Singer Songwriter Holly Lerski (read our review of ‘The Wooden House’ here) recently launched a new charity project called Song Ark. It’s essentially a website (www.songark.org) or the aptly titled ‘virtual ark’ which is full of exclusive, digital tracks from artists who feel they want to make a difference by donating one song, and it’s download proceeds, to a charity of their choice who would otherwise struggle. As Holly explains on her website:
It’s a small way to make a big difference and it’s about as direct as you can get since, minus the Paypal payment charge, there are no costs. No outlay needed for CDs needing to be pressed, and therefore no wastage. When it comes to running costs the only ones are the running of a website, and that’s already donated.
You, the public, choose a song and pay what you want (min. £1). Holly kicked things off with Ark (Refrain) with proceeds going to Action Aid for Animals.
When the idea came to me I asked my mate bassist James ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt, Neville Brothers) if he’d like to get involved in some way, since he was very interested in dog rescue and animal welfare generally. He very kindly laid down some lovely upright bass on this particular track. Also joining me on this track, old mate from Angelou days, Boo Hewerdine and bright young talent, Ruby.
Gilmore & Roberts feat. Lucy Ward & Sam Kelly
Joining her are Gilmore & Roberts feat. Lucy Ward & Sam Kelly with Every Midnight Mile, with all proceeds going to the homelessness charity Shelter. Listen to a sample below:
“All the things that inspired the song – a cosy room, a roaring fire, feeling safe – are things that many of us forget to be grateful for” explains Katriona Gilmore, “but the fact is that 100,000 children will wake up homeless this Christmas. Shelter do a great job helping people who are struggling to find a place to call home, and we want to support them at their busiest time of year.”
‘Every Midnight Mile’ follows hot on the heels of Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts’ fourth album ‘Conflict Tourism’, Lucy Ward’s third album ‘I Dreamt I Was a Birdc’ and Sam Kelly’s debut album ‘The Lost Boys’, all released autumn 2015.
Please help spread the word to make this project grow by telling other musicians, songwriters, friends, family.
The Song Ark relies on people crafting their own collection, so all songs make a difference.