Liquid Blue is an activist musical group based in San Diego CA. We
believe that the power of an individual voter has greatly diminished and the
wealthy (1%) now control the majority of influence and power in the United
States. We advocate a non-violent people's revolution which aims to bring
power back to the people. Music has always played a significant role in
movements of social change and it's our desire to help uplift and unify
citizens willing to stand up for their rights and the rights of others.
Along with our own songs of peace and justice, we perform many of the great
protest songs of the past century including the likes of Dylan, Seeger,
Lennon, Green Day and others.
The band operates an internet radio station on Live365
playing socially conscious music exclusively. We've also hosted a
documentary movie night
in San Diego every month since 2004. Liquid Blue is a
certified green business (by San Diego County). More details on our beliefs, philosophy and
activism is below. If you're a fellow activist and want to know
more about Liquid Blue, most of
what you'll want to know is right on this page.
Quote from IconMusic:
"San Diego activist recording artist Liquid Blue
stands out as an original and intelligent voice for positive change. The
band turns social commentary into art. Their debut album, Supernova,
combines western pop melodies with exotic East Indian instrumentation to
delivery a hard dose of progressive political commentary. The band aims to
raise public awareness with a mission to promote positive social change and
shed some light on the dark corners of reality. It's music with a message".
Original Song/Video: Earth Passport
An Anthem For World Peace
Below is the video from our song "Earth Passport" which features vocals
in nine languages including singers we met in our travels all over the
globe. Liquid Blue has performed in over 100 countries (an official world
record) and the Earth Passport video features photos from our travels on
every continent. The song reached #3 on the Billboard Dance Charts in Oct of
2010. A very simple song with a message of peace, hope and human rights.
Occupy San Diego Benefit
Concert Series
Occupy San Diego!
Not since the 1960's has there been a coming together of the people
like the Occupy movement. We support our local San Diego County Occupy groups by
hosting concerts to raise money and awareness of this peaceful
revolution. We are presenting a monthly benefit concert series at venues in the
San Diego area. Flyers for past and upcoming events below.
3rd "Sounds of Occupation" had attendance of 102 and raised a total of $630 for Occupy San Diego
2nd "Sounds of Occupation" had attendance of 208 and raised a total of $1202 for Occupy San Diego
1st "Sounds of Occupation" had attendance of 187 and raised a total of $1715 for Occupy San Diego
Original Song/Video:
Dominate
The Heavy Hand of U.S. International Politics
While we've been unwilling and unable to fund higher education for our
youth, the United States maintains more than 500 military bases overseas.
Liquid Blue has performed on bases in more than 22 countries. It is an
eye-opening experience to see these massive bases first hand. Our song
"Dominate" was inspired by witnessing just how giant our war machine has
become.
Peace Party
Envision World Peace at a Liquid Blue Live Performance!
Although we can't disarm the world, halt deforestation and ban torture in
one evening- we can certainly "imagine" and celebrate these ideals.
We choose and perform material which celebrates PEACE, UNITY, DIVERSITY,
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION and more. Here's
an example of just a few of the protest "anthems" Liquid Blue performs at a
"peace party":
Beatles: All You Need Is Love
Bob Dylan: Masters of War
Bob Marley: One Love
Bruce Springsteen: Born in the USA
Cat Stevens: Peace Train
CCR: Fortunate Son
Cher: Half Breed
Cranberries: Zombie
Edwin Starr: War
Green Day: American Idiot
Hollies: He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
The Jacksons: Can You Feel It
Janet Jackson: Rhythm Nation
John Lennon: Imagine
Lady Gaga: Born This Way
Liquid Blue: Earth Passport (and more; all our songs are socially conscious)
Marvin Gaye: What's Going On
Michael Jackson: Earth Song
Moody Blues: Question
Muse: Uprising
Neil Young: Rockin' in the Free World
O'Jays: Love Train
Pink Floyd: Us and Them
Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter
Scott McKenzie: San Francisco
Sly and the Family Stone: Everyday People
Stevie Wonder: Higher Ground
Youngbloods: Get Together
and more than 90 additional protest songs!
Original Song/Video: Give Me Back My Heart
The Invasion of Iraq
The song is about a soldier who goes into battle gung-ho but returns from
the experience shattered and disillusioned after experiencing the reality
and horror of war.
The Liquid Blue Axis of Evil Tour
In his 2002 State of the Union speech, George Bush first used the phrase
"Axis of Evil". It's obviously absurd to dub any nation as "evil". While its
leaders may be oppressive and sometimes worse, the people of these nations
are the same of people anywhere in the world. Through our travels, we've
found the best way to improve relations is offering friendship and
forgiveness. Playing some music doesn't hurt either. Of the 15 countries
mentioned below, Liquid Blue has performed in four. It is our goal to bring
"peace-friendship" concerts to as many of these nations as possible.
Nations in the so called "Axis of Evil"
Originally sited by George Bush in 2002 State of the Union Speech
Iraq, Iran, North Korea
Beyond Axis of Evil as described by John Bolton
Cuba, Libya, Syria
Outposts of Tyranny as described by Condoleezza Rice
Liquid Blue marched and performed peace concerts in Palestine in 2007
The band played acoustic shows in Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah
We lived in the home of a Palestinian family
We did peace shows in both Israel and Palestine on this 2007 trip. Our
Guitarist "Grovler" is Jewish.
In the communist country of Belarus we met some of the nicest people ever!
Positive Music Association - Changing The World
Liquid Blue is proud to be a long-time member of PMA (Positive Music Association).
PMA, founded and headed by Scott Johnson works tirelessly supporting Positive Music and the artists who create this music for social change.
Liquid Blue singer Scott Stephens is featured in a recent PMA poster (above). Scott Johnson recently wrote to us:
"Scott; You and Liquid Blue are on the top of my list of people who are really living and performing the message of what the PMA is about."
Networking With Other Activists
We were invited to meet President Jimmy Carter in 2004
Our first (minor) hit song "Real" honored Carter and other activists
In 2005 we met author/activist Greg Palast
Cindy Sheehan spoke and Liquid Blue performed at Activist San Diego in 2006
Air America radio host Jon Elliot had us on his show and also came to one of ours in 2006
Liquid Blue founder Scott Stephens introduced Ralph Nader at his 2008 UCSD speech in La Jolla.
Nader used our song "If You Gotta Ask" as his 2004 Presidential campaign theme song
We met Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine at a Michael Moore speech in Del Mar CA
Liquid Blue Introduction Video
This one-minute video is used as an introduction to the band at some of our live shows.
Liquid Blue - Neo Hippies On
A Mission
A Political Rant From Liquid Blue Founder Scott Stephens
The fight to gain political equality for all citizens is an uphill battle
but can be won. Our biggest challenges are apathy and the right-wing
propaganda machine. We must be extremely focused with our message and well
organized in the implementation of our plans. We should also uphold our
principles at all costs. Otherwise we become just like those who we oppose.
Non Violence
Peaceful protest and negotiation is much more difficult and a slower
process as compared to violence. But in the end the results will be more
meaningful and longer lasting. Organizers of any legitimate protest movement
must carefully guard against violent actions from within the group as well
as be aware and ready to deal with those who infiltrate the movement to make
it appear violent.
Lesson From The 60's
The greatest generation was not that of World War II but of the 1960's.
Never before has any nation seen such radical, positive change in such a
short period. Lest we forget, all of these and more were advanced by the
hippie generation: Civil Rights, Women's Rights, End to the Vietnam War and
the start of the environmental movement. After all of the progress, the
decade ended in turmoil with the election of Richard Nixon, the breakup of
the Beatles and the darkness of the Stones at Altamont. People were
disillusioned and the mass movement disintegrated. From that point most
people went one of two directions: Many lost all hope and reentered
conventional society. Some of these folks are now CEO's of large
corporations. Others took what was learned during the decade and applied
these principles to their personal and business lives. These folks continued
the work of their generation but did so more individually than in large
groups. They helped establish the EPA and the first "Earth Day". They worked
towards ending the war and succeeded. Today they are at the forefront of so much
positive change it's impossible to list all of the accomplishments.
So where is the lesson here? Idealism is wonderful and necessary but it must
be balanced with realism. When the youth of the 60's did not quickly get
everything they demanded, some lost interest. Activism is a life-long
pursuit. Intense discipline and organizational skills are necessary for success. The
right-wing has studied the results and activities of the 1960's and have now
virtually taken over the media. Sadly, much of what was accomplished in this
amazing decade is now at risk. All it would take to roll back years of
progress would be a Republican President presiding over a Republican
majority in the Senate and House. Any current movement (such as Occupy)
should plan for the long run and be prepared for well funded efforts to
derail its efforts.
Some Things You May Not Know About Liquid Blue
Our name is taken from a form of LSD that was used in the 1960's. We
believe everyone should "turn-on" at least once or twice. We've been called
"the musical Robin Hood" as we often perform at prestigious corporate events and
fundraisers for large fees but then we invest a portion of our profits
fighting against corporate abuses, white collar crime and other related
causes. Liquid Blue's founder,
Scott Stephens, uses roller skates as a primary means of transportation
and has skated in more than 100 countries on tours with Liquid Blue. He is a
former member of the L.A. T-Birds Roller Derby team and the former editor
in-chief of Raw Power
Magazine. The band has made 15 trips to
China
since 2002 playing to huge crowds while singing in both English and
Mandarin. Our band logo is a mandala representing world unity and world
peace.
One Small Planet
Liquid Blue implements a variety of "green practices" and is one of the first and
only certified GREEN bands. We always strive to buy local and organic. We
use solar power for our recording studio and offices. For detailed
information on our green lifestyle as well as examples on how to "go green"
visit our Green Page.
Rage Against The Machine, Bob Marley, Peter Gabriel, John Lennon, Ani
Difranco, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Marvin Gaye, Suzanne Vega, The Rolling
Stones, The Beatles, David Bowie, George Harrison, Ravi Shankar, NAS,
Black Eyed Peas, Genesis, Yes, Jon Anderson, Joan Baez, U2, Bruce
Springsteen, Sting, Moby, Madonna, Live, Sex Pistols, Sparks, Lenny
Kravitz, Prince, Cheap Trick, Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder, Pearl Jam, Iggy
Pop, Dave Matthews, Paris, MC5, Cat Stevens, Pink Floyd, REM, CCR, Billy
Bragg, Willie Nelson, Green Day, Midnight Oil, Randy Newman, The
Cranberries, Jackson Browne, Public Enemy, Bad Religion, Pete Seeger,
Phil Ochs, Patti Smith, The Clash, Sam Phillips, Johnny Cash, Paul Simon
and other artists who are unafraid to speak the truth.
Liquid Blue's Top-10
Political Wish
List
Peace
Establish and fund a U.S. Department of Peace! End all foreign wars
and cut Defense spending by 50%!
Human Rights
Prosecute violations of the Geneva Conventions and Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (No Torture)!
The Environment
Protect the environment and research clean energy as a matter of
national priority, it's all we've got!
Civil Rights
Prosecute violations of the United States Constitution and the Bill
of Rights (No TSA, No Wiretapping)!
Corporate Accountability
End corporate personhood; no entity should exercise personal rights
without personal accountability!
Campaign Finance Reform
Replace private campaign contributions with publically funded
campaigns that give all an equal voice!
Freedom of Information
Protect freedom of information such as internet freedom, and protect
whistleblowers from retaliation!
No Bailouts
Elimination of Government Bailouts. Regulate industries so that no
company becomes too big to fail!
Education
Fund Higher Education so youth does not have to go into debt to get
an education!
Prohibition
End the war on drugs and the failed prohibition laws that make
pushing drugs profitable for criminals!
Compilations For A Cause
Although Liquid Blue has released only two CD's, the bands songs have
made an impact and have appeared on over 20 compilations CD's for good causes, including:
Liquid Blue marched and performed peace concerts in Palestine in 2007
The band played acoustic shows in Bethlehem, Hebron and Ramallah
We lived in the home of a Palestinian family
We did peace shows in both Israel and Palestine on this 2007 trip. Our
Guitarist "Grovler" is Jewish.
In the communist country of Belarus we met some of the nicest people ever!
We were invited to meet President Jimmy Carter in 2004
In 2005 we met author/activist Greg Palast
Cindy Sheehan spoke and Liquid Blue performed at Activist San Diego in 2006
Air America radio host Jon Elliot had us on his show and also came to one of ours in 2006
Liquid Blue founder Scott Stephens introduced Ralph Nader at his 2008 UCSD speech in La Jolla.
We met Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine at a Michael Moore speech in Del Mar CA
