Skip to content
Riot Fest Logo
Tickets
Search
  • FESTIVAL
    • 2023 Lineup
    • 2023 Photos + Videos
    • 2023 Merch
    • 2023 Riot Mall Vendors
    • Lost & Found
    • Tickets
    • FAQ
    • Partners
  • Upcoming Shows
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Playlists
    • New Music
    • Concert Photos
    • Interviews
    • Comics
    • TV+Film
    • Staff Picks
  • Community
    • Community Involvement
    • Community Tickets
    • Community Bands at Riot Fest
    • Community Artwork Submission
    • Park Cleanup
    • Community Job Hiring
    • Vendor Workshop
    • Neighborhood Guide
  • Merch
  • Search
Premiere: Meet Ekko Astral, a Queer Post-Punk Band Making Mascara Moshpits

Premiere: Meet Ekko Astral, a Queer Post-Punk Band Making Mascara Moshpits

Listen to “EAT OFF MY CHEST“ off the D.C. group’s debut EP (out October 28) below
October 25, 2022 (December 6, 2022) // Bailey Davis

“WE’RE JUST GROWING TITS AND THROWING FITS AT THE END OF THE WORLD! ” That’s just one memorable line from singer-songwriter Jael Holzman, a trans woman at the front of a thrilling new band called Ekko Astral who are currently tearing up Washington D.C.’s local punk scene. Today, we’re premiering their latest single “EAT OFF MY CHEST” ahead of the group’s debut EP (QUARTZ) dropping this Friday. Listen below.

The self-declared pioneers of “mascara moshpit music,” Ekko Astral’s thunderous, goth-tinged sound will immediately bewitch you: a combination of garage, early emo, and ear-splitting noise rock influences channeled through unyielding energy. But it’s Holzman’s lyrics and demanding lead vocals that turn an already-enticing formula into something striking; her words are unsparing, tackling the triumphs and trials of living as a trans woman with a cutting sense of sarcasm and wit. Holzman wrote the EP during the early months of her gender transition, stuck at home during a pandemic and an unprecedented media fixation against trans livelihood.

On Ekko Astral’s latest single, Holzman writes about the feeling of intoxicating self-love. “‘EAT OFF MY CHEST’ is letting yourself fall in love with your own authenticity,” she reflects. “The feeling of a Friday night alone where you try on every outfit in the closet, just for the kicks. Being who you are, whoever that is, unapologetically and voraciously so.”

Check out the tracklist and artwork for QUARTZ below; Ekko Astral’s debut EP will release on Friday, October 28 via Bandcamp and streaming services.


EKKO ASTRAL
QUARTZ
Release Date: October 28, 2022

BANDCAMP
  1. TRANSDEMIC, BABY
  2. THE MIRROR IS A MONSTER
  3. YXI
  4. RENO INT’L
  5. EAT OFF MY CHEST
  6. 1000 DEGREES

The Related Rabbit Hole

Default ThumbnailBetween The Buried And Me debut “Astral Body” Meet Me @ The Altar is Moving Pop Punk Towards a Digital Future Here’s the Premiere of A Song By A Band You’ve Probably Never Heard Of Yet, Datenight
About The Author
Bailey Davis

Posted in New MusicTagged new music, Premieres

Post navigation

  Previous PostNext Post 
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • TikTok
  • Mail
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
Riot Fest Tickets
Upcoming Shows Playlist

Introducing Riot Pop!! CBD

New Riot Pop!! CBD flavors available at Riot Fest 2023 and Cultivate Fest
Riot Fest Presents Shows
Sep. 29, 2023
X-Ray Arcade
Venom Inc.

Venom Inc.

Satan

Ringworm

72 Legions

Tubal Cain

Tickets(Opens in new window).
Venom Inc.
Sep. 29, 2023
Cobra Lounge
Agent Orange

Agent Orange

Spice Pistols

Tickets(Opens in new window).
Agent Orange
Sep. 30, 2023
Concord Music Hall
Movements

Movements

Mannequin Pussy

Softcult

Heart To Gold

SOLD OUT
Movements
Sep. 30, 2023
Cobra Lounge
Venom Inc.

Venom Inc.

Satan

Ringworm

72 Legions

Tickets(Opens in new window).
Venom Inc.
Sep. 30, 2023
X-Ray Arcade
Broadway Rave

Broadway Rave

Tickets(Opens in new window).
Broadway Rave
Oct. 1, 2023
Turner Hall Ballroom
MAX & IGGOR CAVALERA: MORBID DEVASTATION

MAX & IGGOR CAVALERA: MORBID DEVASTATION

EXHUMED

INCITE

MORTA SKULD

Tickets(Opens in new window).
MAX & IGGOR CAVALERA: MORBID DEVASTATION

MORE SHOWS

Greatest Hits

  • Foundation
  • Riot Pop!!
  • History
  • Contact
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • TikTok
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
Du-Mango 95 Flavor Riot Pop!!
Cherry On!! Flavor Riot Pop!!
Riot Pop!! Logo

It's got electrolytes!

Get on wait list
InstagramTwitterYouTubeTikTokFacebook

Copyright © 2023 Riot Fest Corporation. Privacy Policy.

Search for:

Send me emails so I don’t have to go to your website to look for shows.

"*" indicates required fields

Name
Email me about
Music I like
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.