Chancellor Gets Hip, Backs New CD

German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has put his name to an alliance of anti-racist pop and rock musicians. On August 19, the chancellor will team up with German hip-hop artist Smudo from "Die Fantastischen Vier" and Norbert Leisegant from the band "Keimzeit" to present a CD which opposes right-wing extremism. The collection, which will be made available to young people free of charge in areas where the far-right National Democratic Party (NPD) is strong, includes tracks by "2Raumwohnung," "Clueso," "Max Herre" and "Sportfreunde Stiller." Some of the songs have already been released. The aim of the project, which is backed by BMG Music Publishing, Label Four Music and the Social Democrats, is to reach young voters ahead of the elections planned for September 18. Organizers hope to increase voter turnout and prevent right-wing extremist parties from doing well at the polls.