Tuesday, April 26, 2011

For Japan

After the devastation in Japan, hundreds of artists, labels and individuals came together to support and raise money for the relief effort. It’s humbling to see things like this happen, especially when it’s artists that I have come to love and respect for other reasons, and who then go the extra step to help those unfortunate enough to be affected by such disasters.

Several compilations have stood out for me, number one being the momentous effort from Keith Kenniff (aka Helios) and his wife, Hollie. Their compilation, For Nihon, is probably the best line up ever.  It’d be hard to talk about this compilation in its entirety because of the crazy amount of artists, so here’s just a few words which will hopefully help paint the picture. I’ve also included a few other great compilations set up specifically for Japan’s relief efforts.

For Nihon
The artists involved and the quality of the music is second to none. Ulrich brings in the shoegaze for this instrumental approach to Ulrich’s sound with more emphasis on the guitars. Rhian Sheehan and ambient veteran Biosphere contributes with a typically stripped back but hugely engrossing ambient number.Jon Hopkins treats us to one of his more ambient/soundtrack styled productions, but still manages to give it an edge.

You can purchase the compilation over on the Unseen website for a donation of $20, with all proceeds going towards the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.  Check here for the full tracklist.

A Collection Box 
If you enjoyed aus’ and Ametsub’s contributions to ‘For Nihon’, then you can also download their dedicated EP set up to support the Japanese Red Cross. They’ve put together a six track release which comes straight from the heart of three of Japan’s best loved experimental producers. Only Light To Clear Away
Compiled between June 2010 and January 2011 ‘Only Light To Clear Away’ is now committed to donating all proceeds to the Japanese Red Cross.  Specta Ciera has contributed, and we’re also lucky enough to see tracks from Loscil and Sons of Magdalene.

23 comments:

  1. Hm, a charity gets money and i get good music? sounds like a deal to me :D

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  2. The collection box is sooo movinging!

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  3. so beautiful!!! i played the two albums in their entirety while at work.

    much thanks for sharing. :D

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  4. These are some pretty decent songs!

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  5. good songs in that collection box!

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  6. i think it is a good thing to spend money for.

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  7. I donated to Japan, but I also donated to Haiti. I wonder how many of these people and organizations helped the lower income, more needy country in their time of grief?

    Not that I'm bashing Japan, but a lot of people are going Haiti who? It's not right.

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  8. thats really nice, the music is really good too

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  9. Good to see tons of support for Japan.

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  10. It's nice and all, but I feel like people just move from tragedy to tragedy and it's all about "what's the new horrible thing happening now I can support" while neglecting the past.

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  11. @Idaho
    Its true that Haiti is still one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, but the donations DID help. I do agree its sad that people already forget the last tragedy in favor of the recent, and theres probably more people donating to Japan then donated to Haiti...but complaining ins't gonna help. :/

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  12. I didn't donate to Japan, mostly because I saw what they were doing on the news. They were working together and helping each other to rebuild after this tragedy, they didn't need our help, they had it under control. The sad thing is that a similar tragedy in the US would still be mired in finger pointing, not fixing things.

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  13. Ah good, I like stuff like this, it's nice to see.

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  14. everyone is raising money these days....

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  15. They gave me Raidou and video games, I should give back :I

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  16. Thumbs up for them. Gotta respect the work they did.

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  17. Love the blog style! Keep up the great work!

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  18. this songs still stuck in my head.

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  19. I like how everyone is coming together to help during natural disasters

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  20. It's for a good cause, so I'll help out

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  21. what a great cause and great songs.
    followed
    please check my blog out as well

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