Ekko Astral Postpone Album & Festival Appearances Amid Label Split & Dispute
Ekko Astral Album Delayed, Festival Appearance Canceled Amid Label Dispute and Internal Conflict
The Washington, D.C.-based punk band Ekko Astral has announced a postponement of their second album, The Beltway Is Burning, and will no longer perform at this year’s Liberation Weekend festival. The news, delivered on March 4, follows a tumultuous period for the band, marked by a split with their record label, Topshelf Records, and a publicly aired dispute with a former drummer.
The band, comprised of Jael Holzman and Liam Hughes, stated they need “time to recalibrate” and wish to ensure their album receives “the moment it deserves.” Whereas they will honor previously scheduled West Coast tour dates opening for Mclusky and a performance at Idaho’s Treefort Fest in March, all subsequent performances are now postponed. This includes their planned appearance at Liberation Weekend, a festival they co-founded in 2025 to support trans liberation and mutual aid.
A Label Departure and Independent Release
The album delay comes after Topshelf Records announced on February 24 that it would no longer be releasing The Beltway Is Burning. The label’s initial statement offered no specific reason for the decision, but later clarified to Pitchfork that it stemmed from a dispute between Holzman and Ekko Astral’s former drummer, Miri Tyler.
Despite losing label support, Holzman confirmed to Pitchfork on February 23 that the band intends to release the album independently on April 22. This shift to self-release represents a significant undertaking for the band, requiring them to handle distribution, promotion, and other aspects typically managed by a record label.
Internal Conflict and Legal Action
The situation with Tyler, who announced her departure from the band in January citing mental health concerns related to touring, has become central to the recent turmoil. Tyler had planned a final performance with Ekko Astral at Liberation Weekend II. Though, on February 6, Holzman filed a peace order against Tyler in Montgomery County District Court, alleging threats made on social media. The peace order, which prohibits Tyler from contacting Holzman, remains in effect until August 13.
The Washington City Paper reported last month that Tyler denies the allegations, and the publication’s reporting explored the fallout between the two musicians. Ekko Astral subsequently criticized the City Paper article, alleging “inaccuracies and omissions” and claiming it led to “a swirl of misinformed online harassment.” The Washington City Paper stands by its reporting.
Liberation Weekend Proceeds Without Ekko Astral
Liberation Weekend II is still scheduled to take place from April 24-26, featuring artists such as Laura Jane Grace and Illuminati Hotties. Ekko Astral encouraged their fans to attend the festival, emphasizing its importance in supporting “trans rights, trans care, and trans art.” The band affirmed their commitment to returning to the festival in the future.
The festival itself was initially conceived as a grassroots effort to provide a platform for trans and gender non-conforming artists, and activists. As noted in a 2024 Pitchfork feature, Liberation Weekend aims to foster a space for community building and mutual aid within the D.C. Punk scene. The festival’s origins are rooted in a desire to create a more inclusive and supportive environment within a traditionally male-dominated genre.
What Each Side Wants
Currently, the core conflict appears to center around differing accounts of events between Holzman and Tyler. Holzman seeks legal protection through the peace order, while Tyler maintains her innocence regarding the alleged threats. Ekko Astral, meanwhile, aims to release their album on their own terms and maintain their commitment to the values underpinning Liberation Weekend. Topshelf Records, having severed ties with the band, has effectively removed itself from the immediate conflict.
The Process of Filing a Peace Order
The process of obtaining a peace order, like the one Holzman filed against Tyler, varies by jurisdiction but generally involves submitting an affidavit detailing the alleged harassment or threats to a court. A temporary order may be granted quickly, followed by a hearing where both parties can present evidence. If the court finds sufficient evidence, a longer-term peace order can be issued, prohibiting contact between the parties. Women’s Law provides a detailed overview of the process in Maryland, where the peace order was filed.
Confirmed vs. Unclear
Here’s a breakdown of what is confirmed and what remains unclear:
Confirmed:
- Ekko Astral has postponed the release of The Beltway Is Burning.
- Ekko Astral will no longer play Liberation Weekend II.
- Topshelf Records has dropped Ekko Astral.
- Jael Holzman filed a peace order against Miri Tyler.
- The peace order is currently in effect until August 13.
- Ekko Astral intends to release the album independently on April 22.
Unclear:
- The specific details of the dispute between Holzman and Tyler remain contested.
- The full extent of the impact of the label split on the album’s release and promotion is unknown.
- The long-term implications of this situation for Ekko Astral’s future are uncertain.
- The specific nature of the alleged threats made by Tyler has not been publicly detailed.
What Happens Next?
Ekko Astral will complete their scheduled March tour dates and then focus on independently releasing The Beltway Is Burning on April 22. The band has indicated a desire to “recalibrate” and return to performing once they have the necessary time and resources. The fate of the legal proceedings between Holzman and Tyler will unfold in the Montgomery County District Court. Liberation Weekend II will proceed as planned, though without the participation of its co-founders. The situation highlights the challenges faced by independent artists navigating complex personal and professional conflicts while striving to maintain their artistic vision and commitment to social justice.