In a moment defined by global upheaval and the ever-present threat to the fundamental concept of “home,” a diverse assembly of respected artists have united for a vital cause. The upcoming compilation album, Passages: Artists in Solidarity with Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers, sees the likes of Dirty Projectors, Lambchop, Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never), and Bonnie “Prince” Billy contributing exclusive home-recorded tracks to benefit two Texas-based organizations: American Gateways and Casa Marianella.
Set for a December 5th release via Western Vinyl, Passages is more than just a tracklist of indie heavyweights; it’s a testament to the raw power of solidarity. The album includes original material from a broad spectrum of talent, including Alan Sparhawk of Low, Benjamin Booker, Tim Heidecker, Y La Bamba, and Lonnie Holley. The project’s guiding principle was simple yet profound: asking artists to “write and record a song in a place that feels like home.” The resulting recordings, captured on everything from professional home studios to mobile phones, are described as “beautiful and raw,” reflecting the immediate, often uncertain nature of the current moment.
The album’s first two singles, Alan Sparhawk’s poignant “No More Darkness” and Benjamin Booker’s urgent yet warm “A Place for Us,” immediately set the tone. Connecting tangible charity with simple encouragement, Sparhawk shares:
“Here is a song that came from the struggle to know what to say to someone who is having a hard time. There are real things that we can do to lift each other out of suffering – sometimes it is tangible charity, like this compilation to raise funds and awareness for the plight of immigrants and those who have been displaced. Sometimes it is words of encouragement. It can also just be time spent with someone who needs help getting through the moment. Let’s do our best to turn up the light.”
Booker echoes this sentiment, asserting, “The human struggle is a family struggle. We rise together and we suffer together. There are so many things out of our control, but we can always open our hearts to love and understanding. May you find light in the darkness.”
Both tracks beautifully embody the compilation’s core message: defending the human right to safety, security, and freedom of movement.
The contributions from established experimental and indie stalwarts promise a fascinating collection. Daniel Lopatin’s presence suggests a sonic journey beyond traditional songwriting, while the contributions from the ever-evolving Dirty Projectors, the nuanced Lambchop, and the inimitable Bonnie “Prince” Billy will offer unique perspectives on the theme of displacement and belonging.
Crucially, all proceeds from the digital and limited-edition LP sales will go directly to American Gateways and Casa Marianella, which provide essential services—from legal counsel and shelter to healthcare—to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. With all production costs donated or fundraised separately, every purchase directly supports the mission. As producer Rick Alverson states, “When immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers exercise their human right to safe passage, they defend our ability to do so—and our right to be and feel at home.” Passages is an urgent musical invitation to defend that right.
Passages is a celebration of work in progress—the immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers struggling on the frontlines; the organizations supporting them; everyone out there defending human dignity in the face of persistent cruelty,” says producer and organiser Emilie Rex. “But it’s also an invitation to do more, to join a local organization defending our neighbors, to call our representatives, to have those hard talks with family members.”
Passages: Artists in Solidarity with Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers (December 5th, 2025) Western Vinyl
Pre-Order: https://lnk.to/wv-passages
Tracklisting
- “No More Darkness” – Alan Sparhawk
- “Everybody Is” – St. Panther
- “Country” – Daniel Lopatin
- “A Place for Us” – Benjamin Booker
- “Afterburner” – Lambchop
- “Home” – Quin Kirchner (ft. Tekle Mezghebe)
- “No Place to Rest My Head” – Marisa Anderson
- “Wrong Crowd” – Y La Bamba
- “A Border Is Just a Space Between Two Lines” – Lonnie Holley
- “The Autumn Wind (no. 71)” – Bonnie Prince Billy
- “Parallels” – Erik Hall
- “One Hundred-Twenty Dollar Song” – Dirty Projectors
- “13 Lakes” – William Tyler
- “All That I Know” – Aisha Burns
- “Un Trayecto Largo” – Anjou (ft. I. Nova)
- “White Sage” – Heather Woods Broderick
- “Alone Until I’m Home” – Tim Heidecker