As a show of solidarity with the Dalai Lama and Tibet, 20 artists have come together to release this historic double album on the eve of the Beijing Olympics. These recordings, some original for the project and some acoustically driven recordings of previously released songs, express our common vulnerabilities and experiences in pursuing happiness, peace and freedom. Collectively, these tracks represent a heartfelt message of support for the path of compassion and non-violence championed by the Dalai Lama. Begun in May of 2008 and completed in two months, the outpouring of support from all corners of the world was unparalleled. Funds raised from the album will go to support peace initiatives and Tibetan cultural preservation projects important to the Dalai Lama.
The Art of Peace Foundation, in conjunction with legendary producer Rupert Hine, asked some of the world's top artists to contribute a track to create "Songs for Tibet - The Art of Peace." This album features recordings made especially for the art of peace in studios around the world - Duncan Sheik, Suzanne Vega, Moby, Imogen Heap, Teitur, Rupert Hine, Garbage And Underworld; on concert-stages in front of audiences, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Rush, Ben Harper And Jackson Browne; one beautifully 'captured' in a dressing-room before a major concert in Germany - Alanis Morissette; another written and recorded with an assemblage of creative souls with disabilities (The Cheshire Project) under the guidance and participation of Damien Rice. On the road during a world tour and only a few hours free - Vanessa Carlton, ducked into a studio to record her song 'live' in a single pass.
Still others donated acoustic versions of better-known songs about peace, John Mayer, Regina Spektor, Sting, Jonatha Brooke And Joan Armatrading. These artists, using the sublime tools of music and words to communicate their reflections on peace, from global to inner, have come together to create "The Art Of Peace. "
The Art of Peace Foundation announced that tracks from their upcoming album, "Songs for Tibet - The Art of Peace" have been available as a free download to Olympic athletes worldwide. "First and foremost, we hope the athletes are inspired by the music, but the initiative also draws attention to the lack of fundamental freedoms for those under Chinese rule, including Tibetans," said Michael Wohl, Executive Director of the Art of Peace Foundation.
Wearing an iPod, a simple yet powerful symbol of personal freedom, provides Olympic athletes with an acceptable way to make a statement about the repressive atmosphere of the Games and express support for free expression. "We began contacting athletes as soon as the album was done. We knew once the athletes were in Beijing, 'The Great Firewall of China' might prevent accessibility to downloads." The Great Firewall is the massive Chinese internet monitoring and censorship system.
"We support the Olympics, the athletes and the accomplishments of the Chinese citizens in hosting the Olympics," added Wohl. "If Olympic athletes cannot speak their conscience, however, the Chinese government is treating Olympic athletes like modern day gladiators to be used for sport and entertainment. This is against everything the Olympics stand for. One can't support the Olympics while denying athletes their fundamental freedom of speaking the truth."
Mary Beth Markey, Vice President for Advocacy of the International Campaign for Tibet added: "This initiative is a wonderful statement about freedom of expression, and a reminder to those in Beijing for the Games to remember the crisis in Tibet."
A video for the project by Mark Pellington entitled, "Songs for Tibet - Freedom is Expression" will be on YouTube, and is available for websites and broadcast use.
Songs for Tibet - The Art of Peace,' will be available exclusively through iTunes. On August 12th, it will be available through all retail channels worldwide.
Track listing:
1. Hide & Seek 2 Imogen Heap
2. Send Your Love (Art of Peace Mix) Sting
3. Versions Of Violence (Recorded n Dressing Room In Cologne, Germany) Alanis Morissette
4. Belief John Mayer
5. Better (Piano & Voice) Regina Spektor
6. We Are All Made Of Stars (2008) Moby
7. Making Noise Damien Rice & The Cheshire Project
8. More Than This (Campfire Take) Vanessa Carlton
9. Nothing Fades (Kosen Rufu Version) Duncan Sheik
10. Where Are You Going? (Live In Barcelona) Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds
11. Song Of Sand (Great City Version) Suzanne Vega
12. All The Good In This Life Garbage
13. Hope (Live for The Art of Peace) Rush
14. Madonna On The Curb (Peace Mix) Jonatha Brooke
15. In These Times (The Concord Mix) Joan Armatrading
16. All My Mistakes (Featuring Tarira) Teitur
17. Alive In The World Jackson Browne
18. Better Way (Live in Six-Fours-les-Plage) Ben Harper
19. The Heart Of The Matter (Underlying Mix) Rupert Hine
20. To Heal (and Restore Broken Bodies) Underworld
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