The BLM compilation

In 2020, after the murder of George Floyd, the music industry and beyond was called to provide more action to dismantle the structural racism within our frameworks.

We want to address the issue of representation within the punk scene by putting together a massive compilation of punk songs and other tracks with punk attitude from other genres to help raise funds and build cultural bridges between our scene and people of colour; who may not be punk, but have that punk attitude.

All profits will go in aid of Black Minds Matters Charity (UK) and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (US), to help battle racism and inequality.

We hope that you will like some of the artists that feature on this compilation and get familiar with them. We’d love to see more gig swaps, cross-promotion and support to make the scene more inclusive.

Lesley, Rob, Joelle & Cedric

BLM

The music

We’ve got a lot of scene favourites, new bands and songs out of the punk genre that you need to listen to!

BLM Compilation – Digital Download

The compilation is available to download or stream via your favourite digital service.Get a free download code with a purchase of a T-shirt.

BLM

Listen to the BLM compilation

The charities

Black Minds Matter UK

Our mission is to connect Black individuals and families with free mental health services — by professional Black therapists to support their mental health. To make this happen, we want to make mental health topics more relevant and accessible for all Black people in the U.K., removing the stigma and remodelling the services to be relevant for the Black community.

NAACP Legal Defense Fund (US)

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. is America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Through litigation, advocacy, and public education, LDF seeks structural changes to expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice in a society that fulfills the promise of equality for all Americans. LDF also defends the gains and protections won over the past 80 years of civil rights struggle and works to improve the quality and diversity of judicial and executive appointments.

LDF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

The Artwork

Inspired by the BLM protests and African art and colours, the artwork was created by Jason Kelly, and photography by Sama Kai.

Jason Kelly Is a London-based designer who’s signature style is a bold mix of photography, digitally created geometric patterns that are remixed with colour and edgy compositions. It’s reflective of Jay’s UK design education and African and Caribbean culture as a child of the Wind-Rush generation. This fusion developed into his aesthetic that is synonymous with black culture, celebrating, evoking feelings and even challenging when necessary. (Facebook / Instagram / Twitter)

Sama Kai was a born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and lives and works in London, UK. With a subtle minimalistic approach, Sama Kai creates photography work that is clear and uncompromising. (Instagram / Twitter)

BLM

Meet the artists

Here are some of the bands with people of colour in them that feature on the compilation. Let us know who your new favourite is!

Choose an artist to read their biography and explore their music.

Magnolia Park

Magnolia Park

Defying the rules of what a band can be, Magnolia Park breaks through the gates as they establish what the future of pop punk and alternative music will become. In 2020, they developed a strong online presence through a consistent stream of engaging and clever content. With the resurgence of pop punk, they dove headfirst into music and unleashed their smash mixtape “Dream Eater”. With 2021 marking the return of the music industry, Magnolia Park takes flight releasing their newest single “tonight”. The next era of pop punk is here and Magnolia Park is ready to take charge.

The Kominas

The Kominas have been making subversive music for over a decade. They have released 4 albums, toured internationally, and been the subject of an award-winning documentary film all in the service of advancing their vision of a more inclusive and cathartic punk, indie, and rock scene in America.

According to the band, they are not from this world but have learned to deal with its problems.

3LH

Taking inspiration from 60’s surf, fuzz, punk and reverb-filled guitar tones, 3LH bring a sense of newness to a classic sound. 3LH deliver the tones of the likes of guitar virtuosos like Link Wray, The Kinks, mixed with the garage / punk sensibilities of modern acts like The Growlers, The Frights and Tijuana Panthers.

Immersed in the Latino punk/garage DIY scene of Orange County, 3LH has made a name for themselves having played to packed crowds at The Observatory, Constellation Room, The Garden Amphitheatre, The Smell and shared the stage with diverse acts including Tijuana Panthers, Tropa Magica, The OC Hurricanes, Mystic Braves and more.

Big Joanie

Big Joanie are a Black feminist punk band whose passionate live shows and punk rock ethos have led to them becoming one of the most talked about bands on the UK live scene. The band formed in the heart of London’s DIY punk scene in 2013 and have created a space where they can be completely themselves as black women. Big Joanie released their debut album Sistahs in 2018 to wide critical acclaim on Thurston Moore and Eva Prinz’s label Daydream Library. They have since toured with acts like Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, and Gossip, and are currently working on their second album.

Black Pantera

Black Pantera is a Brazilian crossover hardcore, punk. thrash band founded in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, in early 2014. The band are African-Brazilians and they discuss topics such as politics, racism and discrimination in general their lyrics, among other topics. Their name is inspired by the Black Panthers.

The Skints

The Skints are a four-piece reggae band from London, described by Clash Music as “the torchbearers for modern British reggae music.” Describing their own sound as “music from Jamaica in a London style,” The Skints mix reggae, ska and dub with touches of grime and hip-hop; a contemporary style that draws as much from the streets of the UK’s capital as it does from the Caribbean. The Skints have had a steady rise from the UK underground, bringing their own rays of sunshine to festivals over Europe and beyond.

Drones

Since their inception, Drones have been building a name for themselves with their powerful, high octane live shows and unique punk-fuelled post-hardcore stylings. They released their blistering latest album, ‘Our Hell is Right Here’ in 2021 to fan and critical acclaim.

From playing underground squats to appearing on festival stages, Drones are more than ready to hit the road again when the current climate allows. The band have already supported the likes of Marmozets, Neck Deep, Gallows, Funeral For A Friend, Mallory Knox, Young Guns and H2O, as well as playing Download festival and packing out their own headline shows.

Lilith Ai

Lilith Ai is a singer-songwriter, who performs poignant tales of modern city life.

Popes of Chillitown

Popes of Chillitown play ska/dub/punk with a progressive edge. Impossible to tie down and with enough energy to power a small city, their songs drag you through punk, two-tone, rock, hip-hop, reggae, drum & bass, dub, metal and more.

Renowned for their energetic live shows, they have amassed a loyal following over the years. Since 2011, Popes have released 3 well-received albums, 2 EPs, toured the UK with US legends Fishbone, Voodoo Glow Skulls & The Slackers as well as doing extensive headline touring of their own across the UK & Europe.

The Tuts

Punk-pop trio from Hayes, UK. Live they seriously pack a punch and are noted for their impassioned songs about sexism, feminism and everyday life-isms. The Selecter’s Pauline Black describes The Tuts sound as: ‘infectious guitar led pop wrapped around fiery drums, sharp tongues & splendid harmonies’.

The Tuts are a band that possess that irrepressible spirit unique to independent DIY bands.

La Armada

La Armada’s focus is to leave their mark on heavy music. A punk band at heart, they utilize elements of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and metal to create a style as unique as their story. Formed in the Dominican Republic in 2001 from where they dominated the Caribbean scene for years, the band opted to take a leap and relocate to Chicago in 2008, where they still reside.

Influenced by bands ranging from the Bad Brains to Death, they take elements from their native Island’s music to conjure a unique recipe; explosive live energy, and a clear cut narrative that highlights the effects of neo-colonialism on vulnerable communities.

The BellRays

Blues is the teacher. Punk is the Preacher. It’s all about emotion and energy. Experience and raw talent, spirit and intellect. Exciting things happen when these things collide.

Bob Vennum and Lisa Kekaula made The BellRays happen in 1990 in Riverside, California. They wanted to play music and they wanted it to feel good. They wanted people to WANT to get up, to NEED to get up and check out what was going on. Form an opinion. React.

The BellRays believe combining Rock and Soul is not meant to be a conscious effort. You shouldn’t have to force them together because they’ve never really been separated in the first place. It’s an organic trail that flows through and comes out honest and urgent. You will learn and you will feel. Blues is always teaching and Punk is always preaching. The BellRays are always listening.

Lady Parts

A fictional all-female Muslim London punk band from the anarchic and irreverent music comedy show, We Are Lady Parts. The series follows the friendships, relationships and cultural differences navigated by the band as they seek musical success. the UK takes inspiration from London’s rich and diverse collection of cultures.

Hypophora

Quirky, progressive and funked up four-piece from Cornwall’s tiny city – wielding a ballsy live show, stripy socks and an infatuation for genre-bending furore.

September 2018 saw the release of debut album ‘Douse’ via Eazy Action/Zen Ten, accompanied by a sold-out tour of UK & Europe with prog metal giants Toska.

Performances alongside Arcane Roots, Black Peaks, He Is Legend, Dream State, Phoxjaw and Vant have cemented the band in the UK live-circuit, whilst praise from BBC Introducing, Metal Hammer, Kerrang!, Upset and Prog Magazine push Hypophora toward nationwide recognition.

Passionflower

Passionflower writes songs that display the effects of coping with various mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and feeling hopeless whilst also contrastingly writing about love delivering a sonic experience consisting of Emo/ Pop Punk and Post-Hardcore influences.

Triple Sundae

Triple Sundae are a 4-piece melodic punk band, that sometimes sounds sad and sometimes sounds happy.

With gigs played across the EU & UK alongside Jeff Rosenstock, Authority Zero, Ducking Punches, Petrol Girls etc. they’ve grown a fanbase that’s happy to see them.

Catbamboo

Originating out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Catbamboo is an electric progressive/math rock instrumental project with dynamic hard-hitting riffs and groovy jazz/fusion melodic rhythms.

Oceanator

Elise Okusami has been a musician since the tender age of 9 years old when she first learned to play guitar. She hasn’t slowed since then.

The influence of her upbringing in 90’s grunge and punk is evident in Okusami’s introspective songwriting. This thoughtful lyricism is put into practice through brooding post-rock ballads like “Coming Home” and “Tell Me” and intense yet danceable synthy indie tracks like “Not Around.” Additionally, Okusami can often be heard engaging with some of the most deeply moving and existential questions of life in her work. A prime example of such a question would be ‘What does it mean to be human?’, which can be heard being contemplated in “Inhuman.” While there surely is a range to Oceanator’s stylistic approaches from song to song, the tremendous powerhouse nature of the project is felt consistently throughout each and every song on Lows.

Love Again

Love Again is an alternative emo rock band based out of San Antonio, Texas. The band consists of bassist Gilbert Vara, drummer Alex Cortez, and guitarist/vocalist Joseph Rodriguez. For Joseph this band will be some of the most personal music he has worked on. This is because the bands songs are his reflections on past situations and relationships which all people can relate to.

Midwich Cuckoos

Midwich Cuckoos, are an 12-legged explosive, rock’n’roll, metal and punk clusterf*ck. As a reaction to their 2018 experimental debut album ‘We Are Everywhere’, Midwich Cuckoos cemented a permanent line up, honed their live show and then went into the studio to refine their identity. Tracks from the bands upcoming album ‘Death or Glory’ are being released through 2021.

Webmoms

Karum Cooper is the mind behind Webmoms; a project that showcases his range as both a producer and multi-instrumentalist. Its plush soft sound ishows a richness in influences across the musical spectrum. A music obsessive and multi-talented artist, Cooper’s journey to date has provided him with the tools for an outstanding solo career.

Proper.

Simply explained as 3 people playing emo, feels like an understatement. The trio of Brooklyn-based balance punk with a wide range of music styles to craft their own signature vibe.

Black Punk

Black Punk is a mysterious but visceral project from New York City.

Rundown Kreeps

A 3- piece band from Los Angeles, California with a mission to provide you with music that they like creating; in hopes that you may like it too. Formed in 2009, Rundown Kreeps perform fast paced melodic Punk Rock with heavy dashes of frantic Ska and twangy Rockabilly to keep audiences moving across a variety of dance floors.

The group began performing in backyards, house parties, and DIY venues within El Sereno, Lincoln Heights, South Central, and other neighbouring Los Angeles communities; sharing the stage with notable veteran L.A. acts such as T.S.O.L., Reel Big Fish, Buck-O-Nine, The Bombpops, Nekromantix & The Toasters more.

The Bruce Lee Band

Californian ska with a political anti-racist message. The band is fronted by Asian Man Records founder Mike Park, and is supported by members from Jeff Rosenstock, MU330, Less Than Jake and Rx Bandits.