The NINE BEATS Collective has come together to make a soundscape of songs, instrumentals and spoken word that explores the ancient wisdom known as 'The Beatitudes' – and we’d love to invite you to help us make it happen!
Why are we so passionate about this project? Because these words speak about another world being possible, another way of being human: in these turbulent times, could they actually offer us steps to a new reality? NINE BEATS explores these powerful notions - and presents them back to the culture around us through music and art.
“The arts and theology and spiritual formation are really great conversation partners because…we’re invited to question the assumptions of the systems that we are part of … they point out that the emperor has no clothes on and then invoke the possibility of newness to come … there’s a longing inside of us for another world, something better than what’s here right now … the Beatitudes invite us in to that possibility and say there is a new way to be human, another world is possible.” Mark Scandrette – author & speaker
The Collective features:
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- World renowned guitarist Caleb Quaye - Elton, Jagger, Hall & Oates, and, well, you name them! (USA)
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- Award-wining composer and artist Mikael R Andreasen (Denmark)
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- Artist, performer & Child Rights campaigner Ambassada (Uganda)
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- MOBO-winning producer, songwriter & guitarist Tony Bean (UK)
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- Acclaimed singer-songwriter Heatherlyn (USA)
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- Super-talented keyboard player & music director Martin Trotman (UK)
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- Brooklyn’s brilliant band leader Rev Vince Anderson
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- Songwriter, philosopher, cultural commentator & one-time AC/DC sound engineer Barry Taylor,
Add in thought leaders, spoken word artists & cultural commentators like Mark Scandrette, Eric Leroy Wilson, Rozella Haydée White and Christine Yi Suh, and this is an awesome Collective!
Here’s what we need:
By end October, we want to have finished the 'soundscape' album of songs, music, and spoken words: that will be released as a download AND a vinyl album (complete with gatefold cover, great artwork, concept album styling).
Right now, we need £10,000 to complete this recording, and produce the first drop of vinyl to initially release of the album early in 2017.
The funds we raise will help us:
- Complete the writing & pre-production at 5am Records studio (Birmingham, UK) through the summer.
- Complete the vocal recordings in USA with the best negotiated recording equipment & studio hire (x2 people, recording over 1 week in diverse locations)
- Complete mixing & mastering for download & vinyl
- Initiate the production of the first drop of vinyl
Here’s some goodies for you:
We’ve got some great goodies to perk up the process:
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All of the funds raised will go towards the album – we’re committed to making it happen, and we aim to release in February 2017.
Impact
“We live in a world that doesn’t have very much hope right now and if you get a glimpse, a glimmer of something that could actually give hope and actually transform the human heart, and communities, and the world, that’s powerful.” Eric Leroy Wilson (Award-winning poet, playwright, producer, spoken word artist & spiritual formation director)
These NINE BEATS are ancient words that on the face of it might seem unfashionable: they’re found in the Bible, spoken by Jesus – and yet a closer look reveals they are bursting with startling relevance to today. As we’ve explored them we’ve found they’re about a welcome, not a weapon – hidden treasures worth sharing! With all that’s happening culturally and politically, we think this unique album has a timely theme. It’s got a great cast of international artists and different cultural vibes, something really compelling and intriguing. You can help us make it a reality!
If we exceed our £10k target, that will be just fantastic because we can then look at things like visuals, live events and at our other ideas like digital and physical resources to help people explore the NINE BEATS for themselves.
Risks and challenges
All of us involved have a solid track record in the music, art, film, creative and even academic/theology worlds: we’ve delivered many albums and films and we’re just so excited about this concept, the ‘heart’ of this project.
The main funders thus far, whilst not in the music industry, do have a 128-year heritage of creatively communicating Bible content through art, booklets, live programmes and community projects across the globe.
Any challenges, we believe, can be confidently handled by this great group of professionals and artists – if we fail to achieve our targets, we’ll still press ahead and seek other avenues – we’d just prefer the people to speak and journey with us!
It’s all under way, it’s happening – we’re ready for you to jump on board. Anything you can give is a massive gift to us, so THANK YOU in advance!
Other ways you can help
If can’t give but you resonate with the NINE BEATS vibe, you can be a massive help by getting the word out
- through whatever social media platforms you use
- through your networks and circle of friends
- through Indiegogo share tool
The more people that hear there’s a NINE BEATS to the bar rhythm rising, the better!
