Howie sez:
Blue America hasn’t had a contest in a while. This one’s at the nexus of music and politics. It’s easy to play for less easy to explain. Let me try. You can win an autographed copy of a new book coming out next week, Disturbing The Peace– 415 Records And The Rise Of New Wave, along with a sealed companion CD, 415 Records– Still Disturbing The Peace, with songs by many of the groups author Bill Knopp wrote about in the book. And, on top of that, the candidate of your choice will get a $1,000 check from Blue America for their campaign. There are two books and two CDs, double your chance to win. The contest ends next Monday at noon (your time), Valentine’s Day– that’s February 14.
So, here’s how to enter. Just contribute to the campaign of the candidate you like best on this page.
Any amount is fine. The candidate who gets the most contributions wins the $1,000 check with a note saying it came to them because of you. Meanwhile, your name gets entered in a drawing and next Monday we’ll pick two people to win the two packs of a book and a CD
And here’s the… quirk. Since every candidate onthe page supports the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, racial justice reform, women’s choice and the other issues Blue America stands for, the way we’re asking you to pick a candidate is based on… their favorite musical artist! I know that sounds different, but… since they are already all excellent candidates politically, what not pick one based on what you can glean about their choice of music. I asked each of these candidates to tell me who their favorite band or musician is:
Shervin Aazami (CA)- New OrderSergio Alcubilla (HI)- The TemptationsJason Call (WA)- Pink FloydAlly Dalsimer (VA)- Carol KingMelanie D’Arrigo (NY)- Smashing PumpkinsChris Deluzio (PA)- Lady GagaCristina Garcia (CA)- Cyndi LauperAlan Grayson (FL)- Joni MitchellMorgan Harper (OH)- Lauryn HillSteve Holden (NY)- U2Lourin Hubbard- Kendrick LamarAlexandra Hunt (PA)- Imagine DragonsDaniel Lee (CA)- PrinceTom Nelson (WI)- AC/DCChristine Olivo (FL)- Janet JacksonMike Ortega (CA)- Pink FloydChris Preece (IN)- Iron MaidenKylie Taitano (CA)- the Postal ServiceNeal Walia (CO)- Mos Def
One more thing, if you want to enter the contest but you’re short of cash, just send a postcard and say you want tone entered in the 415 contest to:
Blue AmericaPO Box 27201Los Angeles, CA 90027
You’ll have the same chance as anyone else to win. But send it right away. It needs to get to us by Monday, Feb. 14. You can find a copy of our general contest rules here (just ignore the specifics of that particular contest).
OK, so one more time: here’s the page where you enter the contest. And here’s the song that launched 415 Records into national prominence:
Howie doesn’t mention it in this announcement because he’s too modest, but he was one of the founders of 415 Records.