Ekko Astral Announces Indefinite Hiatus Shelves Album

Some musical journeys are defined by explosive beginnings and inevitable, poignant endings. For Washington, D.C.-formed punk outfit Ekko Astral, the chapter is closing, marking an indefinite hiatus as co-founders Jae Holzman and Liam Hughes decide to prioritize new creative ventures.

The decision, announced recently, signals a pause in the band’s momentum. With the hiatus confirmed, plans for their sophomore album, the beltway is burning, will not be released any time soon, shifting focus away from further recording and release schedules.

This period of transition follows a challenging run marked by both creative ambition and legal complexity. The path to releasing their LP was complicated by legal drama stemming from the departure of former drummer Miri Tyler, which led to disputes that unfortunately impacted the band’s plans for the record.

The conflict arose when Holzman filed a peace order petition against Tyler, alleging threats made on social media. While Tyler denied these allegations, the situation brought into sharp focus the intense pressures that can exist behind the scenes of creative endeavors.

Despite these hurdles, the core message from the founders remains one of deep gratitude. “Ekko Astral rose up out of bedroom jams and basement shows to become a dream realized,” Holzman and Hughes stated. They emphasized their profound indebtedness to everyone who supported them throughout their ascent.

As the band prepares for this next phase, they are focusing on marking their history with two final, unforgettable performances. Ekko Astral will conclude their run with a free outdoor performance in New York City on August 22, followed by a finale gig in Washington, D.C., on August 27, alongside friends Right Chipper and Berra.

These last shows are set to celebrate their entire catalogue, serving as a meaningful send-off where they plan to play tracks from their discography for a long time to come. It is a chance to wrap up the story of a band born from raw energy and basement jams.

Adding another layer of purpose to these farewell events, the band will also be raffling a painting from the cover of the Pink Balloons album at the D.C. show. All proceeds from this raffle will be donated to trans health services at Whitman-Walker, turning their final performances into an act of community support.