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Hi everyone, I woke up this morning scared to look at my phone, another night of our family in Iran under bombardment. From Lebanon, my best friend wrote to say the southern suburbs are under attack, people are sleeping in the streets, and that his 2-year-old son thinks the drones he sees from the balcony are “sky trucks.” So the newsletter is a bit late, and it’s missing an interview or two. But it still felt important to send, worth getting out of bed for. I won’t tell you music is going to save us, and I’m tired of the emails that do. But I will tell you that the music we’re sharing today has helped me over the past week. It’s real, and human, and made by artists with their own experience of imperialism, violence, and hatred. It's better for that, and more beautiful, because it recognizes where we are and exists anyway. If you think that’ll be of use to you, please read on to hear new solo records by Harlan Silverman and Roman Norfleet of The Cosmic Tones Research Trio (among many other bands). They’re gorgeous and healing standalone releases that give you a sense of what each brings to the beloved band. It’s Bandcamp Friday again. Last month we were able to raise $600 for Red Hook Mutual Aid based off your support. We’ll contribute another 20% of sales from the site today to relief efforts in Gaza and Lebanon. Cause close and far are the same, and these struggles are intertwined. And while I’m giving recommendations, please make sure you’re verifying your news. There’s too much disinformation for anyone to parse right now. On Iran, I find Shayan Sardarizadeh and BBC Verify useful, as well as the work of Nilo Tabrizy and Yara Elmjouie. Sending you all much love, hope you enjoy this music. Cyrus / Mississippi Records
PS for those lovely and heroic members of our CSR - you will receive Harlan’s record as part of your mailing this month. For those in the CSR + Friends group, you will also get Roman’s record. Everyone is also getting a couple yet-to-be-announced albums!
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