Faith No More’s Roddy Bottum joins with U.S and Scottish musicians to raise money with charity lockdown album.
A charity lockdown album called House Music Volume C-19 has brought together over 20 different artists from America and Scotland - along with possibly the only song to sample Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon - in a bid to raise funds for two local charities in Fife.
The track list features Man On Man, Roddy's new musical collaboration with his partner Joey Holman described by Roddy as, ‘gay lovers making gay music’.
Also featured is Beaux Cheveux, Andy MacFarlane from The Twilight Sad, James Yorkston from The Zephyrs and Mark Crozer from The Jesus and Mary Chain.
Roddy said: “It’s the marginalized communities that will suffer the most in the face of the virus and this is why we want to help the Fife homeless and Fife Women’s Aid as we move forward towards a better place. Coming together as a community of artists and musicians who have been hit hard to help another marginalized community of homeless who have been hit harder feels like a blessing of an opportunity.”
The project was put together by producer and Faith No More's front of house sound engineer, Michael Brennan of Fife’s Sub Station Studios.
Michael said: “We have musicians in America supporting two Fife charities; often the assumption is that people support only charities on their own doorstep, especially during times of crisis.”
Michael combines working for some of the biggest names in the music business with championing emerging musical talent in Fife.
“As well as supporting these important charities, this album will also give some of the local bands a chance to have a physical release due out after the digital version. Many of them are online only at the moment. House Music Volume C-19 includes a raft of new talent; Amy Lou, Metatone, Dovv from Oskar Braves, Liquid Rapture Society and The Lockdown Lab."
Michael added: “I was in America about to start work on Faith No More’s US and European Tour when it was cancelled because of lockdown. That was quickly followed cancellations of The Jesus and Mary Chain’s UK and European Tour and some special gigs at the Barrowlands for The Twilight Sad."
“All musicians – no matter how famous - are now at home without high tech production studios and music is stripped back as a result. I started my career with a studio in the bedroom of my first flat in Kelty; I’ve come full circle and my studio is now back in my bedroom. But, we’re still fortunate we can work from home, for some lockdown is impossible especially if you’re homeless or trapped in a controlling environment. And this is why the MSP Claire Baker and I wanted to help a homeless charity and Fife Women’s Aid.”
Kate McCormack, Manager, Fife Women’s Aid said: “We are extremely grateful to have received generous donations that have enabled us to make specific changes to benefit those we work with, including connecting our refuges to the internet. This has enabled 41 women and 39 children to connect to the internet, thereby enabling them to maintain contact with family, friends and their community, providing vital respite and a sense of normality during a time of crisis. It has also provided children in refuge much-needed access to their schoolwork during lockdown.”
Frontline Fife's CEO said: "This is truly an amazing collaboration and act of kindness. Since lockdown, our staff have been working flat out to ensure those who are homeless and at risk of homeless are protected and not forgotten. Music has a way of reaching out to everyone and giving hope - just what is needed at this time. We can't thank Claire, Sub Station and all the artists enough for their generosity. "
Claire Baker MSP said: “This is a great initiative and is fantastic example of people coming together to support each other during this difficult time. I want to thank the Substation, all the sponsors and the artists who have come together to produce this release and I hope it is supported to celebrate the music and raise funds for these important charities.”
The digital version is available on Bandcamp and sales from the album will go to two charities - Frontline Fife, which helps the homeless, and Fife Women’s Aid.
Recommended price is £10 but purchasers are also welcome to pay what they can afford.
Photo : Irvin Rivera
All profits from this release will go to Fife Women’s Aid, www.fifewomensaid.org.uk and Freephone number is 0800 802 5555 and Frontline Fife, for help with issues around homelessness please go to www.frontlinefife.co.uk or call 01592 800430.