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

 

🖤 The call has closed. The project is underway.

SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

Thank you for the incredible response to UNMUTED. We’ve received more songs than we can include in this first release, and submissions are now closed while we move into the review and selection process.

We’re so grateful to everyone who shared their work. Stay tuned for updates about the EP, participating artists, and the April 11 community gathering.

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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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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 later this year 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

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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

 

SUBMISSIONS ARE CLOSED

UNMUTED is now in the review and selection phase. Follow Queen Jane or join our newsletter for project updates and future calls for artists.

 

(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.