The Domestics Split From Label Following Trump-Themed Cassette Tape Incident

Earlier this month, Portland-based band the Domestics found themselves under fire after cassette tapes promoting their new album were postmarked with return addresses for the KKK and Westboro Baptist Church. The tapes were labeled “Trump/Comey Recordings.” The publicity stunt unnerved recipients, leading the band and their label Tender Loving Empire to explain the tapes. “Our intention was never to instigate any political tension or cause anyone fear or concern, and I'm deeply saddened and sorry that this has taken place,” said frontman Michael Finn, adding that they had “no knowledge prior to these tapes being sent out that they would be sent out with these return addresses attached.”

Now, the Domestics have announced that they have separated from their label. “We have mutually decided to part ways with Tender Loving Empire, and they have agreed to let us walk with our full catalog on good terms,” the band said in a new statement. In an email to Pitchfork, Finn said, “This isn’t the story of a band using inappropriate and inexcusable marketing tactics, it’s the story of a band who got screwed by their label’s monumental error in judgment and the ensuing backlash that has been unjustly thrust upon our band.” The Domestics plan to donate all proceeds from their September 19 show in Portland to the Anti-Defamation League and the Multnomah County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

When reached for comment, a representative for TLE issued the following statement and confirmed that they would match the band’s donations to the ADL and WIC program:

Tender Loving Empire’s record label would like to acknowledge and apologize to The Domestics and to anyone who was impacted or offended by a recent viral marketing attempt. No one from the band nor the band’s management company knew about the decision by one of our employees to include return addresses for well known hate groups. We deeply regret that this happened and are handling the matter with our employee internally. We accept full responsibility for these actions and are very sorry. TLE doesn’t align with these hate groups in any way. The return addresses used in the campaign negatively impacted the band and their reputation. As such, we have come to a mutual agreement to part ways with the band and return their amazing catalog. We wish them all the best. They’re great people and we continue to be fans and supporters of the band.