A Safe Place: Gathering The Underground For Good
In recent months the world has encountered a systemic crisis owing to COVID-19. Expert commentaries describe the crisis of trust now manifesting between countries, people and processes in place. As we attempt to overcome a globally contemporaneous situation, we’re arguably dependent on the younger generation to prevent the spread of the virus, implement new ways of living and mobilise causes for action.
Treviso-based collective ‘Where We Met’ have reacted with a charitable premise that’s sure to resonate with music lovers. They're digitally releasing a compilation comprising tracks from various labels and artists in the scene - each has contributed one track, resulting in a 53 track compilation (plus a bonus track).
The compilation opens with downtempo acid dream 'Eternal Suspendo' by A Virgo On The Moon (Spaziotempo). It then goes on to represent other sub-genres: minimal 'Cruise Control' by Altroy (Minimalsoul Recordings), a 90s mood on 'Mediterraneos' by Ascot/Ww (Better Sound), ambient-experimental 'A.T. Overdose' by Atimpuri (Different Ways Records), breaks on 'Lounge In A Smoggy Area' by Brūn (Veniceberg Records), acid techno 'Komponente/Kurilo' by Chernobyl Fire (Tvir) and a classic deep space groove 'Gravity Rules' by Derek Carr (For Those That Knoe).
And that's not all - you can head over to their Bandcamp page to check out what's on offer, including tracks by K-rAd, Ewan Jansen, Enrico Mantini, Stopouts, as well as Audri, Domenica Rosa, Eliaz, Jos, Luca Piermattei, Ma.to, Paolo Mosca, Voigtmann, Walrus, the list goes on. 18 tracks now on pre-order on Bandcamp and the full package available as of May 25. Merchandise also available for sale via Everpress - you have 16 days!
Furthermore, they’ll publish a breakdown of all donations, costs and sales so that you see exactly where your money is going.
All proceeds will be donated to Médecins Sans Frontières -- COVID-19 has taken the lives of thousands. The reported figures represent countries where health care systems are seemingly integrated. How are people then managing in countries where these foundational services and structures simply do not exist. As the virus continues to spread, teams are racing to respond to the pandemic in more than 70 countries across 4 continents. Solidarity and support is the ‘task of the hour’ as the focus shifts to the next step to suppress the virus.We too play our part in the global COVID-19 efforts as more than 50 unreleased productions will reflect the passion, strength and resistance of our independent music community. Whilst the disruption that we're all experiencing undoubtedly feels out of place not to mention the continuing multiplication of the financial burden, the situation hopefully establishes a new standard for collaboration, understanding and creative thinking. The idea is that we support each other so that our 'ecosystem' remains intact.
Suffice to say labels and producers continue to nurture the scene during the hiatus, with various collaborations and creative efforts. It's a moment to reflect on the past - and everything that we've created - and plan for the future. Laurine (Slow Life) and Luca (YAY), both featuring on the compilation, share some highlight moments from their own discographies - check our Instagram for their stories!
On a final note, thinking about the dancefloor and the memories we share - moments with music and moments with friends - fills me with emotion (reminiscing and looking forward to something truly unique and unparalleled).
