Rather than paying me for the song, an alternative I would suggest in light of the subject matter is to donate instead to one of dozens of organizations that work with refugees. Some suggestions include:
United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
www.unhcr.ca
Mennonite Central Commitee (MCC):
mcccanada.ca/stories/sponsor-syrian-refugees
Migrant Offshore Aid Station:
www.moas.eu
To download the track free, just enter $0 into the purchase line at Checkout. You can then enter your email address at which you will receive your download link.
I wrote this song first as an instrumental blues groove, but as I learned more about the ongoing refugee crisis in the Mediterranean, a call to action regarding these events seemed to fit with the tone of the music. I was especially moved by the story of Alan Kurdi, and how he represented the millions of Syrian migrants fleeing civil war, risking everything to better their circumstances.
As Canadians, we often forget how many of our parents and grandparents first came to Canada as refugees and immigrants seeking to better our circumstances in the same way that these migrants are seeking asylum. We have in common the same desire of giving our children a safe and prosperous future. To ignore them is to turn our backs on our own history.
When we can see them as individual people with hopes, dreams, brilliant ideas, and children to care for, we can no longer simply see them as numbers in a dismal statistic. As you see their faces and hear their cries echoing over the waves, I hope that you will allow the sadness that tugs at your heart to motivate you towards compassion.
Please enjoy this music, wherever you come from.
You can read more about Alan Kurdi here:
www.macleans.ca/news/world/his-name-was-alan-kurdi/
The following article also influenced my songwriting process:
www.pinterest.ca/pin/294774738093863572/#
I am so grateful to all my friends and family who have helped me out with this project. Your feedback and encouragement has been invaluable, and I could not have made this happen without you.
released November 20, 2015
Words and music by Karl Sanden.
Percussion, accordion, harmonica, organ, and vocals performed by Karl Sanden.
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Karl Sanden at his home studio in Vancouver, BC.
Produced by Karl Sanden.
Album art by Karl Sanden.