WE ARE THE WORLD / UNITED IN SONG
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2010
Contact: Lisa Vega / 213.247.3075
lisa@lisavegagroup.com
WE ARE THE WORLD / UNITED IN SONG
UNITED SUPPORT OF ARTISTS FOR AFRICA COMMEMORATES THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF WE ARE THE WORLD WITH RE-RELEASE OF HISTORIC RECORDING TO BE FEATURED ON DIGITAL ALBUM WE ARE THE WORLD / UNITED IN SONG SCHEDULED FOR WORLDWIDE RELEASE DECEMBER 7, 2010
World Music Superstars Are United In Song
Michael F ranti & Spearhead, Aurelio Martinez with Youssou N'Dour, Angelique Kidjo, LeRoy Bell, Lila Downs, Sier ra Leone's Refugee All Stars, Razia Said, Abigail Washburn & the Shanghai Restoration Project, Luisa Maita, G. Love & Special Sauce Among Artists Featured
Los Angeles (October 29, 2010) -- To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of We Are The World, United Support of Artists for Africa (USA for Africa) will re-release the 1985 historic recording of the song as the lead track on the upcoming digital compilation We Are The World / United In Song worldwide on December 7, 2010. Once again, USA for Africa has assembled a stellar line-up of international artists to contribute songs to the project with proceeds from this effort going to assist Africa and Africans with the current challenges facing the continent. The collection of songs on We Are The World / United in Song was compiled by Executive Producers Suzie Weston and Alexia Baum. It will be distributed worldwide by Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA) and available to hundreds of digital storefronts across the globe including major digital music services iTunes¨, Amazon, eMusic, and Rhapsody in the U.S.
We Are The World/United In Song is dedicated to the 40 plus artists and musicians, who paved the way 25 years ago for this new release, with special thanks to Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones "producer extraordinaire," whose musical and creative talents have made We Are The World the anthem it has become today. The global artists featured on United In Song represent the next generation of musicians to use their talents to inform and ignite action. Each song presented speaks to an issue or cause valued and supported by the respective artists.
"The re-release of the original We Are The World to a whole new generation is truly the best way to commemorate the monumental influence of the song and celebrate the generosity of the talented artists who participated in the project," said Marcia Thomas, Executive Director, United Support of Artists for Africa. "The song and its message still resonate 25 years later through the artists featured on United In Song. They carry the torch into the 21st Century with the same spirit born out of the original recording."
We Are The World / United In Song features a collection of world music's most compelling artists. The compilation is a celebration of diversity and an example that music truly is the universal language. Each artist has a story to tell -- from the Abigail Washburn & the Shanghai Restoration Project song about the aftermath of China's devastating 2008 earthquake to Razia Said's haunting version of the slash and burn method of agriculture affecting the lands of Madagascar. Both Angelique Kidjo and Luisa Maita weigh in on issues facing young women while tracks by Michael Franti & Spearhead, Aurelio Martinez w/ Youssou N'Dour and G. Love & Special Sauce deliver a message of world unity and peace. This compilation gives the listener a global experience that is both enlightening and uplifting.
Twenty-five years ago the music industry and the world came together in an unprecedented outpouring of generosity in response to the tragic famine wreaking havoc in Africa at the time. The biggest names in music "checked their egos at the door" to create what was and still is a worldwide phenomenon. The recording of the original We Are The World sold more than 7 million units worldwide and USA For Africa received more than 63 million dollars in aid which has been used to assist Africa and Africans affected by the famine and other critical issues. The song became the "people's anthem" and continues to be revered and loved globally.
Proceeds from We Are The World / United In Song will add to USA for Africa's ongoing commitment to the region with more outreach aimed at the continent and Africa-focused programs around the world, including food, security, clean water, malaria, AIDS, the plight of women and children, and the environment.
Among the Artists/Tracks slated to appear on We Are The World / United In Song are:
| Song | Artist | Country |
| Sala | Abigail Washburn & the Shanghai Restoration Project | China |
| Agbalagba | Angelique Kidjo | Benin, West Africa |
| Labaru Wanwa | Aurelio Martinez w/ Youssou N'Dour | Western Caribbean /Senegal |
| Feel | Bombay Dub Orchestra | Great Britain / India |
| Kimi Ni Tsutaetai | Emi Meyer | Japan |
| Peace, Love, and Happiness | G. Love & Special Sauce | North America |
| A Change Is Coming | LeRoy Bell | North America |
| Arenita Azul | Lila Downs | Mexico |
| Fulaninha | Luisa Maita | Brazil |
| Hello Bonjour | Michael Franti & Spearhead | North America |
| Only In America | Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs | North America |
| Jah Mercy | Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars | Sierra Leone |
| Slash and Burn | Razia Said | Madagascar |
| Fafa | Vieux Farka Toure' | Mali |
| We Are The World | Original Artists | North America |
We Are The World / United In Song is one of those rare projects that offer the opportunity to discover and appreciate world music while also giving to the global community. We (really) Are The World and this special collection demonstrates the amazing potential when we unite for the good of all.
About United Support of Artists for Africa:
Our mission: To demonstrate the power and importance of individual participation and collective action in solving the problems of our time.
Hunger still exists, our climate is challenged, conflicts rage around the world. The need for people to care and act still
exists, perhaps more urgently than ever before. We honor our past and those who led our early efforts, those who made
our initial efforts so impactful, and salute those dedicated visionaries and volunteers who are spearheading our efforts
today. Past is prologue to the future and our future world will only be as good as we enable it to be. For more
information visit: www.usaforafrica.org
About Executive Producers Suzie Weston/Alexia Baum: Executive producers Suzie Weston and Alexia
Baum are the dream team behind We Are The World / United In Song. Their vision, dedication, and knowledge of
world music were instrumental in the making of this compilation. Suzie and Alexia met nearly twenty years ago when
Alexia got her first job 'in the biz' at music publisher Windswept Pacific; "We hit it off immediately" they agree,
having remained sometimes work associates and constant friends since. "We are a great team in that we have differing
and complementary strengths" and those differences have served them well in this special project. "Truth is, we put
ourselves whole-heartedly into the challenge," and in a matter of months compiled the amazing international roster of
artists and songs that is United In Song. "We were determined to make this album a worthy follow up to the
original."
About IODA - The Independent Online Distribution Alliance:
IODA, the Independent Online Distribution Alliance, is one of the industry-leading digital distribution companies for
the global independent music and video community. IODA provides comprehensive services to record labels, physical
distributors, artists, and filmmakers, including license negotiations; media encoding and metadata management;
royalty payment administration and reporting; and marketing and promotional support. Founded in 2003, IODA
represents a rapidly expanding roster of nearly two million music tracks and over 2,000 independent film and video
titles. IODA distributes its music and video catalog to hundreds of digital storefronts worldwide, including all major
digital music services like iTunes¨, Amazon, eMusic, Rhapsody and mobile carriers and outlets such as Verizon
Wireless, Sprint and Nokia. The company's website is www.iodalliance.com.
For media inquires, review copies, interviews please contact:
Lisa Vega Group / 626.974.5404
www.lisavegagroup.com
Lisa Vega / 213.247.3075 / lisa@lisavegagroup.com
Lex Gable / 310.703.8389 / lex@lisavegagroup.com
>> press release January 25, 2011
>> read more
>> see digital brochure for "WATW United in Song" (*.pdf file)
>> buy the digital download for "WATW United in Song"
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