J. Tucker

Spittin’ nails, splittin’ hairs to avoid equality,
clutchin’ pearls any time something better comes to be,
when they say you’re bound for hell, well, tell ’em you’re the Queen.

“Writing Devil at the Door was one way I was able to successfully process my own experiences & feelings around access to reproductive care, pregnancy discrimination, societal & legislative pressures on just getting through life with female reproductive organs on board, and the wild mental & emotional ride of early parenthood. Sometimes the art we build out of our personal work helps others, and that’s what I want.”

Devil at the Door was sponsored by Rita and Dale Walters in honor of all those that have been in the position to make difficult choices, and the caring medical community that was there to support them in a safe environment.
One additional sponsorship is available

3. How Dare You! by Crow Women

How dare you try to limit the Goddess?
I am choice far beyond what governments control!

“We are both a pagan band and a feminist Wiccan coven. We wanted to express our grief and outrage at the loss of reproductive choice, and give voice to the Goddess as she pours out comfort and strength to support us in working to regain our rights.”   

You can read a blog post about this song, here.

How Dare You! was sponsored by Ryan Davis in honor of Ann Louise Thomas
and by Kelly Raido in honor of Darlene Crance

4. The Power of the Goddess by Celia Farran

The Power of the Goddess flows though me
The Power of the Goddess flows though you.
Through our bodies, through our blood, you remind us who we are.
We are precious, we are sacred, wild and free.

“I believe wholeheartedly in personal sovereignty.  Each person must have the right to exercise freedom to choose what they deem is in alignment for their own bodies, minds, spirits, and time.  I am here to awaken and remind women of our undeniable worth and power. We are precious, we are sacred, wild, and FREE.” 

The Power of the Goddess was sponsored by Carolyn Carter and by Cole Diaz, in honor of Everyday Goddesses

5. Like a Bird She Flew by Brian Henke

She stood beneath the stars and rocks below
Her husband on his great black horse galloping behind
Was sure he had her now, she’d not be free
But like a bird she flew into the wind

“This song was written about our patriarchal society’s long-held assertion that a man can own a woman’s body. Although the song is set in the past, it is still unfortunately a far too common occurrence in our country today. ‘Like a bird she flew into the wind’ should never be a woman’s only choice.”

Like a Bird She Flew is available for sponsorship

6. A Song for Emmeline by Pan Fried

It was a time and place where an abortion was not a choice.
She didn’t have the resources, support or skills to claim a voice
No one cared about her dreams

“Our song tells of Emmeline and how her dreams were stolen by an unwanted pregnancy. Lack of access to abortion affects real people all around us. Is there a tragic story hidden behind the bright smile of the waitress who serves your coffee?”

A Song for Emmeline was sponsored by Pro-choice Pagans of New Mexico and Colorado because this cause is important, and your passion really shows. And by Leigh & Leena, in honor of female resilience.

7. Mother Of by Spiral Rhythm

Justice!  Equality!  Freedom!  Autonomy!

“We are a pagan band with deep roots in our community.  Our song, Mother Of, is an invocation of the primal Mother, an invocation for the most basic of human rights. Rights cannot be given, they can only be taken away, and no law should take away a person’s right or access to reproductive care.”

You can read a blog post about this song, here.

Mother Of was sponsored by Trees of Avalon Gathering,
and by Kerri Hirsch in honor of PJ Seale, beloved friend, Nana, daughter, and sister.

8. Goddess Calling by Meren King

Oh, ancient one we call to thee, in this our time of need.

“It is time we call the ancient Goddesses to come to our aid, and with their strength, to stand up for what is right for the women of this world.  No one should ever be forced to create and bear children against their will, for any reason.”

Goddess Calling was sponsored by Audrey Martens Connor in honor of Daughters of the Dark Moon
and by Tina Miller Jesko, in honor of Trees of Avalon Gathering

9. Born of Crime by Alexian

Roe vs Wade, human rights denied.
Faith is law, now pay the fine.
‘Nother vote, another dime… Born of Crime.

“After talking to many women, one common thread appeared: CHOICE. Born of Crime tells the story of a young woman who is raped, forced to carry the baby against her will, and dies in childbirth.”

Born of Crime was sponsored by Cheryl D and by P.A.G.A.N: “Protectors of Access
and Guaranteed Autonomy Now” (Friends and Fans of Alexian) in honor of women everywhere

10. Hands off! Bans off! by Kira Lang

My body is my home to live and to love in,
it’s not your business what’s in my oven!
My body is a shrine the goddess gave to me to protect.
You respect, I decide my destiny!

“I am honored to gift a track to the project. I was inspired to write Hands Off! Bans Off! as a call to action, speaking out against politicalization of human rights and support the cause of bodily autonomy.  I also hope it helps those who have suffered trauma find a voice, or use mine, to speak up for themselves.”

You can read a blog post about this song, here.

Hands off! Bans off! was sponsored by Robin Umber in honor of Planned Parenthood
and by Dee Sperling in honor of Freedom of Choice

11. The Endless Road by Richard Anthony Williamson

For peace we must turn back their road
For peace we won’t follow their road

“The Endless Road is a song about displacement. It’s a song about the people who have lost their rights and their place in our society, and those who are threatened with losing their rights. When I heard about the overturning, it wasn’t long after that I heard about the other rights that might be next; such as privacy in the bedroom and gay marriage. And I decided I needed to take a stand, and this is the start of that process for me.”

You can read a blog post about this song, here.

The Endless Road was sponsored by Gramlin in honor of “her awesome grandson”, and by Jes Wixom.

12. Scarlett by Spellsinger

Ah… Viridity was yesterday.
Carefreee… guileless… sowing her rubies to ground.
Scarlett, open your eyes…
There’s another day… wake up…

“We’re a family who have come together to make an offering to a cause that is dear to us: the Right to Our Bodily Autonomy. The rights and freedoms of our daughters, our sisters, our mothers, and the strong men who stand with us through this historic time will be regained. Together, we are manifesting that which is needed to lift up our voices in solidarity for future generations. We. Will. Not. Stand. Down. Scarlett represents us all.”

Scarlett was sponsored by Lori “Kira” Thorpe in honor of “Sisterhood ~ Lifting Each Other Up”.
The other sponsorship is still available, contact Spellsinger for more information

13. Hypocratic Oath by Alexander James Adams

You say you’re acting from some Law Divine-
But Perfect Judgement is not yours to hold dominion over mine!

“I have friends in the medical field that have shared their pain and stress with me about not being able to fulfil the vows of healing that they took to save lives. The hypocrisy of people who claim to be ‘saving lives’ by threatening others defies reason, and is in blatant disregard of basic human ethics. The Greater Powers have never and will never support this behavior.”

Hypocratic Oath was sponsored by Jamison Green in honor of “the importance of bodily autonomy & the responsibility we all have to respect the limits of our authority over others”,
and by Mike and Sara Wisdom, in honour of “Wisconsin’s Medical Providers,
for safe medical practices & bodily autonomy for all”

14. Pull the Parachutes by Krista Chapman Green

And now, all I see are uncounted eyes,
Looking back at me, and they show no surprise

“How easily we have forgotten the strength of the Goddess and all those under her eyes. We have slowly allowed the world to become a more and more hostile environment to women in general. Eventually something will have to give.”

Pull the Parachutes was sponsored by Debra Burris “because I have had enough of old white men making decisions about women’s bodies” and by Hidden Acres Farm “in honor of all the women we have already lost to this battle”

15. Reclaim by Ginger Ackley

I take all my power back from you!

“The traumas of life have captured small pieces of our souls. Those pieces remain trapped in the past, tethering both the person and those that have caused the pain. Neither can go forward until that tie is released. As I say in Reclaim; “It is time to reclaim our power and become whole!”

Reclaim was sponsored by The Dragon & Rose Coven, in memory of RainDove (Suzy Smith),
and by Jim Chaykowski, in support of women’s and all human rights

16. Nothing Holy but the Blood by Louis Garou

Now she’s gettin’ no rest, she failed the pregnancy test.
How’s she gonna care for a little child?
She can barely feed herself, No food’s left on the shelf.
Frustration makes her rage and scream and cry.

“My dark track is the story of a young woman suffocated by her pregnancy and desperation, with no legal way out of having her life cruelly stolen… Because of a lack of choice… Because her bodily autonomy was legislated out of existence. Like many other impoverished women, she chose death rather than a life of slavery to biology. There are no winners in this race.”

You can read a blog post about this song, here.

Nothing Holy but the Blood was sponsored by Chelsea D. Snyder in honor of feisty women and by
Nova Leigh Walker’s Family in honor of those who are working so hard to make abortion accessible for everyone again

17. My Body Is Mine by Sydney Michael

I’m gonna be loud and proud
I’m gonna stand up and take up space
If you don’t like it get outta my face
My body is mine, all mine

“My Body is Mine is not subtle or diplomatic. It’s not here to win the hearts and minds of the undecided. This song is a roaring anthem of solidarity, shared outrage and resistance. It’s an unabashed war cry, intended to cut through the noise and remind everyone who believes in bodily autonomy that they are not alone.”

My Body Is Mine was sponsored by Laurie Sherman in honor of Gilda
and by Dale Millman in honor of Gilda

18. It’s About Choice- Empowered Serenity by Primal Rhythm

It’s about Choice…

“Drumming taps into our inner being by connecting our energy with the sound waves of the universe. As energy flows, so does spirit. Drumming connects our mind, body, and spirit to all living things and opens ourselves to peace and harmony. I created this offering to share the power of drum medicine.”

It’s About Choice- Empowered Serenity was sponsored by Ron Schmidt. He says, “As a man among men, I love myself and others unconditionally. I create a world of peace and kindness with all the people I meet-
Looking forward to making myself and others happy in support of the Red Album standing up for women’s rights.”
One additional sponsorship remains unclaimed

19. Goddess, Help Them by Mr. E

There are far too many fights we all must deal with, but they will see.
We are angered and a reckoning will come.

“My song harnesses a lot of what our Pagan Spirit Gathering family and the world felt and feels about not only reproductive rights, but also reflects many other fights we are still dealing with these days. These were my feelings that day, and have been ever since.”

Goddess, Help Them is available for sponsorship

The Power of Protest

The Red Album: Pagan Voices for Reproductive Rights is situated firmly within the tradition of protest music. You can read more about the magic of protest in our blog post Singing for Social Justice. For one pagan blogger’s perspective on the overturning of Roe v. Wade, check out the post Reproductive Freedom. Many of the songwriters who have contributed to The Red Album are bloggers here on Pagan Song: Music for Your Magic.

Many of the artists who contributed to The Red Album are also bloggers on this website. Several will be telling the tale of their specific song as part of a blog post. We’ll collect those links here.

Be Part of our Journey

You can follow the Red Album Facebook page, where you can learn about the project as it unfolds. There are weekly Artist Spotlights with more from all these artists.

If you would like to do an article on this project, please visit the Red Album Press Kit.

You can order The Red Album now, through our Bandcamp page.

Welcome to this beautiful expression of outrage.

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