Topshelf—the label behind Ratboys, Ekko Astral, Parannoul, Mal Devisa, and more—has launched a donation initiative to help aid efforts in Gaza. Every month for the next five months, the label will match donations of up to $1,000 to the Sameer Project, an aid project run by diasporic Palestinian people, which is presently working to distribute food, water, and tents in South Gaza. Donations can be made through a pay-what-you-can system on Topshelf’s website.
In announcing the campaign, Topshelf wrote:
Israel’s genocide in Gaza has reached its next tipping point, with final stage famine now on the rise (a reality confirmed by the UN-backed IPC who recently issued a warning calling it the “worst-case scenario of famine”). This famine is man-made, made possible by support from the US government, among many other nations who remain unwilling to halt their funding and denial of Israel's war crimes….
Although we are a small entity with modest funds, we still believe that every voice matters in this fight. It is our collective humanity and responsibility towards one another that binds us, especially as musicians and artists. For how can we call ourselves artists if we sit silently as an entire people are eradicated in our name? What are we willing to overlook now will redefine the state of our world globally and at home, as the imperial war machine as at the base of all problems we bear witness to, including climate, poverty, failing infrastructure, failing standards of education... you name it.
Palestinian Liberation == Collective Liberation.
The label also called on its music industry peers to show solidarity with Palestine and “take up the fight for their freedom wherever possible.” Other fundraising for Gaza include Brian Eno, who last week announced a major benefit concert with an undisclosed lineup at London’s Wembley Arena. Several artists and labels have come together to release benefit records and compilations for Gaza.
English (US) · 