ABOUT THE ARTISTS AND THE MUSIC: Music is the Universal Language
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Like Barack Obama, music speaks across generations, connects people of different backgrounds, and delivers messages of love, hope, and, in this case, "Change". In support of Barack Obama and his message, we have collaborated with the popular artits on this page to produce new interpretations of classic "Change" songs. From Dylan to Tupac, to Jim Morrison (the poets of our time), from Sam Cooke and John Mayer to Aretha Franklin and David Bowie, The ChangeRing Compilation spans a wide assortment of musical eras and genres, uniting them under one cause: to bring about Change in our country and the world. The response to the project has been overwhelming and the compilation continues to grow as more artits submit their songs to be added. |
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Fishbone lives up to their legend as "THE" group to bridge the gap between the funk of George Clinton and the blare of Rush; a hybrid fusion where Led Zeppelin and Sly Stone dance to a frenetic ska beat that fuel's the alternative thrust of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane's Addiction and the cast of Lollapalooza. From their childhood together in the hardcore South Central Los Angeles wasteland to years of forced school-bused integration, Fishbone's influences were kaleidoscopic and never-ending. The band was formed in 1979 in the ghettos of South Central Los Angeles. The group came from the same Los Angeles scene that spawned the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane's Addiction. Fishbone first gained attention with their unique live concerts, earning a reputation as one of the most original bands in the alternative genre. Their unique stew of different styles, mixed with hectic energy and pounding rhythms, were a huge influence on the funk/rock/metal/rap genre that would become popular in the 1990s. Live audiences around the world have been surrendering to the band's stage flash and magical rhythms with uninterrupted regularity. Such passionate devotion is not lost on Fishbone, who refer to their friends on the road as "The Familyhood."
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Simply put, The Rebirth Brass Band is an institution. Formed in 1983, the band has long since graduated from the streets of New Orleans to theaters and festivals all over the world. Rebirth is committed to upholding the tradition of brass bands while at the same time incorporating modern music into their show. Their signature brand of heavy funk has placed them among the world's top brass bands and they are the hands-down favorite among the younger generation. In reference to the sometimes-stringent competition amongst brass bands, Offbeat magazine remarked, "…it's clear that Rebirth, which boasts 10 albums and has traveled the world, is the band to beat (July 2001)."
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Samantha, a California native has coined the term "Cali Soul" to describe her music; A soulful blend of pop and rock with a twist of jam. Samantha's ability to improvise on stage allows her to transcend boundaries of her pop-sounding songs and enter the realm of jam. Her shows are festivals of sorts, good spirited fun, and she delivers a sexy, delightfully raw, mellifluous sound. Some would say her music is "sweet as tulepo honey". Samantha released her first album, Square One in 2005 and has been touring in support.
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Sam Braithwaite is a singer songwriter from Bristol, but despite his location in the south west of England, he sounds like he's from somewhere like North Carolina.
Undeniably one of the UK's finest singer/songwriters, this British born acoustic tunesmith has been busy recording and promoting his brand new debut solo album "Two Fingers" but still took time out to contribute a cover by one of his favourite artists for the worthy cause across the pond.
Hi so-distinctive voice draws comparison with Van Morrison, especially when he dramatically switches mood from quiet and relaxed to a roar of passion, and he has a delivery similar to that of early John Martyn. The album is a treat of soft detail and understated instrumental mastery with well-crafted songs that are heart achingly tender and often extremely beautiful.
From influences of Dylan and Neil Young to early Springsteen and Sam Cooke, Sam's smoked soul vocals draped over heart warming melodies and strong songs invoke a passionate yearn for yesteryear whilst standing up proudly in music present.
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Julius C met at NYU in 2004 and quickly began to build a devoted local following as buzz spread about their high energy live shows at NYC venues such as the Knitting Factory and Crash Mansion. Their self-produced EP, "Julius C Says" is a raucous, all night party that weaves in and out of classic rock, funk, and soul, while still sounding undeniably fresh. They are currently in the studio working on new material that they are confident will destroy the boundaries of what a single band is "allowed" to do in today's music industry. Whether it's rock, pop, funk, electro or jazz fusion, they know that no matter how diverse their material is, it is still indubitably "Julius C".
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Cubic Zirconia consists of Nick conceller (MenWomenAndChildren), Tiombe Lockhart and Todd Weinstock. The Trio is cureently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their debut album due fall 2008.
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Early 20th Century New York City: Danger, violence, sweat and grime, fighting to survive, riots on the streets. The Bowery Boys, dressed in their stovepipe hats, red shirts, black flared trousers, high heeled boots and black vests were one of the many gangs downtown. 21st century New York City: The "Bowerey Riots" are born out of a love for these streets and rock n roll and soul's origins. The Riots are made up of guitars, horns, singing and dancing girls, drums, and keys....
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Song: Everybody's got to Change Sometime by Taj Mahal
Formed in 2005, The London Souls has won a fast following playing to packed houses at such New York venues as The Mercury Lounge, Bowery Ballroom, and Sin-e to name a few. With their rhythmic and melodic mix of rock and funk blended with a blazing brand of psychedelic, futuristic blues they are bringing LIVE back to LIVE music. All in their early twenties, the band is made up of Tash Neal (guitar, vocals), Kiyoshi Matsuyama (bass, vocals) and Chris St. Hilaire (drums, vocals). They will be releasing their debut album in the upcoming year.
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Ma'ayan was born in Israel Nov 18, 1979 and moved to the States when she was 8 years old. Fascinated by music and audio recording as a child, she was greatly influenced by American music and culture of the 90's. She attended Berklee College of Music where she graduated Cum Laude in Music Synthesis with the close mentoring of the innovative sound designer, Dr. Richard Boulanger. After traveling the world, and then working on her Masters of Ethnomusicology in Israel, she returned to Boston to put some ideas to tape.
An avid musician/programmer and singer/songwriter, she has self released her debut EP, Walk on Water, produced by guitarist/producer Leo Mellace of Sanctum Sound & NERO. She has a style all her own that sonically and lyrically covers the span of her personal life experiences. Ma'ayan's songs have been building a buzz around the globe. Her song Devil's Pie has won critical acclaim as a 2008 Semifinalist in the International Songwriting Competition. She was also chosen as a Breaking the Band II Finalist by We Are Listening in London, and has been grabbing the attention of many industry people around the world. |
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Song: Black Sabbath - Changes
Pillow Theory delivers a high-powered, dynamic live show while successfully genre hopping under the alt-rock umbrella. The band has been selected as one of Tommy Hilfiger's "Best Unsigned Artists", featured on FOX News, SONY PSP UK and performed twice at the CMJ Music Marathon in NYC.
The band's debut disc, 9 1/2, was independently released in 2001. After a slight hiatus, Pillow Theory regrouped and collaborated with sonic genius Steve Albini (Nirvana, Pixies, NIN, PJ Harvey) for their sophomore release OUTPATIENCE. With Albini, they were able to manipulate their ever-changing moods to blend a sporadic yet cohesive sound. The album displays a delicate balance between heavy and light with change ups that may seem bizarre on paper, but work eloquently in sound.
Outpatience was chosen as one of the VILLAGE VOICEÕs best of 2005 in their yearly Pazz & Jop poll before the CD's official release in 2007 on Pursuance Records. One of the albumÕs tracks, "Drama Fiction Fiend", was pre-released on the Black Rock Coalition's 2005 CD compilation, ROCK N' ROLL REPARATIONS (with Terence Trent DÕArby, Imani Coppola). The albumÕs opening track ÒJealousÓ was recently featured on the SONY PSP UK website.
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