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As one of the original members of the early ‘90s Riot Grrrl movement, Tobi Vail has never been afraid to speak her mind. Whether via her zine/ journal Jigsaw or as part of the all-female rock band Bikini Kill, Vail has given voice to a multitude of topics over the years including feminism, politics, and the importance of DIY efforts and culture.
Now the indie rocker/ activist has decided to weigh in musically to show solidarity with the members of the female Russian punk collective Pussy Riot by releasing a free song called “Free Pussy Riot” made with members of her group Spider and the Webs.
Listen to the downloadable track here:
Pussy Riot, of course, made headlines around the world earlier this year for the “unjust” imprisonment of three of the group’s members at the hands of the Russian government after an illegal performance inside a Russian church. Since then, numerous musicians and celebrities, including the members of Tobi Vail’s former band Bikini Kill, have shown support for the jailed women, and protests regarding the Russian government’s actions have been held worldwide.
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In other Bikini Kill news, Vail and the rest of the band has announced the first release to be made available through its own label Bikini Kill Records. A 20th anniversary edition of the original Bikini Kill EP will be made available on November 20, and those who pick up the vinyl edition will receive a new fanzine featuring photos from the band members’ personal archives as well as an interview with fellow indie icon Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi).
For more information on Tobi Vail and Bikini Kill please visit http://jigsawunderground.blogspot.com/ and http://bikinikill.com/.
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