Like so many people, I was inspired by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge this summer. Since today (Oct. 1) marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'm hoping to create a similar online campaign but without the use of water, ice cubes, and challenges to friends to get wet. A-Sides' Sing Away Cancer Challenge isn't so much a challenge as it is a fun dare. The concept is simple: create a short video of yourself singing any popular song's chorus but with anti-cancer and/or cure-geared inspiring lyrics. All I ask is for you to donate to a cancer-related charity of your choice, tag your video "#singawaycancer" and denote on your donation somewhere "sing away cancer." It's so important to know if this would-be viral campaign will work, and it's so not important if you can carry a tune or not. There are so many worth causes to donate to.
Even if this campaign falls flat, please donate to the cause. I donated last month - as I have since her passing - to Stand Up to Cancer in memory of my mentor Carol Shiffman. There are so many we've lost...so many fighting, and so many who have survived. So what are you waiting for? Sing loud and proud, and kick Cancer right square in its private parts. A few in the industry have already filmed spots (they're posted below), and I'll add some more to this post as the week goes on. Make music. Create change.
Oct. 1, 2014
Announcement
Fire and the Romance (Dion Roy)
October 2
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About A-Sides Music
Jon Chattman's "A-Sides Music" series was established in August 2011 and usually features artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometimes humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, I'm hoping this is refreshing. Artists have included: fun, Courtney Love, Air Supply, Birdy, Sleigh Bells, Aretha Franklin, Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, Echosmith, Charli XCX, Pharrell Williams, American Authors, Imagine Dragons, Gary Clark Jr., and more! A-Sides theme written and performed by Blondfire.