Björk & Rosalía Unite for Environmental Advocacy with Limited Edition Vinyl Release of “Oral”
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In a powerful fusion of artistry and activism, Björk and Rosalía have collaborated on the release of a new track, Oral, now available as a limited edition 12” vinyl. This release, featuring a mesmerizing remix by Olof Dreijer of The Knife, transcends mere music to become a rallying cry for environmental justice. Both Björk and Rosalía, along with their respective labels, have waived all profits from the release, ensuring that 100% of proceeds will support AEGIS, Björk’s charity dedicated to combating the destructive impact of intensive fish farming in Iceland’s pristine waters.
Oral has an intriguing backstory that dates back two decades, originally written by Björk during the period between her acclaimed albums Homogenic (1997) and Vespertine (2001). The track, long forgotten in her archives, resurfaced in March 2023, coinciding with Björk’s tour in Australia and the release of a report detailing the environmental damage caused by poorly regulated, Norwegian-owned commercial salmon farming in Iceland. Deeply moved by this cause, Björk invited Rosalía to collaborate on the track, merging their creative forces to raise awareness about the harmful practice of open-pen fish farming, which threatens Iceland’s unique ecosystem.
Open-pen fish farming, introduced to Iceland’s fjords by Norwegian entrepreneurs, involves the confinement of fish in open-water nets where they are exposed to accelerated growth conditions, often resulting in genetic mutations and the spread of diseases. This industry has expanded dramatically in recent years, with production levels skyrocketing from 4,000 tonnes in 2014 to an estimated 106,500 tonnes in 2021. The environmental consequences are severe, with pollution and genetic mixing endangering Iceland’s wild salmon population. Proceeds from Oral will directly support a legal case against these fisheries, championed by residents of Seyðisfjörður, a town on Iceland’s eastern coast.
Björk, who has long been recognized not only for her innovative music career but also for her commitment to environmental activism, has created this release as a means to engage her audience in a critical issue. The collaboration with Rosalía, a rising star in the global music scene, adds a contemporary edge to the project, similar to how Björk has worked with other forward-thinking artists like Arca and Anohni. This special edition vinyl of Oral is more than a collector’s item; it is an opportunity for music lovers to contribute to the preservation of one of Europe’s last untouched natural environments, making it a must-have for those who appreciate music with a mission.
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