Songwriters, Reaching Out Through Song

Since I’ve been writing songs, the one thing I’ve come to understand. Songwriters and artists have always been willing to “give back”. With the Christmas season upon us I thought it would be fitting to discuss just that “giving”. At the end of this blog I will point out a few artists and songwriters in action. Feel free to comment on my blog and introduce your own links to charities and causes you may support through songs.

There are so many ways a songwriter can “give”. The obvious way to accomplish this is through proceeds of a song they performed or wrote. Specifically, if the songwriter / artist is a “name brand”, they may have the opportunity to reach a large audience. Another common way to give back is simply through exposing a cause through song. Taking that very same concept to the next level would be to offer free downloads to showcase a particular cause. Some songwriters and artist team up to put an entire CD together with a specific charity in mind.

Whatever your charity or cause, the key here is that music can make a profound impact on society, whether it moves the dial financially or emotionally. Obviously the songwriter and artist needs to curb their attentions to some extent. But then again, you can always support other songwriters and artist from the listener perspective.

Here are some links to songwriters and artists in action. Stop by and see if these charities and causes interest you. If they do, perhaps you may want to think about supporting the charity. Please feel free to add your comments to this blog in an effort to provide us with other ways to utilize the gifts of song to “give back”. Feel free to add your own songwriter / artist charity links.


Christmas for the Kids This album can be downloaded for free, but they ask you to consider making a small donation to a Charity. They suggest UNICEF or your favorite charity.

Juliana's Smile Skip Ewing is one the the most gifted songwriters on the planet in my opinion. He teams with stellar artists like Bela Fleck and Dave Koz to name a few on this wonderful instrumental which can be purchased via download or CD and proceeds support Juliana and her family. This is a must stop by, so you can see the video on Skip's site.

The Melodical Hearts Foundation This is a great group of folks that I had the privilege of working with on their "Music That Matters: New England" CD. Spearheaded by artist Wayne Warner and Juanita Lee, they have produced several charity CDs that generally include name brand artists as well as independent artists and songwriters.

The Changing Hearts Project states as their mission that their goal is to raise awareness and touch hearts, through songs that relate to the plight of the unborn and young woman in need. Organizations are welcomed to use these songs as a vehicle to raise funds, that support the causes of the unborn and woman; through abortion alternatives, counseling, help after abortion and awareness and education. We want this to be a project founded on love and compassion. The songs are now offered freely for personal use, feel free to download and share the songs of the Changing Hearts Project.


My Best,
Ray