Last year Rayny Forster, owner of the pay-what-you-want-including-nothing online record label Moshpit Tragedy, announced that all profit from every album sold on the website was going to be donated to Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary – a haven for abused farm animals. Forster sees this as an opportunity for members of the metal and punk subcultures to demonstrate that we aren't only about heavy metal vomit parties and moshing:
"We'd like to show the world that kids who are into the punk and metal culture can actually be a group of really positive people. In many instances people on the outside looking in just see all the black clothing and long hair and assume it's all about negativity. But in fact, that is just an outlet to help get all the frustration out. Many people involved are also supportive in animal rights and other humanitarian activities, and we are happy to be able to help promote this sort of positive action. I would like to thank all the bands we work with who have graciously agreed to ultimately give their music to this worthy cause."
Despite his admirable intentions, donations on the site have been sparse as people choose the lure of free music over helping adorable piggies, horsies, and cows. In an effort to increase donations, Forster has recently uploaded the entire Moshpit Tragedy catalog to Bandcamp. Most of the downloads have a minimum price of one dollar, but there are links provided to download the files for free if you still insist on being a cheap bastard.
If you aren't already familiar with Moshpit Tragedy, now's the time to get schooled. There's tons of quality metal and crust punk from bands like Phobia, Atakke, and Extreme Noise Terror available, and the albums are so cheap it's like a community college education in wicked awesome music. Also keep in mind that every band has volunteered to donate whatever you pay them to Cedar Row, so get off your high horse about wanting your money to go to the band members, buddy.
In case you missed them before, here are all the pertinent links again: Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary (Look at all the happy farm animals. You want to be a part of that, don't you?), Moshpit Tragedy, Moshpit Tragedy Bandcamp
