Just when I thought my respect for download-by-donation digital record label Moshpit Tragedy couldn’t get any higher, Rayny Forster goes and does something like this: puts the entire MT catalog up for free or by donation download on Bandcamp so that he can donate all the proceeds to Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary in Stratford, Ontario. Cedar Row takes in and cares for abused and injured farm animals from meat, milk, and egg farms, rescuing them from a life of terror, cruelty and certain slaughter. While some people may argue that eating animals is a natural part of a human being’s diet, they have to acknowledge that current factory farm practices are anything but natural. Animals in factory farms are subjected to living conditions and treatment that far surpass even the most cruel medieval imprisonment and torture. Punk and metal are often associated with anti-system politics, and a label like Moshpit Tragedy takes his politics seriously:
“We’d like to show the world that kids who are into the punk and metal culture can actually be a group of really positive people. In many instances people on the outside looking in just see all the black clothing and long hair and assume it’s all about negativity. But in fact, that is just an outlet to help get all the frustration out. Many people involved are also supportive in animal rights and other humanitarian activities, and we are happy to be able to help promote this sort of positive action. I would like to thank all the bands we work with who have graciously agreed to ultimately give their music to this worthy cause.”
He has faith that the fans of his music will take a stand against animal cruelty and put their money where there mouths are! After the jump, read the full Moshpit Tragedy statement, and head over to his Bandcamp to donate and get some killer tunes!
Moshpit Tragedy Records Entire Catalog on Bandcamp; 100% of Proceeds to Benefit Animal Charity
Digital punk & metal label Moshpit Tragedy have uploaded their entire 65 album catalog to Bandcamp. Each album is available for free streaming in it’s entirety and can also be downloaded for free or a donation.
http://moshpittragedy.bandcamp.com
100% of proceeds will go directly to Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary, near Stratford Ontario. Cedar Row is a place of hope for animals rescued from the abuse, neglect, and slaughter found on meat, milk, and egg farms. Hundreds of animals have been rescued since the sanctuary began in 1999. Founded and cared for by the Poole Family, the non-profit rescue organization relies on donations to cover the financial needs of the sanctuary.
Moshpit Tragedy founder Rayny Forster comments: “We’d like to show the world that kids who are into the punk and metal culture can actually be a group of really positive people. In many instances people on the outside looking in just see all the black clothing and long hair and assume it’s all about negativity. But in fact, that is just an outlet to help get all the frustration out. Many people involved are also supportive in animal rights and other humanitarian activities, and we are happy to be able to help promote this sort of positive action. I would like to thank all the bands we work with who have graciously agreed to ultimately give their music to this worthy cause.”
No stranger to doing things differently, Moshpit Tragedy has since 2007 become known as the first label to pioneer the ‘pay-what-you-want’ concept, which later exploded with the rise of websites like Bandcamp. After acquiring legendary underground bands like Extreme Noise Terror, Amebix and Phobia to it’s roster, the label began partnering with other labels (including metal giant Relapse Records), and even got the attention of Scion A/V, who put on a live Moshpit Tragedy showcase in Los Angeles in 2012.
Moshpit Tragedy
March 20, 2013 at 3:46 pm
Thanks for posting. Although, we don’t deserve even a sliver of praise compared to places like Cedar Row. Just glad we can all contribute to their efforts.