Murry Hammond [ tickets ], bass player and occasional frontman for roots-rockers Old 97's [ tickets ], is releasing his first full-length solo album Aug. 18.

Hammond recorded and will release the album, "I Don't Know Where I'm Going But I'm On My Way," on his own label--the "Hammond family label," Humminbird Records. Hammond said he was inspired to set up a DIY operation by early punk labels such as Dischord and Touch & Go, according to a press release.

Prior to the public on-sale date, the album was sold exclusively at Old 97's shows and by mail-order to raise money for Project Mercy, a non-profit organization that builds basic housing in the poorest sections around Tijuana, Mexico. As of July 1, CD sales raised enough money to pay for the building of one house. The album will remain available at all Hammond and Old 97's shows, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to charitable groups.

Hammond also has contributed a new track, "Bound for Canaan," to a compilation of Sacred Harp music that was produced by the filmmakers of "Awake My Soul," a documentary about the 200-year history of Sacred Harp worship singing in the US. The film, which has aired on PBS, was released this year on DVD. A CD soundtrack is due out later this year.

Hammond will be touring both as a solo act and with Old 97's for the remainder of the year.