A group of 90 musicians, including some notable names such as Phantogram, Jesse Malin, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf, Superchunk and Crashing Hotels, will be teaming up for the Talk – Action = Zero compilation album, which pays tributes to Black Americans who have been killed in instances of police brutality. Proceeds from this project will go to support the Black Visions Collective, a Black run organization from Minnesota, in support of Black leadership, community justice and the local LGBTQA community.

This project was curated by Bank Robber Music and Rough Trade Publishing will be released tomorrow, exclusively on Bandcamp. Both record labels put together the compilation in under a week, with each artist quickly coming together to help support this cause.

“We as a small company have always been committed to our artist community, but it would be a disservice to not recognize that the music we love and the roster of artists we represent are influenced by Black culture. The artist and the Black community are in the midst of changing times,” Bank Robber Music’s Emily Roman explained. “We wanted to use our platform to amplify the two communities that allow us to do what we love every day in this industry. We are extremely grateful for all the artists we work with who quickly mobilized to be a part of this benefit compilation; We are here for our artists, and we stand with Black Lives Matter. This is the time to dive in, dig deep and take action.”

Other prominent artists who are included as a part of this compilation include Nick Andre, Worriers, Lateef The Truth Speaker, Sulene, Jay Watts,Bartees Strange, Lonemoon, Rogue Wave and Damon & Naomi. Several of the artists will debut never released tracks on the album, including Phantogram, Jesse Malin, Jay Watts, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf, Bartees Strange, Lonemoon, Rogue Wave and Crashing Hotels.

Phantogram’s most recent studio album release Ceremony came out back in March, and was spearheaded by its lead single “Pedestal.” Malin’s most recent album release “Sunset Kids” came out last December, and saw the performer blend old and new songs into a unique indie rock record.

Nada Surf released their album Never Not Together was released earlier year, which was known for its upbeat, indie pop influenced, album. Superchunk’s most recent studio album What a Time to Be Alive, which was released back in 2018. Crashing Hotels is a unique dark electronic dance music project, channeling the nostalgic sounds of post punk outfits such as New Order and outfits like early Crystal Castles.

Photo Credit: April Siese