#MeTooMpls is an album and song writers collective created to lift the voices of women/ femmes/ trans/ nonbinary folks in Minneapolis, to support sexual assault survivors, and to raise funds for Planned Parenthood. The CD launch party is September 24 virtually from the Hook and Ladder. Women’s March MN is a sponsor.

The CD includes original works from 17 Minnesota musicians. The project started in the fall of 2019, when each were asked to write a song on the subject of #metoo, without further guidelines. The results are heartbreaking, uplifting, empowering and compelling because of the music as well as the meaning.

Some write about the people and actions that try to keep women down. Artists Mary Bue (How to Forgive Your Rapist) and Ashleigh Still (Not Fucking Around) recount raw stories of surviving both violence and the aftermath of an assault.  Annie Fitzgerald (I Know that Sound) sings about the quiet anxiety walking on eggshells to avoid invoking anger in someone else. Sarah Morris (Like It’s Gospel) and Annie Mack (Judge and Jury) write about the insidious lies, gossip and judgement that keep women down. While Tina Schlieske (What Would You Pay Dear Harvey) and Averil Bach  (Radiation Blues) call out Harvey Weinstein and men of his ilk and Kara Laudon (I Do) and Ang Oase (Breakup Song) call out the inherent unfairness of being vulnerable in your person. 

Some write about internal struggle and the power of community. Mayda’s (Oxygen Tank) dance mix is about the generosity of women who share the air to help each other exist, even when air is scarce. Elska (On the Shoulders of Giants) celebrates the generations of women who experienced #metoo moments long before it was a hashtag and did what they could to prevent it for their daughters. Lydia Liza (Apple in My Pocket) recognizes the addictive nature of an unhealthy relationship, while Linnea Mohn (A Part) writes about making decisions that get you to the next best place; r0 Lorenzen (Sides to Lonely) sings about walking that path alone. 

And then there are some that speak to the power of women. Chastity Brown (Afraid of the Night) tells the story of losing the fear of the night. The collection rounds out with two anthems: JØUR’s Won't Stop Me Now is a drop mic, get out of my way song and Katy Vernon (Shine) helps you rock what you got. 

Some songs will make you cry, some will have you belting out your window, others will get you dancing. It’s an emotional a physical workout – but it’s rewarding. And it has spawned conversations. Check out Mostly Minnesota Music for interviews with 13 of the artists talking about their songs. Like the giants in Elska’s song, these artists are building a base to help all of us talk about #metoo in and out of the music industry, we can recognize all forms of assault and harassment and hold our community accountable.

Join us!

• #METOOMPLS Album Release

• Thursday, September 24, 2020

• 7:00 PM

• Virtual from the Hook and Ladder

• Get tickets