On January 8th, 2013 Sub City/Hopeless Records will be releasing their 11th Take Action compilation. This year marks the eleventh consecutive year of the tour and organization working with artists and fans to bring attention to major issues within our society. This year the tour will be benefiting the It Gets Better Project, a national organization created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The "It Gets Better Project"wants to remind teenagers going through tough times that they are not alone — and it WILL get better.
On this years tour you will be able to see The Used, We Came As Romans, Crown The Empire, and Mindflow. The tour will be kicking off on January 11th and run through March 1st. Along the way they will make 33 stops across the nation. Last year in the 30 stops the tour was attended by over 19,000 people, and helped to raise almost 50,000 dollars. This year they hope to beat those numbers.
This year's compilation features 38 artists, featuring The Used, Whitechapel, All Time Low, William Beckett, The Summer Set, and Bad Religion. Many of these tracks are previously unreleased, B-sides and acoustic versions. With all of these different artists, different genres, and different song themes there is sure to be a song for everyone on this album. I'll tell you about a couple of tracks of this album that really need to be heard by everyone.
First up is the obvious opening track by The Used called "The Lonely", which as it sounds is about being one of the lonely. The track is on the lighter side of the band and basically gives the message how nobody should be all alone, and one of the lonely.
Another track is a B-side by The Wonder Years called "Local Man Ruins Everything". I have always been a fan of these guys and this song fits perfectly with the concept behind this compilation and the goals of the "It Gets Better" organization. This version of the song is an acoustic track. There is one line in particular that sums up the entire project and that is; "It's not about forcing happiness, it's about not letting sadness win". I think that is key for everyone to remember. You don't have to be happy or even pretend to be happy, you just have to keep moving forward. If life, or someone knocks you down, stand up, dust yourself off and move past it.
Enter Shikari contribute a new spin on "Warm Smiles Do Not Make You Welcome Here". This version is a remix done by Tek One and features a couple of Dubstep breakdowns, which for the band is nothing new as they have always experimented with a large variety of electronic mixes in their music.
The last track I am going to give insight on before the compilation release is "The Reckless and The Brave" by All Time Low. The band has been doing huge things over the last couple of years, their fan base has grown exponentially and their message has grown. I think this song is one of the best showcases of both the band and the cause that this album supports. Throughout the song they say they don't want to be saved. This basically means they don't want to be forced to change, there is no need to conform into what everyone thinks or wants you to become, if it is something you aren't happy doing then don't.
It Gets Better Project is a place where young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or struggling to find themselves can see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future. It’s a place where our straight allies can visit and support their friends and family members. It’s a place where people can share their stories, take the It Gets Better Project pledge and watch videos of love and support.
“The It Gets Better Project is thrilled to collaborate with The Used and Hopeless Records on the upcoming Take Action! tour. The Used are powerful voices for young people, well known for their community involvement and outreach, and for encouraging young people to embrace their individuality.” Stephanie Laffin, Board of Directors at It Gets Better Project, stated. “We look forward to working together to share the message of the It Gets Better Project with young people across the US, and letting LGBT youth know that it can and will get better.”
You can purchase the compilation here or get it on iTunes here.
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