by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
On Friday, June 19th, Bandcamp will once again be waiving their cut of sales, this time with their proceeds instead going to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund as a measure to support racial justice, equality, and change. Many are once again using this as an opportunity to do good on their end, including the folks behind Slack Capital, an ongoing compilation series that benefits various Austin charities. Set to release Slack Capital 3 on Friday, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Austin Justice Coalition, a local justice group that seeks to educate and build community. The 41 track compilation was curated by Eric Braden (Big Bill, First Humans Records), Nathan Lankford (Austin Town Hall Records), and local booking agency Howdy Gals, featuring a wide selection of Austin musicians creating punk, pop, electronic, hip-hop, folk, and rock music. Among the talent on Slack Capital 3 is Spoon, Daniel Francis Doyle, The Zoltars, Daphne Tunes, The Hermits, Golden Dawn Arkestra, The Teeta, and as we’re premiering today, two brand new demos from Christelle Bofale and Sun June.
Having released the fantastic Swim Team EP last year and the single “Miles” earlier this year, Christelle Bofale has earned a position among artists to watch, an incredible songwriter that speaks from the heart. Her music blends together sparse indie singer-songwriter material and comforting blues with the unshakeable soul of her voice, captured brilliantly on “Skipping Stones,” a bare bones demo that shines. With every inflection and shake of Bofale’s vocals comes introspective thought, the feelings working themselves into the beautiful timbre of a confident melody. “Skipping Stones” is nothing short of stunning.
Sun June’s demo, while slightly more fleshed out, courtesy of some fantastic harmonies and a rhythm section, is nearly as intimate. Two years removed from their debut album, Years, on Keeled Scales, Sun June specialize in reflective songs that are both dreamy and airy, built on an Americana ease, that drifts like the breeze. “5 Yeas Time” is a great addition to their steadily growing catalog, sweet and alluring, lifted by the gorgeous harmonies and layers of twang that creep just below the surface.