A curated EP of new protest songs, created collectively and released with care.

 

🖤 Call for protest songs

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About the Project

Unmuted is a community-driven project bringing together new protest songs written in response to the moment we’re living through. We’re creating a short, curated EP of original songs — written now, recorded with care, and shared collectively. The project will culminate in a community gathering and live event this spring.

This is not an open mic or a free-for-all.

It is a held, intentional process — grounded in respect for artists, time, and emotional labor.

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👉 Submit your interest here.

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Who This Is For

Unmuted is for musicians who are:

• Writing protest songs right now

• Working solo or in small groups

• Interested in contributing to a collective release

• Open to a process that values clarity over perfection

• All genres are welcome.

• Portland-based artists and beyond are invited

 

How to Participate

There are two ways to be involved musically:

 

1. Record at Queen Jane Music Studios

A limited number of artists will be offered free recording time at Queen Jane to support the creation of this work.

Recording sessions will be:

• Short and focused

• Intended for simple, intentional recordings

• Scheduled within a set window

Songs must be written before recording sessions are booked.

 

2. Submit an Existing Recording

If you already have a recording you’d like to submit:

• Lo-fi and home recordings are welcome

• Tracks should be original and unmastered (or lightly mastered)

• Final mastering will be handled to ensure consistency across the EP

This process is designed to be supportive and low-pressure.

 

What We’re Looking For

• Original songs only

• Written in response to current conditions (broadly defined)

• Direct, reflective, or expressive — not prescriptive

• Simplicity is welcome

• Perfection is not required

This is about voice, not polish.

 

Curation & Selection

Unmuted is a curated project.

After reviewing submissions, we’ll select a small group of artists whose work fits together as a collective statement. Not all submissions will be included, and we appreciate your trust and understanding in that process.

Artists will be notified directly.

 

Rights & Credits

• Artists retain full ownership of their songs

• Artists grant non-exclusive permission for inclusion on the Unmuted EP and related promotion

• All contributors will be fully credited in digital and printed materials

 

The EP

The selected songs will be released as a digital EP.

The EP will:

• Be available online

• Include written lyrics and credits

• Serve as a record of this collective moment

 

The Community Gathering — April 11

Unmuted will culminate in an all-day community gathering on Saturday, April 11 at Queen Jane.

The day will include:

• Live performances by contributing artists who can attend

• Shared or livestreamed performances from artists who can’t be present

• A featured protest song set

• Visuals, projected imagery, and printed/digital lyrics & credits

• Protest song history resources

• Zine-making and protest craft activities

• Merch and EP materials

• Space to gather, make, and reflect together

More details will be shared closer to the date.

 

Donations & Support

UNMUTED is a community-supported project.

Donations help cover:

• free recording time for participating artists

• production, mastering, and storage costs

• printed materials for the March 28 gathering

A portion of all donations will be shared with Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC), an organization supporting immigrant communities across Oregon.

Donations are optional and never required to participate.

 

Important Notes

• This project is created with care for artists’ time and capacity

• Participation is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any point

• We aim to communicate clearly and respectfully throughout

 

How to Get Involved

👉 Submit your interest here.

 

(This form is an initial expression of interest, not a final submission)

If you have questions, feel free to reach out via email or IG DM.

UNMUTED is a project by Queen Jane Music Studios, a Portland-based recording studio and community space.

 

Songs are one way we hold each other.

Thank you for being part of this.