Listen to the battle cry of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy and The Roots of Music! The Roots of Music empowers local youth through music education, academic support and mentor-ship, while preserving and promoting the unique music and cultural heritage of their city. A trip to New Orleans years ago was Bonnie's first introduction to this incredible organization, and he's been enamored even since! It all comes full circle now with the release of a very special rendition and video of "The Curse", a cover of The Mekons (happy 40th Anniversary!) 1991 tune, with The Roots of Music!

Laying it all on the line for last year's joyous Fanatic Voyage (recorded with the Chivalrous Amokeons), proceeds from the sale of the album were donated to The Roots of Music. However, Bonnie wasn't finished! Traveling down to New Orleans with tried and true Amokeons member/frequent collaborator Emmett Kelly and director Ben Berman, the 'Prince' recorded an entirely new version of "The Curse" with the kids of The Roots of Music and put it to video!

Pouring out from the opening bars of this number, the soulful strut of "The Curse" makes us realize that we are in the hands of a benevolent and indomitable force that only grows stronger with the help of these wonderful students! "The Curse" marks Bonnie's fourth visual collaboration with director Ben Berman and alludes to the origin story of the character seen in Berman's videos for "I See A Darkness" and "There is No God". Berman's vision and humor blends reality with imagination in what could very well be the best music video of this century!