True Names is the brand new benefit compilation curated and released by Worry Bead Records, the label run by Matt O’Connor (of Tuxis Giant fame) and their partner Jenny Ruenes, in support of the Trans Youth Emergency Project. Featuring a stellar tracklist which includes VSF favs like Michael Cormier-O’Leary, Squirrel Flower, Remember Sports, (T-T)b, Salt, 2nd Grade, Léna Bartels, Trash Girl and more, the release aims to not only raise funds for a charity which helps young trans people and their families in an increasingly hostile environment, but also offer an artistic response to the present reactionary turn. A message of solidarity to anyone afraid or daunted by recent developments, highlighting the unique ability of DIY communities to support and empower. “The title, True Names, was inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series,” as O’Connor explains. “In the world of Earthsea, True Names are sacred, holding incredible and transformative power. To know your True Name is to know yourself. And to share your True Name is an extreme act of vulnerability and courage.”
Lead single ‘Reward’ comes from 22° Halo, the recording project of Philadelphia-based songwriter and producer Will Kennedy. We’ve followed 22° Halo for a good while, most recently with album Lily of the Valley on Tiny Library Records. An album which “displayed the easy lo-fi nature that Kennedy projects so well,” as we wrote, “small and soft indie pop songs that handle real-life struggles with a shining sense of hope.” Continuing this style, ‘Reward’ makes for the ideal introduction to True Names. Something in its gentle compassion embodies the project’s spirit, Kennedy’s familiar willingness to broach difficulties with empathy and warmth aligning perfectly with the mission set out by Worry Bead Records.
Album art by Sami Martasian