by Sydney Salk (@sydney.salk)
Welcome to Various Artists! This is a quarterly column that highlights compilations, the people who make them, and the causes they champion. Each release is accompanied by a “Choice Cut” from an artist that stands out, although it’s always hard to pick a favorite. Many of these compilations’ proceeds go to charity, so if you find something you like, please send your support!
One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This: A Benefit for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund
Heavenly Pop Hits is a weekly Austin radio show hosted by Nick S, whose expert curation has brought together a global cast for this digital benefit. All proceeds go to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, which Nick encourages people to donate to before contacting him at nick@koop.org for a Bandcamp download code. The stacked lineup of 40 exclusive rock, punk, and pop tracks comes from the likes of Dancer, Billiam, Power Pants, and Alien Nosejob.
Choice Cut: Kilynn Lunsford - “Things I Deserve”
The New Jersey-based artist is a longtime mover in the punk scene and the mind behind one of the year’s best albums, Promiscuous Genes. Now on “Things I Deserve,” she bursts through a slow-rock squelcher full of surprises. Lunsford proves that even three minutes can be a journey.
Merciless Accelerating Rhythms: Artists United for a Free Palestine Vol 2
For those attuned to a chiller indie persuasion, Artists United for a Free Palestine has released its second compilation of 63 new tracks for a good cause. Colin Miller and Landon George of the MJ Lenderman band each contribute, as well as Andy Boay of Tonstartssbandht, Nara’s Room, and more. The album is available exclusively on Bandcamp, and all proceeds will be donated to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
Choice Cut: youbet - “Endless (demo)”
Nick Llobet’s indie project recalls the best of bedroom production on “Endless.” The mix of minimal computer beats and acoustic guitar is a really delicate combination that with intentionality combines to create something greater.
Olive Seeds: An International Benefit for Mutual Aid in Gaza
Philadelphia’s favorite tape fundraiser is at it again! These high-energy selections bring together punks from around the world, including Hekátē from Greece, Marcel Wave from the UK, and Japan’s M.A.Z.E. with their first new track since 2021. The spectrum of style ranges from hardcore to art rock, who put aside their creative differences to fight for a common cause. Proceeds go to the Gaza Soup Kitchen, or you can donate to one of the organizations on their list for a digital download.
Choice Cut: Added Dimensions - “Odorono”
In a spark of creative coincidence, two of the compilations in this column feature songs by the same band. Also featured on One Day, Added Dimensions is the project of Sarah Everton out of Richmond, Virginia. This track, “Odorono,” features a winding 60s influence that bops through the steady crunch of the guitar.
Indirect Satisfaction
Call it slowcore, neugaze, psych rock, or whatever you will, but the four bands on Indircet Satisfaction know exactly what they’re doing, and how to distinguish themselves from the rest of the guitar slinging pack. Philadelphia label Strange Mono are the distro behind this tape, and operate on a benefit model where all proceeds go to the organiztion of the artists choice. Assisted Living, Bruise Bath, Droopies, and Tlooth have decided on Baitulmaal, who provide “life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching humanitarian aid to under-served populations.”
Choice Cut: Tlooth - “Zenith”
Representing Reading, Pennsylvania, and named after an experimental novel, Tlooth close out with the tension between yearning and doom. “Zenith” comes at you fast and compressed before unraveling into ambient noise.
Weird Scenes From Inside The Droll Mind
Celluloid Lunch proves that the 7” compilation deserves a revival. This compact package from Montreal brings us four sharp, guitar-driven tracks from a label that knows that “taste is everything.” The bands Garden of Love, Private Lives, G.I. Jinx, and the Wrong Sky make up a new scene of English speakers who have made their home in the French province. As the liner notes say, the focus here is the power of live music and community, now available to the rest of the world at home. It also includes a zine with art by the bands!
Choice Cut: The Wrong Sky - “Silent Casino”
As the only band of the bunch without a prior release, the Wrong Sky describes themselves on one showsite as “a very weird punk band.” “Silent Casino,” which thematically fits in well with Private Lives’ track “Dealer’s Choice,” is a chaotic stomp through poetic guitar freakouts. The variety of vocal performances keeps the track engaging throughout, which makes a compelling argument for entire bands to get on the mic.
Stanze Fredde Vol. 2
Based in Turin, Italy, Stanze Fredde is a DIY label that aims to bring its passion for synthesizer music to the world. On their second compilation album, these 17 tracks showcase the latest in daring electronic music from emerging artists and underground gems. The physical CD release is an edition of 200, produced at home with recycled cases, and purchases will go to support the label’s annual festival. If you like the video game music and the 80s, you will love this album.
Choice Cut: Chaos International - “Finale”
Comp exclusive “Finale” is ironically the first track on the album, yet it serves as a thesis statement from the Polish band on the power of retro synthetics. Some sounds never get old, like these clicky drums, swooshing lazers, and intricately technical keys. The piece was composed using eight different machines, a mix of old and new that applies modern methodology to vintage vibes.
Sydney Salk is a writer, zine-maker, and radio DJ based in Brooklyn, NY. She does a lot of things, hopefully some of them are good. If you liked this column, you should read her zine Compilation Nation, which is dedicated to archival releases. (sydneysalk.com):