Today (March 11) brings a pleasant surprise for Adrianne Lenker fans, as the Big Thief leader just released I Won’t Let Go Of Your Hand, a new six-track solo project, on Bandcamp. Proceeds will benefit the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.
In her Instagram post announcing the collection, Lenker explains:
“Everything I think to say feels like it is less than a micro-fraction of the power that is needed to convey the message. I can’t express how sad and angry I am about this ongoing violence towards Palestinians. The killing must stop. The need for a ceasefire is beyond urgent. Permanent Ceasefire Now!
Today I’m releasing a new collection of songs I cherish, which were recorded in the moments they were written. You can purchase this record on Bandcamp, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.”
This comes after Big Thief had an Israel-related controversy in 2022, when they announced (and later canceled) concerts in the country, which is where band member Max Oleartchik is from. Lenker addressed that situation in a new New York Times profile published today: As Stereogum notes, Lenker acknowledged it was “naïve and not thought out” to announce concerts in Israel and expect to not face criticism.
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Listen to I Won’t Let Go Of Your Hand here.