“So happy to see Shiragirl carrying the torch of equity and freedom for a new generation and those to come.” – Jennifer Finch of L7 and Rock 4 Choice co-founder.
Los Angeles, CA (JUNE 30, 2023) – Shiragirl, the all-female band known for crashing the male-dominated Vans Warped Tour and creating the Shiragirl Stage, is back with their new single “Rights Back Right Now.” The new song will be released on all streaming platforms on June 30, on the heels of the June 24 one-year anniversary marking the overturn of Roe v. Wade, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision protecting reproductive rights. “Rights Back Right Now” is Shiragirl’s first single since their hard-hitting social media critique, “Antisocial Media.” The new release date also marks the final day of Pride Month, championing equal rights for the queer community.
“Rights Back Right Now” will be released along with a documentary-style music video directed by Alicia Agramonte, filmed during the Los Angeles Women’s March in April 2023. The all-girl pop-punk band consists of frontwoman Shira Yevin, guitarist Constance Antoinette, keyboardist Vashonda Sherra, bassist Nikki Stevens, and drummer Raine Palladino.
In June 2022, one day after learning about the decision that rocked the nation, Shiragirl and the Gritty In Pink women in music collective took to the streets of downtown L.A. mobilizing with a “Rock For Abortion Rights” flatbed truck concert rally that featured a surprise performance by Fat Mike (NOFX). The concert rally was widely covered on TV and in the press including CBS News, Fox News, and LA Weekly. A year later, Shiragirl has continued to amplify the importance of reproductive rights for women and other marginalized communities.
Frontwoman Shira explains, “‘Rights Back Right Now’ was written in response to the overturn of Roe v. Wade. In the wake of this monumental Supreme Court decision affecting women’s rights across the country, Gritty In Pink threw together an emergency protest concert in 12 hours. It was incredible seeing our community come together in solidarity to fight for our rights. Our collective dropped everything to contribute their time, talents, and art. Fat Mike even wrote a song just for the occasion. These events inspired the song. The entire sound and message of the song is deeply influenced by other political artists I love, like Kathleen Hanna and Rage Against the Machine. The goal was to mix a fun, dancey, and high energy vibe with the resistance power of a victorious fight anthem.”
Shira Yevin, Raine Palladino, and Constance Antoinette penned the song along with Producer and songwriter Lenny J. Morales. The track pulls influences from the likes of feminist electronic rock band Le Tigre and alt-rock artist Grandson. However, despite the track’s alt-pop-punk production, Shiragirl shouts a hopeful rally cry for reproductive rights, declaring “Defeat is temporary; we will see victory!”
Director Alicia Agramonte explains the creative process behind the video: “Working with Shiragirl on ‘Rights Back Right Now’ has been an incredible journey of creativity and empowerment. The video encapsulates a powerful Women’s March vibe, seamlessly weaving together archive footage of Shiragirl’s presence at marches, and capturing the beautiful diversity of individuals who join these movements. It is a testament to Shira’s fiery passion for women’s rights, showcasing not only her musical artistry but also the profound impact she has had on the collective fight for equality.”
Shiragirl’s activism doesn’t stop at reproductive rights, singer Shira is also on a mission to empower female and non-binary artists with Gritty In Pink. The new female-led platform is building the INPINK talent hub, a destination to hire women in the music industry, backed by Live Nation and Melissa Etheridge. INPINK is an online
marketplace connecting the music industry to a diverse community of female creators and professionals. The organization has featured over 300 artists with 30 million collective followers on IG and Tiktok. Shira also recently hosted the official Pride TikTok live stream, live from TikTok’s HQ in Los Angeles!
Shiragirl is no stranger to the press. Kerrang! said Shiragirl “will suck you into its infectious revolution…” Alternative Press said Shiragirl “challenges the punk rule book” and Billboard said, “When you create your own lane, people are bound to take notice. That’s why pop-punk group Shiragirl has defied easy definition for the past decade, bouncing between speedy guitar-based anthems and sugary bops while earning the appropriate title: ‘Punk Rock Madonna.’” Undoubtedly, “Rights Back Right Now” is the next chapter of Shiragirl’s empowering legacy, and hopefully, one that will have an impact on generations to come
Shiragirl will be celebrating the new song with a virtual release party on Instagram Live Friday, June 30, at 12 pm PT/3 pm ET, featuring special guests. Tune in!
For more information on Shiragirl and Gritty In Pink, please visit www.shiragirl.com, www.inpink.com, and www.grittyinpink.co.
