Brutal Panda Records’ 15th Anniversary Comp to Benefit Charity, So Get Yours Now
An independent record label out of Philly is celebrating its 15th anniversary by offering a ridiculously large digital compilation of tracks that not only highlights their stable of artists, but also seeks to support a music education-based non-profit organization.
Earlier this week, Brutal Panda Records owner and co-founder Bob Lugowe unveiled the more than 50-track compilation on their Bandcamp, featuring both new and classic tunes from the likes of Mantar, Kowloon Walled City, Local H, Primitive Weapons, and more.
And while many record labels would just hold a sale to promote a major anniversary, Lugowe said the idea of giving back to a worthwhile charity like Save The Music was something his late friend and label co-founder Mike Lara would have done.
“It’s hard to believe that I’m still running a ridiculously named record label fifteen years after we came up with the idea to release a FIGHT AMP album on vinyl in an era where MySpace was still the major force in the music industry and physical music was gasping for air. The fact that I decided to take the plunge and try to do it full-time after my amazing friend and partner in crime, Mike Lara, passed away last year, adds to the weight of the choice and the importance of supporting independent art & music in this modern era.
“Mike was a cosmic Taurus who loved the desert (as pictured on the album art), had impeccable taste and passion around music, and strived to make a difficult world a better place by inspiring others to find community, meaning and support through art. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together and know that Mike is with me every step of the way and continues to inspire myself and the bands’, family & friends whose lives he touched to this day.”
Though the compilation is available at the label’s Bandcamp page for whatever you want to pay for it, keep in mind that all proceeds go to Save The Music — so pay up. They’re also offering a bundle that includes the comp and either a sick commemorative t-shirt in black or tan, or a special commemorative pint glass.
In addition to the huge compilation, Brutal Panda Records is taking its birthday celebration out on the road with a nine-stop tour of the east coast featuring a somewhat rotating cast of bands including Kowloon Walled City, Rid Of Me, Local H, and more. Much like the aforementioned compilation, a portion of ticket proceeds will also benefit Save The Music.
Zack Flores, senior director of marketing for Save The Music, said this kind of effort from Brutal Panda Records can make a huge difference for the charity’s overarching mission.
“Save The Music is grateful to receive the generous support from Brutal Panda, their incredible roster of bands, and amazing fans to propel our mission forward and help us invest in more local communities nationwide to ensure every student has equitable access to music education and a safe space to connect and explore their inner creativity.”
The full list of tour dates, as well as the complete compilation track list, can be found below.
BRUTAL PANDA 15th Anniversary Shows:
Wednesday December 6th – Richmond, VA @ Gallery 5
Kowloon Walled City/Rid of Me/Prayer Group
Thursday December 7th – Washington, DC @ Pie Shop
Kowloon Walled City/Rid of Me/death pose
Friday December 8th – Philadelphia, PA @ The First Unitarian Church
Brutal Panda Records 15th Anniversary Showcase + Rid of Me Record Release Show
Kowloon Walled City/Rid of Me/Cherubs/death pose
Saturday December 9th – Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus Bar
Brutal Panda Records 15th Anniversary Showcase + Save the Music Fundraiser + Tribute to Mike Lara
Kowloon Walled City/Local H/Cherubs/Rid of Me/Primitive Weapons/death pose
Sunday December 10th – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs
Local H/death pose/Full Bush
Tuesday December 12th – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
Local H/death pose
Wednesday December 13th – Ann Arbor, MI @ Blind Pig
Local H/death pose
Thursday December 14th – Indianapolis, IN @ Hi-Fi
Local H/death pose
Friday December 15th – Saint Louis, MO @ Duck Room
Local H/death pose
