Bright Eyes‘ Conor Oberst and Shudder to Think frontman Craig Wedren have teamed up for a new song, ‘Justice to a Scream’. It serves as the end title track to the short documentary ALOK, and its lyrics include lines from the film as well as poetry from the film’s subject: non-binary author, poet, comedian, and public speaker Alok Vaid-Menon. Check it out below.
“Conor Oberst was my idol growing up,” Vaid-Menon said in a statement. “I’ve always regarded his lyricism as among the very best of contemporary poetry and it’s such a full circle moment to collaborate with him on this song. Literally a dream come true. And what a bop!”
“I am a longtime admirer of ALOK,” Oberst added. “Their powerful writing, art and advocacy for transgender people and all people who suffer from the lunacy of ignorance and bigotry that permeates our society is inspirational. So when the opportunity to work on this song with Craig Wedren came along I was thrilled. I am also a big time, lifelong fan of Craig – from the amazing Shudder to Think records through his various projects and solo work. He possesses a truly one of a kind musical mind and a voice as unique and iconoclastic as he is. He has also been a great and treasured friend of mine for many years. This is all to say I loved working on this project with these two incredible pioneers.”
ALOK, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, also features a score by Wedren and Simón Wilson.
Bright Eyes released their latest album, Five Dice, All Threes, came out in September.