Crash Avenue Releases Compilation to Benefit Family of Sub Pop Family

Crash Avenue of Louisville is the latest in a string of music industry members to join efforts to raise money for the family of Andy Kotowicz. Kotowicz, who served as a VP of Sales and Director of Marketing for Sub Pop Records whose life was tragically lost in a car accident in late October.

Since then, many of Sub Pop’s artists and friends have donated memorabilia for a charity auction. Items in the auction include those previously belonging to the likes of Pearl Jam, the Foo Fighters, and Band of Horses. The bidding will continue through December 14th on CharityBuzz.com.

Crash Avenue will release a pay-what-you-want compilation that seeks to donate all proceeds to the Andy Kotowicz Family Foundation. Included in the release is a solo banjo and vocal version of PJ Harvey’s “Down by the Water” by Cheyenne Marie Mize, along with music from Emily Reo, Young Minds, Bikini, Weed, and others.

A concert was held at Showbox at the Market in Seattle on December 4th, with bands Kotowicz worked with such as Shabazz Palaces, Vetiver, Fruit Bats, Wolf Eyes, Pissed Jeans, Mudhoney, A-Frames/AFCGT, and Michael Yonkers.

Additionally, there will be a benefit show held on Andy’s birthday, December 8th, in his hometown of Ypsilanti, Michigan. The show will feature the Secret Twins, Rogue Satellites, City Center, Swimsuit, Powerteam and Everybody’s In at The Savoy.

Crash Avenue president Jeffrey Smith released the following statement in regards to the compilation:

“We were greatly saddened by the untimely passing of Sub Pop’s Andy Kotowicz. Yet, I think I can speak for all of us when we say we’re also inspired by the heroism of Seattle business owner Kenny Johnson, who raced to the scene to save Andy’s young daughter, and made a valiant effort to save Andy as well. While we only knew Andy for a brief moment, we can say without hesitation that the gang at Sub Pop are some of the most down-to-earth, awesome people to work with – all the more remarkable when considering the size and influence of the label. Starting with our December
release, you can download the full compilation with a Radiohead name-your-own-price structure, with all proceeds going to the Andy Kotowicz Family Foundation.”