BURBANK, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Reprise Records) - Solo artist, poet, and political activist
Serj Tankian has launched a website, www.electthedead.com, to raise awareness and inspire activism about five political ideas he feels strongly about: The elimination of the Electoral College, caps on corporate contributions to candidates, tax reform, instant runoff voting during elections, and the abolishment of Washington D.C.'s "K Street" lobbying firms.
The website, which was unveiled on February 20th, features a video clip of Tankian elaborating on his ideas and invites visitors who agree to sign up. If enough support is generated, the list of names will be presented to politicians along with a request to pose the issues as national referendums with the goal of adoption by the Federal government.
"The process is tilted toward moneyed interests in this democracy. It's time to change that. No matter whom we choose to vote for, the reform of the current system, whether it's regarding the influence of corporate lobbyists or campaign finance reform, is long overdue. This is our democracy, and we need to take a hold of it, revolutionize it, and bring it back to what it was intended to be by the founding fathers," says Tankian.
Tankian has launched the website, www.skyisover.net, an informational haven for eco awareness that features links to environmental organizations, such as Greenpeace and the Sierra Club, and websites that promote social awareness, such as Amnesty International. Tankian is also making strides to work with additional non-governmental organizations and progressive political movements to help ensure the success of inspiring activism and awareness.
An outspoken advocate for true democracy, Tankian has expressed his political viewpoints both in his role as vocalist for multi-platinum hard-rock agitators System of a Down and now as a solo artist. Since its release on October 23rd by Serjical Strike/Reprise Records, Tankian's solo debut, also entitled "Elect the Dead," has been a hit with both fans and critics, who have praised it as "brutally engaging" (Los Angeles Times) and "amped, intricate, and political hard rock" (Rolling Stone).
Tankian is the co-founder, along with Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, of Axis Of Justice, a non-profit dedicated to uniting musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice.
Currently on the road with Foo Fighters, Tankian will also headline the second stage at Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival on Friday, April 25th in Indio, CA.
