The sounds of the moment
This week’s issue continues amplifying voices in the music world who are sharing songs, albums, and playlists tied to #BlackLivesMatter and the fight for racial justice. Hope you’re holding up okay.
NYT critic-at-large Wesley Morris wrote a stunning piece on “the videos that rocked America” and connects them to Patti LaBelle’s cover of “If You Don’t Know Me by Now.” Make sure to listen after you read.
Run The Jewels, the rap duo of Killer Mike and El-P, released their fourth album early — and right on time. It’s fantastic. The album is available as a free download from their site — with an option to add $1, $3, $5 or more to the National Lawyers Guild’s Mass Defense Program. They raised $150K from listeners in 24 hours, and also used their site to feature additional organizations worth supporting right now.
Terrace Martin produced a new song called “Pig Feet” featuring Denzel Curry, Kamasi Washington, G Perico, and Daylyt. “Despite its release in the middle of coast-to-coast demonstrations, Martin clarifies it is not a protest song,” writes Jessica McKinney in Complex, “but an ‘all-action’ record that was created to bring awareness and strength to the people.” (Thanks to Gary Suarez’s hip-hop newsletter Cabbages for sharing.)
Journalist Ivie Ani made a playlist that “defines this moment” back in March — and it’s even more relevant now. Follow her on Twitter.
Bandcamp continued their excellent “Bandcamp Friday” initiative, waiving their share of sales on Friday to support artists impacted by Covid-19.
This crowdsourced Google Doc took off on Twitter, highlighting over 1,500 Black artists to support on the platform. Consider purchasing from that list on Friday, June 19th, when the platform will be donating 100% of its share to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
Many artists released new material benefiting racial justice causes — here’s what I purchased and recommend:
Tasha released a beautiful demo track. Half of proceeds will go to the Chicago Community Bond Fund.
Bartees Strange and Oceanator teamed up on an EP covering Sam Cooke and Woodie Guthrie. Funds will go to Survived and Punished NY.
NNAMDÏ made a 3-song EP called Black Plight, all proceeds will be split between eatChicago and Assata's Daughters.
Phoebe Bridgers, Rostam, Hatchie + The Pains of Being Pure At Heart, Bad Moves, Fruit Bats, and Bonny Doon all released either B-sides, demos, or live albums, with proceeds going to racial justice causes.
Vulture’s Justin Curto also updated his ongoing roundup of recent Bandcamp releases benefiting good causes.
Music writer Lindsay Zoladz created a playlist of songs capturing the moment for her, featuring Solange, Kendrick, Nina Simone and more.
NPR’s Ann Powers compiled the new sounds of protest and hope.
Brandon Caldwell dove deep into George Floyd’s life and legacy in the Houston hip-hop scene for Pitchfork.
Young K-pop fans are using their online savvy to mobilize in new ways in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Dev Hynes, of Blood Orange, raised $500K for The Movement for Black Lives with this t-shirt, featuring the words of Tessa Thompson: “If you love black culture, protect black lives.”
Finally, here’s a fantastic protest image with a similar sentiment from music photographer Greg Noire, from his excellent Instagram.