Updates

Hi, we're Andrew, Matt and Spud - but this story isn't about us.

This is a story about the people of Haiti, and more importantly, the current and future musicians of it's country.

As three Americans, we believe that the future of Haiti should lie within the hands of it's own people, not dependent on the handouts from other countries. But that's not to say that the American people and international community have no role in the matter. We have an incredible opportunity to inspire and support a country of dreamers, creatives and visionaries - and we believe music can play a vital role.

In March, Spud traveled to Haiti on behalf of a non-profit we created in August, 2010 called New Leaf Initiative. Working in Port-au-prince, Spud spent his time getting to know the stories behind the residents, NGO workers, and business people of Haiti and quickly began to realize the lack of focus on education, particularly on music education. For a country that prides itself on being the pearl of the Caribbean, the earthquake in January 2010 took a big hit on it's ability to properly educate and inspire the future generations. Over 50% of Haiti's population is 18 years or younger - the creative potential is yearning to be discovered and supported.

So here's what we plan to do about it...

This summer, we will be traveling to Haiti with audio recording equipment and traveling into the tent camps of Port-au-prince. What at first appears to be a sea of blue plastic tents, you soon discover is home to beautifully creative people with innovation and passion for creating a better world. During our time in Haiti, we will record the musicians of the tent camps and mix a CD representing the vast array of talent. We will also work alongside international musicians who will help market the song in the US. At the end of the summer, we will compile the CD  and put it up for sale on itunes. All proceeds from sales will support music education in Haiti.

But there's a twist to the CD... (and this is the fun part!)

Each song will represent a critical element to the social dimension of sustainability. We will use Max Neefs Fundamental Human Needs, a framework for detailing nine distinct and unique human needs that are essential to healthy and thriving lives. With Haiti and the post-disaster situation after the earthquake as a backdrop, we will co-write lyrics that illustrate each of the nine human needs. The CD will help people better understand social sustainability and how it applies to a country such as Haiti.

*image courtesy of The Natural Step

The Impact

This project will have a few key impacts.

1. Highlight and showcase local Haitian musicians to the US and abroad
   
2. Fund non-profits working on music education in Haiti with proceeds from the CD
   
3. Educate people about the social dimension of sustainability and fundamental human needs through the lyrics of the CD

Spud will be traveling to Haiti in the beginning of the summer to meet musicians and local partners. During that time, they will begin recording the first clips for the CD and writing lyrics. A second trip will occur at the end of the summer to finish recording. Our goal is to sell 250 copies of the physical CD and 350 digital copies on itunes. This will generate $5,500 to be put towards music education in Haiti.

What We Need & What You Get

That's the plan - now we need your help! To help fund our travel to Haiti, we are looking for $4000 from people who passionately believe in the power of music in the hands and on the lips of an individual. Here's where the money will go:

• $2,000 to get us and our recording equipment to Haiti (it costs approximately $500 for a round-way ticket from NYC to PAP, Haiti)
• $500 will be spent to live with and get to know the musicians (including housing, transportation and food costs)
  
• $1340 will be spent for CD production (including cd burning, copyrighting, case design and manufacturing)
• $160 to cover fees taken from IndieGoGo
  

But we would love it if we exceed our goal so that we can produce even more CDs and work alongside more partners and musicians. As a perk for your support, all donations greater than $100 will receive a free copy of the CD. And if you donate more than $200, you get the CD plus a free custom tshirt!

Other Ways You Can Help

Can't contribute financially? We could still really use your help by spreading the word...

  Tell your parents and church.

      Hold a fundraiser or bake sale.

          Post it on your blog or facebook.

              Tweet it with the hashtag #tentcampmusic!!

Every little bit helps :) For more information, visit our project page at New Leaf Initiative.