songs for joplin

This was a news post I wrote for PopWreckoning, but felt it was important enough to post here as well.

Songs For Jopin started as an idea to help a tragedy-stricken town. By pursuing his interest in both music and social media, Zach Becker began to accumulate interest in a music sampler to benefit relief efforts. The idea gained momentum with the help of Twitter as a friend of his, singer-songwriter Derek Webb retweeted Becker’s original request asking musicians to donate songs. The response was overwhelming and in a matter of days, Becker and friends had a name for their project as well as an album of songs to back it. The album includes many local St. Louis artists (Union Tree Review, Sleepy Kitty, Beth Bombara) as well as others from Nashville and Los Angeles. It was released on Noisetrade on June 3 and has already achieved over 400 downloads and $1300 in donations, placing it in the top ten most popular downloads.

The day before the album released, Zach was interviewed by local news blog the Riverfront Times, garnering even more interest in an already rapidly growing idea. Album artwork was made, as were promotional designs and a website thanks to St. Louis design studio Rampant Creative Group. Fliers were printed and would be passed out at the coming Riverfront Times Music Showcase.

“Social media has played a huge role in the success of this little idea, and we ask that you help us maintain that momentum by tweeting and sharing this with your friends. With the album now available for download, we are all excited to see how successful it is as a means of getting money into the hands of those who can help the people of Joplin. All profits from the album downloads will be given to the Heart of Missouri United Way, in order to help relief efforts through their “United for Joplin” campaign. With your help, Songs for #Joplin can be a success. Please donate and download the album, and help to rebuild a community.”

Visit www.songsforjoplin.com for more information.

Download the album directly from Noisetrade here: www.noisetrade.com/songsforjoplin