Animal Collective release live albums to raise money for LGBT causes in North Carolina

The psych-pop trio join a lengthy list of artists protesting the discriminatory HB2 bill in the state. Some have boycotted the state, while others are performing in defiance.

Both live albums are out via Bandcamp - one is a 9 March show at L.A.'s Fonda Theatre, the other's a 13 April gig from Manchester's The Ritz. Animal Collective ask you to pay what you can for the albums, with the proceeds going to Progress NC.

Read the band's statement below, and stream the records afterwards.

"Last night, Animal Collective performed at The Orange Peel in Asheville, NC. For those who were at the show, you may have seen a table set up for Progress NC, who we were introduced to by NC Needs You (ncneedsyou.com). They (progressnc.org) are an organization 'dedicated to being a voice for forward-thinking North Carolinians who want to protect the balanced approach to government'. Recently, North Carolina passed a law, known as HB2, that dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use and attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. We felt that canceling our show, like many others have done in protest of this law, would be a disappointment to our fans and decided to go on with the performance. That being said, we don't condone or agree with any type of bigotry or discrimination.

This year, we’ve been recording and mixing some of our live shows. In an effort to raise awareness and help those fighting for equality, we are making two of our favorite recent shows available for download in a 'pay what you want' model. To listen to/download shows from March 9, 2016 at The Fonda in Los Angeles, CA or April 13, 2016 at The Ritz in Manchester, UK please visit anmlcollectve.bandcamp.com and donate what you’d like to contribute to Progress NC. All proceeds from these downloads will go to that organization. Thanks!"