What started as a mission to combat misogyny in the music scene quickly turned into a widespread movement overnight. Bands Take A Stand first came into being on February 15 and has managed to accomplish so much in such a short time. The organization says that their mission is “To create safe spaces and use our collective voices as a vehicle for positive change within our music community. We and the music industry professionals we work with strive to create a better scene and engender lasting change through the songs we write and the shows we play.”
#BandsTakeAStand all proceeds to @avfti. Jake Mcelfresh is not a welcome member of this community. takeastand.fm pic.twitter.com/1ta0o7f6uH
— Bands Take A Stand (@BandsTAS) February 16, 2017
This movement has come just in time–with Jake McElfresh, otherwise known as Front Porch Step, streaming a new song, announcing a new album, and posting a statement on Facebook, the community is determined to stop him and other abusers from harming those who turn to music as a safe haven. McElfresh has been accused of sexual harassment against young girls, particularly those who were underage at the time of the encounters, and has been a topic of controversy within the community. Needless to say, there are a lot of people who have vowed that he will not be welcomed back in.
At the end of Day 1 of #BandsTakeAStand, 315 bands and labels had pledged their efforts and donations to the cause, and the numbers are only going up from here. Bands Take A Stand has requested that bands make their music “pay what you want” on Bandcamp, with all proceeds being donated to A Voice For The Innocent, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of rape and sexual abuse.
On the website for Bands Take A Stand, you can find instructions on how to get involved, as well as more information on the movement itself, what you can to do to help spread the word, and a list of collaborators. The organization encourages everyone to continue sharing the message and to use the hashtag #BandsTakeAStand on social media.
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