Red Hot has been gradually rolling out songs from TRAИƧA, a new compilation benefitting “vital LGTBQ+ organizations at the same time it culturally invigorates the fight for trans rights,” and today sees the release of an especially crucial track, Moses Sumney and ANOHNI‘s cover of the late trans electronic musician SOPHIE‘s “Is It Cold In The Water?.” According to TRAИƧA producer Dust Reid, SOPHIE’s passing was one of the major catalysts for this compilation in the first place.
ANOHNI, a transgender woman herself, said, “Such a blessing to have a chance to sing with Moses Sumney, on his gorgeous rendition of SOPHIE’s mistresspiece. Thank you Red Hot for the love and care you have put into this project, at a pivotal time of trans visibility, and trans vulnerability.” She continues:
Our bodies have been used and weaponized in malevolent ways by people who wish the worst for us. That malevolence is an unwellness that is affecting all living things now. Many spirits across the planet are experiencing this same siege of stress, loathing and bullying.
One of the greatest indications of a society’s psychic health is reflected in the way that each family holds its LGBTQI children. I pray for the safety and health of trans kids in the US and around the world in years to come.
Dear Ones, know that treasured friends and beloved chosen family already wait for you in your future, if you can just hold on until you reach them.
Love from ANOHNI
Moses Sumney adds, “I have loved the Red Hot compilations since before I started making music. ‘Dark Was The Night’ defined an era of my youth. It means a lot to be able to finally pay tribute to SOPHIE, whom I met early in our careers, and it’s an honor to contribute to a cause so near and dear to my heart. Trans rights!”
The cover is a gorgeous one, and you can hear it below. TRAИƧA comes out this Friday (11/22) and also features Julien Baker, André 3000, Perfume Genius, Laura Jane Grace, Sade, Jeff Tweedy, Grouper, Julie Byrne, Julianna Barwick, Pharoah Sanders, Moor Mother, Alan Sparhawk, Sharon Van Etten, Fleet Foxes, Adrianne Lenker, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Clairo, and several others.