Jai Uttal's new single, "Behind the Walls" (Pavana Suta Music), which dropped on 8/6, was inspired by his work at California's famed penitentiary, San Quentin, and the horrific Covid-19 outbreak currently happening within its walls.

"When I heard about the intense Covid surge inside the prison and how little the authorities we’re doing about it, I was affected very deeply, and personally concerned with the plight of some of my friends there," he says. "It’s amazing to me that what’s happening behind those walls is going unnoticed by most of the residents of Northern California. In fact, the devastation that’s occurring because of the virus in so many federal penitentiaries has just been a footnote in the national news. So I decided to write and record this song, ‘Behind The Walls’ and release it as soon as possible so people could know what’s happening in their backyard."

Uttal encourages listeners to donate to Re:Store Justice, which is focusing its prison reform advocacy on the widespread Covid-19 prison outbreaks in California. You can learn more about how to help here.