Music to Bake Bread: Boston label Midnight Werewolf Records releases charity compilation, supports local workers and venues

The Coronavirus pandemic continues to impact artists around the world. Musicians, venue owners, bookers, labels, producers, and people of dozens of other roles in the ecosystem have been hit especially hard as tours and shows are canceled for the foreseeable future. With such a tough situation, finding ways to continue supporting artists, promoters, but also social, hospitals and restaurants workers, is an urgent priority for anyone who cares about music and various communities of artists and supporters that have been making it vibrant and thriving throughout recent years. Today, we’re urging you to support the good cause and participate in the newest charity project from Boston based DIY label Midnight Werewolf Records, who just released a special compilation called “Music to Bake Bread”, created to donate all profits to PPE for hospitals, restaurant / migrant workers, & local Massachusetts venues.

The label is only asking for $5 digital (with a pay more option) and they are offering a very limited edition cassette version out of 50 for $10, so it’s reall a great treat! It may sound direct and maybe too simple, but the best way to help artists is with your direct financial support. Participate and share among your friends!

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 16 𝑢𝑛𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑘𝑠, 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑒𝑤!

Comments Derek from Midnight Werewolf Records (Boston, MA):

One of our favorite venues, Great Scott, has permanently closed it’s door. We are hoping this is the last and only but as of now there isn’t currently a plan on opening venues. Things are however changing daily. Since the limiting of people that can gather, there isn’t any option to play. Certain practice spaces have closed as well not allowing for people to even practice.

𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒.

Without touring it is difficult to release physical media (tapes, vinyl, etc) . What we are trying to do for the local music community is hopefully avoid anymore closures of venues and to help the staff that is currently not getting paid. Not just our artists but a lot of people are out of work and not seeing much help (musically involved or not).

We choose to give our donations to the people we see personally being affected.

Luckily, as an essential worker, I am still working limited hours but enough to get along. We have also seen that a lot of places are struggling to get proper PPE in the US so we hope to be able to provide as much as we can to them as well. With things beginning to slowly open , we are hoping for the best but we expect to see the second wave sooner than later.

This label/promoter under the name Eye Design is also currently creating a comp for Great Scott as well. I think that should be wrapped up in a little bit.

𝐵𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 ℎ𝑎𝑠 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑚𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑐 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑦.

We see more and more as time goes on the support everyone has for each other. Record labels are hosting live streams &compilations to help on another. It really shows the strength this community has to save and protect the music community. All we can do is hope for the best and listen to some tunes to get us through this.

Some of the bands and artists featured on this compilation joined us with their own take on this project and special commentary below:

Glue Horse:

We’ve all been a part of the local music scene for a long time as members of various bands and so to help raise money for both those fighting this pandemic on the front line as well as venues that are struggling financially and yet are so necessary for keeping art and music alive is a real honor for us. It’s amazing to see how quickly it’s come together thanks to the efforts and desire to benefit the local community from both Midnight Werewolf and the bands alike and we hope everyone likes it and it helps bring some good into the world.

Greed Island:

Relief is what we need, hopefully this helps. Our hearts go out to everyone. We are proud to be apart of Midnight Werewolf Records Covid-Relief and hope everyone enjoys these songs while they stay safe. Covid has tried to separate the tight knit music/art scene we’ve all built, but watching our community at Sue’s DIY venue in Rollinsford, NH come together has been special. We continue to find new ways to keep our scene alive and each other going and we think everyone needs that, especially now.

Happy Just to See You:

This whole thing is surreal. In terms of our local scene up in New Hampshire, it’s really tough having no public outlet, no way of really feeling that genuine human connection you get from a show. Everyone is so full of love up here, and shows are a crucial part of that positivity. There have been lots of live-stream shenanigans which is a lot of fun but not really an equal replacement for the real deal. We’re staying put, working on tunes, desperate for a chance to see the people we love do the things we love so much. I’m really hoping this comp can help get resources directly to people who desperately need it. As states start to prematurely open up, valuing capital over human lives, please remember to be patient, kind, and empathetic to all folks busting their asses out there right now. Love to all.

Twin Foxes:

We literally played the last show in Providence. It’s certainly been strange, trying to be productive while not being physically with each other is definitely challenging. Just trying to focus on writing and demoing at the moment. I think the R.I. governor has done a good job, though things officially opened last week, which felt like more big business pressure than necessarily the right decision. People in R.I. have a way of doing their own thing, so I hope people take it slow. I would hate to end up her again in a couple months.

Kal Marks:

The pandemic has a questionable impact on the world of music. Everything has come to halt and we don’t know how long it’ll be. Also what will the landscape be for touring? We have no idea. I’m glad at time like this I can lend a hand to something that’ll help people. Also I’m very proud of the rest of the diy music community’s of this world and the curators that make these things happen. Musicians tend to be on poorer side of the division and yet whenever something awful happens they offer help. I’d also like to thank all the avid music listeners that put money towards causes like this. Thank you.

Sorespot:

Chicago has had it just as rough as anywhere. But what I have noticed since the start of the lockdown, is that people are coming up with new ideas, and figuring out new ways to collaborate with others. With no shows currently being held, there is tons of time to write, record, ect. One day, we can all get back together again at our shows. Until then, I imagine new bands and new music will be brewing. At least I hope so. Stay safe <3

Music to Bake Bread Track Listing:

A1. J. Croteau – Jaws
A2. Glue Horse – R Complex
A3. Twin Foxes – The Burden
A4. Nanny – Friday, bb
A5. Sorespot – Crockpot
A6. Happy Just To See You – Early Riser
A7. Rong – Interesting
A8. Kal Marks – Born Again

B1. Lady Bones – Centerfold
B2. Sam Johnson – Road Salt
B3. Fucko – Noctambulism (Demo)
B4. Idiot Genes – Mr. Bidet (Drinks His Own Pee)
B5. Blue Ray – Elevator Guy
B6. Fred Cracklin – Dragon Jr
B7. Sneeze – Sleep Breath (Q Division Mix)
B8. Greed Island – Old Snooze