Photo by Julien Barrat for NBHAP

Turns out the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 45th president of the United States of America marks a good opportunity for musical comeback’s. Following the return of GORILLAZ the other day Canadian indie rock heavyweights ARCADE FIRE also officially return with their new song I Give You Power featuring legendary soul singer MAVIS STAPLES. The musicians declare that ‘it’s never been more important that we stick together and take care of each other’ and also said that all proceeds from the single will go to the American Civil Liberties Union.

In a new interview with Zane Lowe on Beats 1 ARCADE FIRE‘s Win Butler explains the timing of the release:

‘It’s the eve of the inauguration and I think it’s easy to get sucked into sitting on the couch and checking your news feed and watching things on CNN, and we’re just musicians and the only thing we have to offer is our music. I talked to Mavis last night and she said, ‘Now more than ever we just need to hold onto each other.’ For us it’s a feeling of solidarity—to not feel powerless and focus on what we can do as individuals and try to do our part.’

Butler didn’t tell whether I Give You Power will also be featured on the anticipated fifth album by his band but more news on this are likely to pop up soon. A few days after the official release the band has shared two alternative versions of I Give You Power – a more reudced Broken Speaker Mix and the instrumental version. Stream them below the original.




ARCADE FIRE