Amid all of the turmoil in the world right now, many of us find focus and enjoyment through music. A way to share direct financial support with musical artists is by purchasing their works on Bandcamp Friday, when Bandcamp waives collection of revenue for digital sales (not including subscriptions). In general, this means an extra 15% goes to artists or labels on these days.
Here are some of my recommendations for what to pick up this Bandcamp Friday (or any other day).
Rosie Tucker – “Never Not Never Not Never Not” ~ I first saw Rosie Tucker play in 2019 at the Top Hat in Missoula, MT. I was really blown away by the set & ordered the vinyl for this album when I got home. Rosie Tucker’s lyrics are multi-layered, but approachable. Their vocal styling is creative and unexpected. The deft production choices let brevity do its work, yet allow certain tracks more time to build dynamics and drive emotionally. All the while, the listener is drawn in by lyrics that feature the California landscape, emotional struggles, and the joy of having really good friends.
Sentimental Records – “NO MORE BANDS: AUTUMN 2020” ~ I mentioned production choices in the previous album which brings me to this compilation. I started following the Sentimental Records label online when I realized what a genius producer Wolfy is. I’m looking forward to checking out this comp and other things on the label to hear song-writing from Wolfy as well.
Norah Lorway – “Future Void” ~ This recent release via the Distant Bloom label exhibits live-coded sonic creations from Norah Lorway. Featured among the best experimental music releases of October 2020 on Bandcamp, “Future Void” welcomes us to a world aptly expressed by Aaron Owen‘s topographical cover art. Slow builds churn up echoes and glacial shifts reflect light at their high points.
Aloud – “Exile: 10th Anniversary Edition” ~ The political turmoil of the past week (… year? decade? lifetime?) has made Aloud’s “Exile” album one to which I perennially return for inspiration. It has been great to watch the band evolve from “Fan The Fury” until present, and, as a fan, this album has always stuck for me. Jen and Henry shared retrospective videos with fans this fall & I look forward to the insert/liner-note details about this record that expresses hope & heart during political and emotional exile.
That wraps up my suggestions for this month. Stay safe & share some love for musicians!
Edit: Here’s a link to a bndcmpr playlist of a few tracks pulled from these recommendations: https://bndcmpr.co/ae509dc9