Full Breakdown
WXPN’s “Philly Anthems” Album Celebrates the Nation’s 250th Anniversary
7/15/2026, 1:00:29 PM
Project Overview
WXPN has launched “Philly Anthems,” a 12-track collection of original songs that riff on freedom, identity, and the United States’ semiquincentennial. The project, announced after July 4, aims to keep the anniversary spirit alive throughout the summer and fall, culminating in a full album release on Record Store Day in April 2027.
Artist Lineup
The album blends veteran talent with emerging voices from the Philadelphia region. Veteran contributors include Hooters frontman Eric Bazilian, house musician Lady Alma, pianist Eliza Hardy Jones, 11-time Grammy-winning jazz bassist Christian McBride, and soul singer-songwriter Devon Gilfillian (noted for his feature on the Eagles’ final Christmas album). Emerging artists round out the roster: the four-woman band Flying Vees (winners of WXPN’s 24-hour song challenge), Grace Gardner, Black Buttafly, the Bul Bey, James Everhart, Sug Daniels, and Moustapha Noumbissi.
Release Schedule
The first track, “Better Times,” debuted on WXPN and YouTube on Monday, with an iTunes release slated for July 21. Subsequent songs will be issued every other week over the summer, while the remaining seven tracks are slated for a fall rollout. The complete set will be compiled for the April 2027 Record Store Day album drop.
Themes & Intent
By pairing established and new Philadelphia musicians, WXPN seeks a “modern and relevant perspective on the state of our union,” using music to explore contemporary notions of liberty and community identity tied to the nation’s 250th birthday.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Philly Anthems" is a collection of 12 original songs from established and emerging musicians who call the region home.” — WXPN
- “modern and relevant perspective on the state of our union.” — Eric Bazilian
- “They will be released as an album on the next Record Store Day in April 2027.” — WXPN
- “) Their songs will drop every other week over the summer.” — WXPN
- “The remaining seven tracks will debut in the fall.” — WXPN
