When the world is heading in a direction opposite to that you would choose, indifferent (and often outright nasty) figures are gaining power, and societal divisions are widening by the day, there’s a strong and justifiable urge to retreat to small circles, rebel against the outside pressures through self-expression and individuality. However, while creativity is unquestionably a force for good, now more than ever it’s important to remember that art alone cannot right every wrong, especially for those at the sharp end of the changes in policy and attitude that are continuing to grow across the world. Which isn’t to say art shouldn’t be one of our main weapons, it’s just a case of ensuring we use it in the correct way.
Take for example Friends For Equality, the benefit compilation in support of Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU and Planned Parenthood put together by Nancy Kells and Fox Food Records. Collecting the talents of 42 acts, the release features a diverse range of unreleased tracks from all over the world, including WTD favs such as Henry Demos, Henoheno, PAT MOON, Rainwater, Francie Cool, Lewtrakimou, Slumbers and Monarch Mtn, not to mention songs from the creators themselves in the form of Spartan Jet-Plex and Good Good Blood. As you might expect, it’s also a great way to discover new artists, and while there are too many to write about properly, there’s enough variation in style and genre to ensure every music fan will find something to their liking.
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[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=2999402871 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small track=1098844674]
[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=2999402871 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small track=2951668018]
Not content with the compilation, Nancy is organising a benefit show at Strange Matter in Richmond, VA on the 17th February, and working to put together a zine for which the theme is “social justice/civil rights – so anything related to that – drawings, photographs, comics, editorials, poetry, short story, etc.” Submissions are currently open until the 2nd January, so email [email protected] if you want to participate or help in any way.
You can buy Friends For Equality now via Bandcamp, and be sure to remember that the $5 price tag is a minimum suggestion (and impossibly generous for 42 tracks). Equally, if you don’t have cash to spare, you can help by spreading the word or getting involved (just contact Spartan Jet-Plex via the email address provided above).
Artwork by Ryan McCardle