By Billy Restivo
Arcade Fire frontman and activist Win Butler has just announced the presale of RaRa Coffee, a specialty brew grown in Haiti and roasted by Philadelphia’s La Colombe Coffee Roasters. And while the internet is bound to blow up at the fusion of indie-rock and a nice cup of joe, Butler’s mission is much more encompassing. Proceeds from RaRa will go towards Haiti Coffee Academy, an organization helping Haitian farmers increase coffee production, as well as Boston-based non-profit Partners in Health.
Butler and the rest of the band have been known to advocate for Haiti relief, putting on shows in the area, teaming up with Godin Guitars, and lecturing at the University of Texas to raise awareness. Singer Régine Chassagne has an especially personal connection as the daughter of two Haitian immigrants. In a 2010 editorial written for the Guardian, she explained, “We need to treat Haiti with compassion and respect and make sure that the country gets back on its feet once and for all.” Clearly, Chassagne meant every word, as Arcade Fire continue their efforts to help the Haitian people.
“Haiti is buzzing with potential and possibility, and coffee can be an important part of its rebirth,” said Butler in support of La Colombe’s mission to aid the nation’s coffee farmers. “Coffee is so important to Haiti, and Haiti is so important to me and everyone in the band.”
In addition to whipping up signature blends, the Canadian gazillion-piece has been busy supporting their fourth LP, Reflektor. Arcade Fire’s arena tour, dubbed the Reflektor Tour (or Reflektour if you’re mega-hip or British), spanned nearly a whole year, beginning and ending in their hometown of Montreal. The record not only debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 back in 2013, and was also recently nominated for a couple of Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album and Best Music Video for the controversial “We Exist,” which you can check out below.
If you want to get your hands on some of Butler’s RaRa Coffee and help support Partners in Health and the Haiti Coffee Academy, you’re only a click away.