Washington, D.C. Punk band Ekko Astral is facing a significant shakeup as Topshelf Records has announced it will no longer release the band’s upcoming album, the beltway is burning, and is ceasing all involvement with the project. The decision comes after reports of a dispute between frontwoman Jael Holzman and former drummer Miri Tyler, and the label cited these “events, and more” as irrevocably impacting their ability to continue working with the band. The move leaves the future of the album in question, though Ekko Astral intends to release it independently.
Topshelf Records revealed the news via a statement on Instagram, stating, “We can no longer support Ekko Astral and will not be releasing their album the beltway is burning. This includes the end of in-house PR service from the label. Refunds for pre-orders will be issued within 5-10 business days.” The label’s decision follows a report by the Washington City Paper detailing a rift between Holzman and Tyler, which included Holzman filing a peace order petition against Tyler on February 6, accusing her of threatening behavior on social media.
Ekko Astral, formed in 2021 by Holzman and Liam Hughes, quickly expanded to a four-piece, adding Tyler and bassist Guinevere Tully. The band released their debut full-length album, Pink Balloons, on Topshelf Records in 2024, according to Yahoo Entertainment. However, Tully departed shortly after the release, citing the negative impact on her physical and mental health and a desire to focus on her solo project, Rosslyn Station.
Holzman addressed the situation in a statement via Bluesky, acknowledging the label’s decision and hinting at a more complex story. “ekko astral is no longer on topshelf. If you’re wondering why, there is a lot more to that story to share in the coming days. And a *lot* of misinformation surrounding the events leading up to it,” she wrote. She affirmed that the beltway is burning will still be released, calling it “our pride and joy.”
The timing of Topshelf’s announcement is particularly notable, coming shortly after Ekko Astral announced their participation in this year’s Liberation Weekend in Washington, D.C., alongside artists like Laura Jane Grace and Illuminati Hotties.
Topshelf Records confirmed to Pitchfork that the decision to sever ties with Ekko Astral was directly related to the fallout between Holzman and Tyler. The label stated, “Yes, all of these events, and more, have irreversibly impacted our ability to continue working with this band or releasing their music. We have no further comment.”
While Holzman has indicated that more information will be shared soon, the situation remains fluid. The band’s decision to release the beltway is burning independently signals a determination to share their music despite the challenges. Fans can expect pre-order refunds from Topshelf Records within 5-10 business days, as stated by Conzit.
The situation highlights the complexities of artist-label relationships and the impact of internal band dynamics on professional commitments. As Ekko Astral prepares to navigate this new chapter, the music community will be watching to see how the story unfolds and what the future holds for the band and their highly anticipated album.
What comes next for Ekko Astral remains to be seen, but the band’s commitment to releasing the beltway is burning independently suggests a resilience and determination to continue sharing their music with their audience. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
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