All-star music compilation to benefit flood victims
HIss Golden Messenger. File photo
With the recent floods ravaging Western North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene, there’s been countless avenues by which artists and musicians have come together to not only raise funds for those in dire need, but also to provide melodic solace and comfort.
Of which, comes the release of the “Cardinals At The Window” album earlier this month. Music lovers can donate to a good cause by purchasing a massive 136-song compilation featuring some of the biggest names in Americana, rock, folk and indie.
“My heart breaks to see the devastation,” says M.C. Taylor. “And, at the same time, I’m truly inspired by the collective, community-based, boots-on-the-ground organizing that is happening around relief efforts.”
Taylor, who fronts popular indie-rock band Hiss Golden Messenger, is one of the marquee acts who offered up a tune to be added to the record. Others include Phish, Jason Isbell, Drive-By Truckers, Watchhouse, Tyler Childers, The War on Drugs, Futurebirds, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Feist, Dawes, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, R.E.M., Julianna Riolino, Deer Tick and more.
“It only makes sense to give back in whatever way I’m able to [and to] a place that has given me and my music so much,” Taylor said. “Hiss cut our teeth playing all kinds of shows in and around Asheville — and I believe it’s a true piece of heaven.”
Also showcased on “Cardinals At The Window” are numerous artists from Asheville and greater Western North Carolina, with The Avett Brothers, Tyler Ramsey, Angel Olsen, Floating Action and Indigo De Souza all lending tracks to the sprawling project.
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“[I’m] still processing this [disaster] every day and my heart hurts,” Ramsey said. “Helping out and working seems to be the thing that pulls me up. [And] I’m going to be doing much more of that as we move forward — seeing what I can do best help these mountains and people that I love.”
Julianna Riolino. File photo
For Riolino, a rising Canadian indie-rocker who has consistently played Asheville throughout her career, being asked to be part of “Cardinals At The Window” was a true honor seeing as “[Western North Carolina] feels very close to my heart, close to my home and I ache for everyone affected.”
“Musicians are the orators of generations and I feel it’s important to show that together we can help each other heal,” Riolino added. “Love echoes through voices, actions and gratitude — better together, even if we are apart.”
(Editor’s Note: Hiss Golden Messenger also recently put out a live album, “Sanctuary Songs,” with all proceeds going to the nonprofit BeLoved Asheville. You can find the record at hissgoldenmessenger.bandcamp.com.)
Want to listen?
A special musical compilation put together to aid flood victims as a result of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, the “Cardinals At The Window” album is now available for purchase.
Featuring 136 donated songs from countless marquee musical acts, the digital record can be downloaded for $10 at cardinalsatthewindow.bandcamp.com.
