With musicians grounded during the current COVID-19 outbreak, many are struggling to retain a profit in the weeks ahead. However one option for us listeners bored at home dreaming of concert dates and festival trips is to lighten our wallets in support of some of these bands that aren’t able to perform right now. Websites like bandcamp, official band websites, and Instagram accounts are full of options from clothing and accessories to trinkets and toothbrushes. All just waiting to be secured into your ever growing merch collection. Here are some local options from artists around Boston that could be delivered right to your doorstep.
Banshee, Livin’ in the Jungle
Get lost in the music with psych rock troupe Banshee’s latest LP, Livin’ in the Jungle released on April 10th. Pressed on a green vinyl, this limited edition also comes with a black & white poster and is available on bandcamp here.
Cliff Notez’s Wild Ties
Their true purpose may be unclear but these Wild Ties available through multimedia artist Cliff Notez website can take any pony tail, wrist accessory, or power cord organization to the next level, while adding some extra flair. Pick up a few here.
Converge’s Blanket
Get in touch with your astrological side during this quarantine and snuggle up with a high quality woven Moon phases blanket from hardcore punks Converge, inspired by the artwork from their 2012 album All We Love We Leave Behind. Available through their Kings Road Merch page here.
Deep Hole, Joy
Good things come in small packages, and this limited edition white cassette release of noise rockers Deep Hole’s new EP Joy contains two pressed dried flowers within the casing. Grab yours now as there were only 50 made, available on their bandcamp page here.
Dump Him’s Cats Shirt
Searching for some new reads to fill your painfully open schedule? This tee from Boston rock band Dump Him features some slick kitties chilling atop a stack of recommended lesbian/trans lit. Proceeds also benefit a couple of great causes as 25% will be going to the Mass Bail Fund and 25% will be going to Great Falls Books Through Bars. Pick up yours here.
Future Teens’ Flamin’ Hot Tee
Keep it fresh n’ spicy with a Flaming Hot inspired ringer tee from local hitmakers Future Teens before hitting one of their rescheduled shows this summer. Available in both short-sleeve and tank top varieties through their bandcamp site here.
Glacier’s Riff Lord Hoodie
Let the intensity of post-rock band Glacier waft over you and wrap you up like this tarot card inspired “Riff Lord” hoodie complete with the bands’ mantra “No Happy Music” on the front. Available on their bandcamp page here.
Harborlights, Isolation Ritual
North Shore post-metal outfit Harborlights may be off the road for now, but copies of their incredible sophomore LP Isolation Ritual are still available on their bandcamp here in a variety of color variants/cassette and disk along with extra tour hoodies/tees and koozies!
Honey Cutt’s hand-printed bandana
Before getting lost in the sweet summery sounds of Honey Cutt’s second album Coasting, secure a hand-printed Honey Cutt emblazoned bandana and dream of festival seasons gone by. Available on their bandcamp page here.
Honeysuckle, Firestarter
Folk duo Honeysuckle have been gracing us with Quarantine live streams via YouTube but you can continue to show your support by heading over to their website and grabbing a copy of their third album Fire Starter (pressed on red vinyl!) and maybe a t-shirt while you’re there.
The Michael Character
Perhaps you’re in the mood for some light reading. Perhaps you’re in the mood for some… heavier reading. If you’re looking for the latter, consider a leather bound copy of The Michael Character’s Masters Thesis, inspired by his song “Literally My Master’s Thesis”. Available on his bandcamp page here (in limited supply!). While you’re at it, ask about his branded toothbrushes.
Tuxis Giant’s Monster Tee
Choose from a variety of colors with this sketched Monster tee designed by Squishy Sandwich Art for alt-folk rockers Tuxis Giant, available through their bandcamp page here. Get one in lavender or light pink and look fantastic like the stylish monster that you are.
The Water Cycle’s Trash Can tee
Just like the Water Cycle, this Quarantine will eventually give way to sunshine. Until then, embrace your inner trash can with this adorable tee from happy-go-lucky indie outfit The Water Cycle. Keep calm and walk on garbage can man, you’ll get through this. Available through the bands’ Instagram.