The girl group best known for throwing an illegal dance party on a moving NYC subway train for their debut video, “Party Girl”, is showing their serious side this week with a brand new single and music video that strike back against the growing anti-gay sentiment occurring domestically and abroad. “Red Flag” is a call-to-action, meant to inspire fans to stand up to people like Russian President Vladimir Putin (who this week, signed a new law placing restrictions on the discussion of homosexuality) and New Jersey governor, Chris Christie (who is petitioning his state’s court to repeal their recent ruling allowing gay marriage). “We want “Red Flag” to be the theme song for a movement that helps change the world for the better,” say JC Cassis and Rony G, the dance floor divas who front XELLE. “Red Flag” releases to iTunes and all major online retailers today.
“What’s happening in Russia with the anti-LGBT crackdown is reminiscent of Germany before World War II,” declares Cassis. “If we don’t stop the hatred now, it will grow, spread and become more severe, leading to violence and death for thousands or even millions of people. We can’t stand by and do nothing. We must raise our voices and let Russia know these laws are unacceptable to the international community. Ultimately, if we all work together, respect and equality will win.”
In addition to releasing a powerful music video for “Red Flag,” XELLE is starting a movement called I Raise A Red Flag, in which they will encourage everyone who believes in human rights to speak out about their support for LGBT equality in Russia and around the world. The goal is to get as many people as possible to post videos, pictures and social media updates with the hashtag #IRaiseARedFlag in order to show the global community that anti-LGBT sentiment, behavior and legislation will not be tolerated. The movement will be based at www.IRaiseARedFlag.com.
Written by Zach Adam, JC Cassis and Rony G and produced by Zach Adam, “Red Flag” is a sharp departure from the band’s previous releases, songs like “Queen” and “Hologram,” all of which centered more on having fun. “There are some things in life worth getting angry about and taking very seriously,” explains Rony G. “Like human rights.”
Still, with its high-energy vocals, danceable beats, and powerful synth rhythms, “Red Flag” remains true to the XELLE sound. “It simply includes an important message we hope fans will never forget,” continues Rony G.
XELLE is an all-girl group that came out of the gay men’s nightlife scene. It formed three years ago when singer-songwriters JC Cassis and Rony G and producer Zach Adam (who has produced numerous number one hits in Europe and Asia) united with the idea to create a band that combined the sass of TLC with the fun of The Spice Girls and the timeless pop excellence of ABBA.
