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| Photo: Craig Cloutier – Creative Commons License |
Some people would call me crazy to say that music has saved my life. I mean, I can barely play the guitar and I can only dream to write a song someone might play someday…but when someone writes and performs the words I can’t muster up the courage to say myself, it gives me this rekindled faith that we are not alone in this world. A hope that no matter how much this life takes from me, and so far it has taken just about everything, I will survive through the spoken motivation accompanied by a guitar.
That being said I wanted to take a minute to highlight how music really can save lives.
Catastrophe has stricken our universe with overwhelming strife as of late, most notably the 8.9 earthquake (among many others to follow suit) that created a devastating tsunami washing out the tiny country of Japan. People from around the world are directly and indirectly affected by this tragedy and have sprung up many ways to give to the Japan Relief Fund.
We've all heard how The American Red Cross steps up in time of need with their texting campaign amongst many others but did you know how the music industry is giving back?
Universal Music Group has released a 38 song album, available on iTunes, for an astronomically low price of $9.99 to aid in Japan Relief. The album consists of major recording artists as John Lennon, U2, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Adele and Kings of Leon. All of the songs chosen have very positive and uplifting lyrics to not only raise funds but lift spirits in this time of tragedy.
Other bands not involved with the "Songs for Japan" have conjured up other ways to show their support for the rebuilding of a country and it's people. Blink 182 and New Found Glory, both known for their "crappy punk rock" styles and cult followings have designed t-shirts for sale through many outlets, with all proceeds going to the Japan Relief Fund.
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| Photo: Bompa.com Blink 182 |
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| Photo: newfoundglorystuff.com |
One of my favorite bands Paramore has gotten very creative in their Relief Fund. For the past couple weeks they have hosted an online "yard sale," where fans can place bids on clothing, accessories, memorabilia, etc. previously owned by the members of Paramore. The highest bidder upon auction completion gets the item and all proceeds are sent to a Japan relief fund. Some items have sold for thousands of dollars. Not only is this creative at best, but has been very successful and has given fans, like myself, the opportunity to own things once used/worn by their idols.
Speaking of Paramore, Gwen Stefani of No Doubt, who had Paramore as an opening act on their last tour donated 1 million dollars to Save The Children to directly benefit the Japanese children in need. She states, "I've been inspired by Japan for many years and have a true love, appreciation and respect for the Japanese people and their culture. The disaster in Japan is beyond heartbreaking and I want to do anything I can to help. I would never be able to make a gesture like this without the love and support of all the fans over all these years."
Lyrics have the ability to speak the words in which we cannot say. Often times, as a listener, we feel like the musicians really connect with our every day lives. In personal experience I have found an hour with a set of headphones to be the most comforting time in my days. Certain songs have changed my outlook on life and really pulled me out of bed from situations that have broken my spirit. So in a sense, Music really has saved my life. A warming sensation comes over me when I read of musicians not only using their words through song to influence our daily lives, but their prominence and financial backing to literally 'save lives.'
Check out these other ways you can donate to Japan Relief... Times are only getting harder in the far East!
“When things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always be worse. And when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad they have to get better.”
- The American Red Cross has set up a special designation for disaster relief efforts in Japan. To donate, click here, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to instantly donate $10.
- International Medical Corps says it is putting together relief teams and supplies to aid Japan “and other affected countries.” Donate here.
- GlobalGiving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund.
- World Vision’s Disaster Response Fund.
- Click here to donate to AmeriCares’ emergency relief response.
- Save the Children’s Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund.
Also, if you are personally affected by this tragedy, Google is here to help! Google's Crisis Response Center / Person Finder.
Come what may,
Lindsay Taylor
