Toronto blackened screamo / post everything act RESPIRE have recently announced a follow up to their acclaimed 2018 release Dénouement, a new album called Black Line, scheduled for a yet-to-be-announced release date. The record was scheduled for a release via Holy Roar Records, but the band just announced their break-up with the label, following the recent sexual misconduct allegations against label founder Alex Fitzpatrick.
The band commented:
“In light of the serious allegations against Alex and our ongoing conversations with staff, we have decided to sever all ties with Holy Roar Records.
We believe and fully support the survivors of these allegations. We refuse to sit idly by and associate with anyone who could do this to our friends.
The release of ‘Black Line’ will be on indefinite hold. We hope to have more news about the record soon, but our priorities continue to be with the survivors and making sure their needs are met.
We appreciate your shows of support and well wishes, but ask that you keep the true victims of this terrible event at the forefront of your solidarity and sentiment.”
They previously issued the following about the new record:
“Black Line marks a notable shift in our thematic subject. While our lyrics have previously focused inward, Black Line looks out – begging the possibility of authentic recovery in a world growing increasingly ill.”Tempest” is about reclaiming agency in a world we often feel like mere spectators in – a world that abets the rise of fascism and drives climate catastrophe […] about finding peace in the inevitability of destruction, death, and decay”.
Regarding the video, they add:
“We wanted to create a visual accompaniment that would be both unique and interesting, while working within the bounds of early COVID-19 restrictions in Toronto. We captured DIY footage of ourselves in alleys, walkways, practice spaces, and our bedrooms – handing the material over to Dave Cullen of Crowning/Zegema Beach Records. The resulting montage of projections were produced by Dave in Chicago, across a closed down border that continues to divide artists and creatives trying to work together.”
Most of the bands from the label’s roster cut ties with Holy Roar. This includs Rolo Tomassi, Svalbard, Ithaca, Møl, Talons, Slow Crush, OHHMS, Boss Keloid, Portals, Secret Cutter, and Renounced. Three label employees also quit their jobs and shared a statement expressing solidarity with the victims.
Employees of Holy Roar Records have resigned from their positions and shared the message below:
Fitzpatrick issued the following statement:
“You may have been made aware of the devastating allegations against me on social media, the most serious of which have been made by women who I dated approximately 8 years ago. These allegations are false, and I am doing everything I can to clear my name. I immediately instructed solicitors to help me defend my name and reputation. For legal reasons, I am advised by my solicitors, at this stage, to refrain from making further comments. I have also resigned with immediate effect from my businesses to enable me to focus on clearing my name.”
