Phantogram, Lando Chill, Nada Surf, Jay Watts and many more are a part of a compilation album out now on Bandcamp that will benefit a Minneapolis-based organization advocating for the Black community as protests for Black lives and against police brutality continue.
The 90-song album Talk – Action = Zero by Bank Robber Music and Rough Trade Publishing was released June 5, a day in which Bandcamp said it would waive its revenue shares in order to benefit artists on the platform. Bank Robber Music and Rough Trade Publishing aim to make a statement in support of the artist and Black community with the album's sales.
Protests have sparked across the U.S. since George Floyd died late May at the hands of police in Minneapolis. All album proceeds will go to Minneapolis-based collective BlackVisions, a group whose work is based around transformative justice. The group has also received support from Lizzo, who let them take over her Instagram on Tuesday to share resources on how people can make a difference today.
In a statement, Bank Robber Music's Associate Director of Synch + A&R, West Coast Emily Roman shared their support for Black Lives Matter. She said the company wanted to magnify the voices of both the artist and Black communities through music.
"We as a small company have always been committed to our artist community, but it would be a disservice to not recognize that the music we love and the roster of artists we represent are influenced by Black culture," she said. "The artist and the Black community are in the midst of changing times. We wanted to use our platform to amplify the two communities that allow us to do what we love every day in this industry. We are extremely grateful for all the artists we work with who quickly mobilized to be a part of this benefit compilation. We are here for our artists, and we stand with Black Lives Matter. This is the time to dive in, dig deep and take action."
Bandcamp has also pledged to give all of its revenue shares to the NAACP Defense Fund on June 19 in solidarity with Black and communities of color. You can now purchase the album on Bandcamp.
Lizzo, Lady Gaga & Selena Gomez Lend Their Platforms To Amplify Black Voices
