It has been a long time coming but I am really excited to announce the launch of a new project from Rhythm and Roots. A Guide to the Birdsong of South America, to be launched in September, is a compilation highlighting brilliant new music from across South America with a twist: each track is inspired by the song of an endangered bird.
Music meets Birdsong
As a producer, lover of South American music and environmentalist, I have been toying with this idea for a long time, in fact, ever since the release of my first EP as El Búho two years ago. I have also been watching with great interest the ever-growing scene of new South American artists creating new sounds inspired by the traditions of their continent and putting them in an international, 21st century context. My dream was to unite the birdsong idea with the opportunity to highlight this movement of artists for a very unique project.
Activism meets art
With this album we want to not only highlight talented musicians from across the continent but also to raise awareness about the plight of endangered birds through music. Many of these species are living on the edge, their numbers decimated by the impact of mining, deforestation, habitat destruction or even capture for the caged bird market. The album will feature the songs of 12 endangered bird species from across South America.
All of the money we eventually make from the release of this album will got to support Aves y Conservación, an organisation working to protect birds in Ecuador.
Your help…
I already have 11 stellar, and for now secret, artists working on their tracks, some amazing artwork for each bird but now I just need a bit of help to produce the album and the posters or post-cards. The album will be launched in September digitally and on vinyl. Today I launched a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the costs of making and distributing the album (around 2,500 Euros to cover vinyl pressing, post-cards, posters, distribution etc.)
You can find all the details on the project here.
A Guide to the Birds of South America gives these musicians a chance to explore new ways of creative expression, blurring the boundaries between nature and man, between technology and the organic. It also allows people to hear the songs of these birds – a reminder that we need to do our utmost to protect them for the generations to come.
Its is my hope this album will not just be a memory by which we can preserve the songs of these birds but a call to help us increase their protection.
I will be announcing more details on the birds and the artists featured as the project continues so watch this space!
Thanks for your support!
Twit-twoo!
Robin, Rhythm and Roots
Rhythm and Roots 