Earlier today on Stephen Mejias’ donewaiting.com column Bridges and Tunnels he tipped us off about the new record label from Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore, Protest Records.
After doing a little digging, I found this article from the New York Times. Highlights:
Another one of Mr. Moore’s longtime fantasies was to have a label that gave away music free. “I thought it would be great to be in a band that made millions of dollars that could do something like that, but it never panned out,” Mr. Moore said, referring to earning millions. “I liked the idea because it would drive retail stores crazy. Originally the ideas were more far-fetched, like hiding the records around the city so that people had to find them.”
And here’s some more information about the nature of the free music being distributed:
So he decided to start Protest Records, so little-known musicians and songwriters could have their work appear alongside that of higher-profile bands. He is accepting any protest music by any act, especially those making more challenging and avant-garde music. And the songs do not all have to be about the current war, he said; they can be in opposition to any issue. (full story)
Write your protest songs, people, and make them good.