Mark Garza, the face behind the excellent blog-cum-label Funeral Sounds has put together a benefit compilation including both old and new songs from some of the best independent bands. The release is in support of Casa Ruby, a multicultural LGBTQ organization run by the inspirational Ruby Jade Corado, a D.C.-based transgender woman and fighter for social justice (read more about her here). Casa Ruby seeks to protect and help LGBTQ people and, most importantly, allow them to live safe, happy and successful lives. In other words, Casa Ruby strives to enable people to be treated as people. As Garza, a transgirl herself, says:
“The work that Casa Ruby is doing for their community is both inspiring and needed. We’re very appreciative of what the work of Ruby Jade Corado and her organization has done for countless LGBTQ+ youth and adults and hope that this compilation is representative of that appreciation from not just us but the community at large from all across world, and hope that, in some way, it will serve as a reminder that, no matter what, no matter who you are, you are not alone, you have an entire community of people behind you, supporting you, every step of the way.”
The compilation features 24 songs from an array of artists, including some we have written about (Adult Mom, Ricky Eat Acid, Unraveler etc.) and some we will probably be writing about in the future. Discovering new music while supporting a very worthy cause sounds like a win-win all round in our book.
You can buy the compilation now on a pay-what-you-can basis via Bandcamp.
P.S. There has a bit of controversy surrounding the inclusion of certain artists, and Garza has addressed this in a statement now available on Funeral Sounds. She also welcomes people to email her should they wish to discuss the issue.