Artists & Activists Records is an Animal Rights Record Label Based Out of Austin, Texas
Artists & Activists Records, an Animal Rights Record Label based in Austin, Texas, is making waves by combining the power of music with a mission to advocate for animal rights. In this interview, we delve into the journey and inspirations of the label's founder, Sylvie Abate. Join us as we explore how this unique record label is striving to create a world where humanity, animals, and the Earth coexist with respect and dignity.
Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to found Artists & Activist Records?
I attended the New England Conservatory of Music, majoring in classical guitar. From there, I expanded my interests to include folk music and songwriting. I'm an old soul with a deep sense of empathy and a love for nature. Over time, I became aware of the immense suffering animals endure on factory farms. In my heart, I believe you can't have inner peace as long as you participate in violence towards those who are sentient and at our mercy. I felt compelled to take action, and given my love for songwriting, I decided to write songs to advocate for animal rights and establish a record label to support this mission.
What is the mission of Artists & Activist Records, and how does it differentiate itself from other record labels? At Artists & Activists Records, we harness the power of music to drive change, crafting melodies that inspire a world filled with compassion for all living beings. We challenge societal norms and transform perceptions of animals. Our work highlights the interconnectedness of life. We create not just for today's entertainment, but rather for a future where humanity, animals, and the Earth coexist with respect and dignity.
How did you come up with the idea for Artists & Activist Records, and what were some of the challenges you faced in establishing it?
The idea for Artists & Activists Records arose from the need for a label dedicated to animal rights and I was unable to find one that existed. Like many startups in the music industry, our primary challenges are financial. Each single costs nearly $5,000 to release, not including promotion expenses. Releasing a song requires a lot of time and resources from songwriting to production.
Can you tell us the story behind "Heart Break Like Mine"? What inspired you to write this song? "Heart Break Like Mine" captures the sadness that arises when you first learn about the everyday realities of factory farming abuse. One of the many nightmares I learned about, for example, is that the United States Department of Agriculture estimates that 825,000 chickens are boiled alive every year in U.S. Factory Farms. The speed of slaughter makes it impossible to ensure that chickens aren't boiled alive. Big Ag is a system of profit over protection. There is a deep cultural attachment to viewing farmed animals as either mere commodities called "livestock", cartoon-like happy characters from story books like "Old MacDonald's Farm", or animals living joyfully in a field. 99% of farmed animals live in factory farms ,and there is nothing happy about it. Cows, pigs, and chickens, who are sentient beings just like cats and dogs, can experience immense suffering. Our societal conditioning creates this fierce cognitive dissonance because we are raised to be kind to animals. "Heartbreak Like Mine" is about igniting empathy, starting the conversation, and ultimately leading change.
How did the collaboration with Bryon Harris come about for this single?
As a vegan artist with a kind soul and a deep love for animals, Bryon brings a unique tenderness to the song that makes the song truly special and relatable. Bryon studied voice with esteemed American baritone Robert Honeysucker. He has performed at prestigious venues such as the Yale University Opera Theater, the Connecticut Opera, and The International Lyric Academy of Italy. He's also a gifted studio engineer and is currently mixing and mastering the song. When you hear the song, you will hear why he was the perfect choice for this single.
What was the creative process like for "Heart Break Like Mine"? Did you face any challenges during its production?
The biggest challenge I faced was limited resources, particularly financial. At some point, you have to proceed with the version you have unless you have endless funds for revisions. I am extremely happy with the results but as a perfectionist, it's always hard to say, "It's done." Another obstacle was producing a music video. I chose to create a lyric video myself, which has been very time-consuming and difficult, as I am not a video producer.
How do you feel the song will resonate with your audience, and what message do you hope it conveys?
I hope people will listen to the song with an open mind and heart. To me, the lyrics are like a prayer. When Bryon sings, "I want your heart to break like mine," it's not a judgment, but rather a plea for empathy and mercy. I hope it creates a spark that leads to reflection and ultimately change. How can fans stay updated with your work and the projects coming out of Artists & Activist Records? The best way to stay updated is by visiting our website: www.artistsandactivists.org. Press contact: info@artistsandactivists.org
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