We’re excited. We’ll be the first to admit we get to do a lot of cool things in our day to day. But this is certainly one of the most exciting.
What?
At SXSW 2014 we took part in a mega-collaboration. We partnered with Rallysong, the crowdfunding, fan engagement platform, and several incredible music makers. The musicians involved recorded a few new, unreleased tracks.
Through Rallysong, fans will be able to donate towards a fundraising goal in support of a campaign to raise funds for our Early Warning Radio Network. This program consists of long-range radios that allow communities in the DR Congo and Central African Republic to communicate potential LRA attacks or sightings, as well as provide quick conformation of LRA activity to humanitarian groups. It’s played a vital and life-saving role in our efforts. Once the fundraising goal is met, the compilation of recorded material will be unlocked and made available to those who donated.
Vikesh Kapoor, Alex Vargas
WHERe?
The remarkable Same Sky Studios in Austin, made even better by the musical energy from SXSW. An overall great environment, it (literally) rocked.
WHO?
Kris Orlowski :: a longtime friend of ours, we’ll never get enough of the rustic yet lively folk-rock sound. Kris’ singing will take you somewhere.
Alex Vargas :: A voice that has the ability to be soft and all-encompassing at the same time. You can hear the sincerity, feel the tenderness.
Vikesh Kapoor :: Intricately poetic and affecting, you can just tell Kapoor’s on the cusp of something major.
Patrice Pike :: Patrice Pike (from Sister 7) sings with the perfect mix of sultry-rock. She can really jam. We dig it.
The Kid:: The Kid is good. Storytelling lyrics over simple and beautiful chord progressions, listen to a little of The Kid (Tim Ryans) if you’re in the mood for a jingle jangle morning.
Andrew Belle :: A singer-songwriter with an atmospheric presence. Drift off into the clouds on his entrancing sound. Perhaps you remember him from his performance at 2013’s Fourth Estate Summit?
Itch :: This is music to wake you up and get you pumped. Interspersing rap verses with rock sounds, Itch tackles alternative hip-hop head on.
From top left: Andrew Belle, Patrice Pike, Itch, The Kid
WHEN?
Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing project, the artists involved, and an official launch date when you’ll be able to donate and receive the compilation. We love projects like this because everyone benefits: musicians, their fans, and people like us who count on supporters in order to work towards a peaceful world. Rock on.
(Photo credit: Rallysong)
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