Paul launches ‘A Demo For UKraine’
Singer-songwriter Paul Evans has launched a campaign to try and help the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine through music.
Coming up with the idea just last Saturday, Paul wanted to do something positive to raise money to help the people of Ukraine, and realising his limited audience and social media fanbase, hit upon the idea of collaborating with fellow musicians and bands to join forces.
“I thought about releasing a track to raise funds, but with limited commercial and social reach, I knew it would be a gesture with no real impact. So, I wondered how I might engage other musicians, bands and fans to help spread the word.” The result is ‘A Demo For Ukraine’!
A compilation album featuring demos and home recordings from various artists
Paul’s idea is to release a digital compilation album of 10-12 tracks featuring high quality demos or home recordings from various artists, including himself i.e. A Demo For UKRAINE.
“This fits well with the notion that it’s a DEMOnstration against the war too,” says Paul. “We’ve all been shocked and appalled by this unnecessary, unprovoked and pointless war. I’ve never been a campaigner or activist, or reacted to anything in this way before, but this crosses every line of human decency. I felt I needed to do something and this is what I came up with.”
Thanks to the social sharing and support of friends and musical connections, Paul received enough tracks to fill an album in under 24 hours.
“There are lots of musicians that make great music and write great songs at home, so why not get them involved? The best thing is that not one person has even mentioned the potential exposure, royalties or what’s in it for them - and I don’t even know the majority of people that have contributed either. That’s not what this is about. This is 100% about the people of Ukraine. They all think it’s a great idea and have just offered up recordings without question. I love that, as it’s very British spirited and the generosity we always show at times like this. I’ve also been surprised at the quality, which is great!”
A ‘DEMO FOR UKRAINE’ - Release date
Looking to release the album in late April/early May, Paul is going to assemble all the tracks, and with the help of a small group of musical collaborators, the final track listing will be selected. “The decision shouldn’t be mine alone, and we’re not ruling anyone in or out. We’ll see what we get and then we’ll need to see what hangs together for the album and take it from there. I want this album to be full of great songs of all genres, and high quality recordings, so it’s something people will want to buy and enjoy, as well as doing good. There might even be a follow up album if the songs keep coming. Let’s see what the power of music and togetherness can do!”
How to get involved & HELP
Musicians or bands can submit an original composition for consideration by emailing an .mp3 or .wav file to paulevanssound@gmail.com along with the writer credits and any copyright information e.g. © 2021 Paul Evans Music. All Rights Reserved.
Tracks can be a song you have ready to go, or a new one can be written/recorded. Submissions will need to be received imminently, so Paul can get this out and start raising money as soon as possible.
Bands, musicians and everyone that sees this on social media can also help by reaching out to their favourite bands and artists, so we get as much feedback as possible! You can also help by sharing on social media to amplify the campaign and the album when it comes out.
Paul is aiming for a late April/early May release.
Are you a record company or producer?
To make a success of this initiative, Paul is also inviting record companies and/or producers to get involved and support the idea, select tracks and help with the launch, production and promo etc. If this help is not forthcoming, Paul plans to release through Ditto music and donate 100% of proceeds to DEC.
For information about who we’re raising money for visit the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal at https://www.dec.org.uk/