Bayside shares work with Human Rights Campaign

For all of the truly terrible things in the world (disease, terrorism, Nickelback et al), it’s heartening to know that artists in our community are quick to put their time and money where their mouths are. This year's Alternative Press Music Awards is honoring these people with the Artist Philanthropic Award, presented by Sub City. Bayside are nominated for their work with the Human Rights Campaign.

Founded in 1980, the Human Rights Campaign is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. Bayside’s relationship with the organization began after the band were asked to take a picture holding one of the campaign’s signs, and they’ve since become staunch advocates of its work. The band’s last album, Cult, was reissued last March on Hopeless Records’ charity arm, Sub City, with all proceeds going towards the HRC.

“It hits really close to home for us, because we make music for people who don’t quite fit in,” explains frontman Anthony Raneri. “That’s been a part of our lives since we were kids and that’s why we got into the music scene that we’re a part of. I believe everybody should have the right to be married, which is a huge part of the Human Rights Campaign, although it also goes much further than that. I feel incredibly rewarded every show we play and every message we get. I’m not gay or bisexual, but I see those kids every day at our shows, and I don’t know if they ever really knew that I recognize what they’re going through. Now they do.”

Tune in to the APMAs to see who wins the Artist Philanthropic Award, and learn more about the Human Rights Campaign on their website or Facebook page.