D.C. punk band Ekko Astral have teamed up with nationwide collective and not-for-profit group Gender Liberation Movement to stage a brand new music and humanities competition. Liberation Weekend will happen Might 30 and 31 in Washinton D.C., that includes performances from Ekko Astral themselves, Home Is Where, Ted Leo, Speedy Ortiz, and extra. Try the competition poster and full billing under.
“The rationale we’re placing this occasion on is straightforward: artists of all genders and genres ought to stand in vocal assist of the trans group,” Ekko Astral bandleader Jael Holzman stated in a press assertion. “Should you stand for freedom of expression, you assist trans rights. Should you consider in loving your neighbor, you assist trans rights. Music is humanity’s most common language—and we want our greatest artists to return collectively in assist of our group now earlier than it’s too late.”
Proceeds from Liberation Weekend will fund Gender Liberation Motion’s rallies, demonstrations, and direct actions in protest of anti-trans companies and policymaking. The occasion may even embrace a dance afterparty and a “showcase” of Red Hot Organization’s Transa compilation that includes L’Rain, Bartees Strange, and Asher White. Ekko Astral are set to carry out at each Pitchfork Music Festival London and Pitchfork Music Festival Paris later this yr.
Revisit Nina Corcoran’s assessment of Ekko Astral’s Pink Balloons at examine it at No. 1 on “The 30 Best Rock Albums of 2024.”
