Dillinger Escape Plan founder/guitarist and Suicidal Tendencies member Ben Weinman has teamed up on a brand new track with Empty Streets, the solo project of musician Aaron Thompson. The unlikely duo’s collaboration, “Fracas,” will be released Friday, October 30th, exclusively via Ben Weinman’s Patreon. A sample of the track is available now
All proceeds will go directly to Party Smasher Sanctuary, the New Jersey animal sanctuary founded by Weinman and his wife, currently housing over 75 rescued animals, including goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, horses, turkeys, and ducks.
Inspired by their mutual love for animal rescue, Weinman and Thompson decided to collaborate on the new track and the result can only be described as the bastard child of Hans Zimmer and Nine Inch Nails, with some twists and turns a la The Dillinger Escape Plan‘s more melodic work.
Many will recognize Aaron Thompson’s alter-ego, Small Hands, from his prolific body of work as one of the most celebrated adult stars of his generation. But before the tattooed Elvis was invited to Joanna Angel’s casting couch, he was setting stages ablaze around the globe as a rocker. Thompson’s newest solo project, Empty Streets, represents a return to form for this multi-talented artist.
Thompson had this to say about the collaboration: “Both my beautiful dogs are rescues, and I can’t imagine life without them. This track with Ben was a fierce, bombastic way to kick down some barriers, celebrate the Halloween season, and help a cause that’s close to my heart.”
Currently, while on hiatus from playing guitar with legendary thrash legends Suicidal Tendencies, Weinman has been scoring the music for the upcoming film, Red 48, starring John Malkovich, Michael Jai White, and Tyrese Gibson. After listening to “Fracas,” it is clear that this new cinematic direction for the former Dillinger Escape Plan mastermind has had an impact on his creative output. “Fracas” incorporates odd rhythms, beautiful soundscapes, and orchestrations that could easily lend themselves to film.
Weinman had this to say about the collaboration: “I’ve been trying to figure out a way to work on something with Aaron for a while now and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to throw a weird one at him, in the spirit of Halloween, while creating more content for my Patreon. Patreon has been such an amazing way to keep me making tunes while also helping me with the ever-growing expenses associated with taking care of approximately 75 farm animal rescues with my wife and kids.”
At Weinman’s Patreon, in addition to purchasing music for as little as $1 per song, fans can choose a number of other tiers offering behind-the-scenes interviews, merchandise, and Dillinger Escape Plan rarities.
Also check out Empty Streets’ latest EP, here.
