Mandatory Liberation Vol. 2

released digitally 12/4/25

NYC labels Strategy of Tension and Gold Bolus Recordings have come together again for their second joint benefit compilation. Mandatory Liberation Vol. 2 is a digital collection of 19 tracks offered in support of trans liberation. All proceeds from sales will go to GLITS, a Black, trans-led advocacy organization that combats systemic discrimination.

Among the notable tracks are the first released song from Crying Laughing, the Baltimore-based quintet featuring former members of Smoke Bellow. The compilation also includes new music by beloved Chicago avant-pop group Icy Demons, multi-instrumentalist Mikel Patrick Avery (of Natural Information Society), Los Angeles duo Sharpie Smile, as well as the UK duo of guitarist/vocalists Jack Cooper and Tara Cunningham of Modern Nature.

The full list of artists include Claire’s Lobotomy, Cool Whip, Crying Laughing, Giant Day, Icy Demons, Jack Cooper and Tara Cunningham, JARK, Jeff Tobias (remixed by Height Keech), Jeremy Gustin, Jess Tsang, Kristina Warren, Leni Kreienberg and Nathan Chamberlain, Maya Keren, Mikel Patrick Avery, Ryan Power, Sharpie Smile, soroke | voron, Tiers La Familia, tomboy margot, and Zosha Warpeha/Craig Schenker/nathan phillips