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I’ve been a big fan of the band Franz Ferdinand since they first hit the scene in 2003. Stylistically, Franz mixes a pinch of glam rock, a nice serving of post-punk and a bit of dance-punk to create a sound that is irresistibly infectious. The band is undeniably stylish in their fashion and their album artwork which is frequently inspired by Russian Constructivism, one of my biggest inspirations as well. The lyrics of singer Alex Kapranos are witty, charming, and often insightful about human nature. Franz Ferdinand is a band of style and substance. I met the Franz guys at a gig in L.A. a few years ago and mentioned I’d be excited to collaborate if the opportunity should arise. That moment has arrived, and it coincides with a mutual desire to block a certain demagogue from ever arriving at the White House. Until now, Franz Ferdinand has never been overtly political, even though they have been playfully provocative with gender-bending on a song like “Michael.” I’m incredibly proud that Alex reached out to me to collaborate on an image for possibly the bands’ first overtly political song “Demagogue.” I listened to the song and considered my thoughts about Trump as a sociopath and a destructive force in politics and society. 1984, with Big Brother and double-speak, came to mind and served as inspirations for the image. Alex Kapranos wrote a fantastic statement to accompany “Demagogue,” to which I need to add nothing. Listen to the song, look at the art, and search your own conscience for where you stand on the politics of fear and division versus the politics of hope and inclusion. If you feel as I do, that Trump is terrible for America and the rest of the world, vote and speak your mind. Every act of moral courage makes a difference. Thanks for caring! – Shepard