Major Artists Release Chelsea Manning Benefit Album

Today, as Chelsea Manning is released from prison following 7 years of incarceration, a group of prominent musicians have launched an online benefit compilation to show their support and raise funds to help cover Chelsea's basic living expenses as she transitions back into the free world. 100% percent of the proceeds from the digital album will go directly to Chelsea Manning, and will be deposited into a bank account set up by her sister. The digital album is entitled "Hugs for Chelsea, after an onlinephoto campaign organized just before Chelsea's sentence was commuted.

Listen to the album and view the full list of artists here: hugsforchelsea.bandcamp.com

See a short video from Michael Stipe (of R.E.M.) in support of the project here: https://youtu.be/G22NBnT6lGo

The benefit compilation was organized by transgender activist and singer/songwriter Evan Greer, who has been one of Chelsea's close friends and supporters over the last several years of her imprisonment. It features a wide range of artists including Graham Nash(Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young), Thurston Moore(Sonic Youth), Against Me!, Tom Morello(Prophets of Rage, Rage Against the Machine), Talib Kweli, Downtown Boys, Amanda Palmer(Dresden Dolls), Priests, Anti-Flag, Kimya Dawson, Ted Leo(who contributed an unreleased track), Mirah(contributing an unreleased track), B. Dolan, Sammus (featuring Jean Grae), Tommie Sunshine, The Kominas, Screaming Females(who contributed a never before released track), Chris Farren(Fake Problems), Kevin Devine, and Bonfire Madigan(featuring Laura MacFarlane of Sleater-Kinney).

"The world needs more people like Chelsea Manning. It has been an honor to fight for her and a privilege to get to know her. I wanted to do something to make sure she has the support she needs now that she is being released," said Greer (pronouns: she/her), who as the Campaign Director of Fight for the Future has helped run many of the largest grassroots campaigns to support Chelsea and secure her freedom. "Chelsea also loves music, and hasn't had much access to it in prison. It's so amazing that she is being released and can fully share herself with the world."

"Chelsea's courage knows knows no bounds," Greer added, "By refusing to be silent she has fought for all of our basic rights. Her release is a testament to the power of grassroots organizing, and a victory for freedom of expression and human rights."

Graham Nash wrote in the description for his contribution, "Chelsea Manning is one of my heroes. Anyone that has the courage to disturb the 'status quo', to 'rock the boat' as she did is very brave and what she did was show some truth to the American people about what the government was doing in our name. God Bless her."

Tom Morello wrote, "Chelsea, thank you for your bravery. You're a true American hero and an inspiration. Welcome home. I hope we get to meet one day. Relax, enjoy time with friends and family and then please run for President.'

Chase Strangio, Chelsea's attorney at the ACLU, said, "It is truly inspiring to see so much support for Chelsea as she begins her life outside of the relentless abuses of our carceral systems. Over the past seven years Chelsea has been systematically denied the health care that she needs, been subjected to cruel and dehumanizing treatments aimed to undermine the very core of who she is and has survived unthinkable stretches in solitary confinement. All of the support that she receives will go directly to her and will ensure that she has the financial and emotional resources she needs to survive and recover after these years inside."

Strangio and Greer have also collaborated on a GoFundMe page to support Chelsea.

The benefit album is hosted on a Bandcamp page, and will allow for rolling submissions. Artists who wish to contribute a track to the effort in support of Chelsea can contact Evan Greer directly at evangreer@gmail.com.

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