Mojave releases digital album and reduces its footprint
Released on: December 17, 2007, 7:57 am
Press Release Author: Mojave
Industry: Entertainment
Press Release Summary: Local band plays green with digital-only release, carbon offsets and charitable donations
Press Release Body: VANCOUVER, BC (October 11, 2007) - After repeated visits to the beautiful and ecologically fragile southern U.S. deserts, the musicians of Mojave developed a deep commitment to protecting the planet. The trips even inspired their band name. The duo, comprised of Paul & Lisa, recently recorded their first album, Stories, which they have released solely in digital MP3 format to avoid producing unnecessary waste (available through Apple iTunes).
The acoustic rock band is also donating a portion of its sales to charitable organizations including 1% for the Planet, offsetting carbon emissions created by traveling to the studio and recording the 10 tracks, and walking to their gigs whenever possible.
"We don't write hippie songs or 'planet earth' medleys and we're not trying to make a political statement," says Paul. "We're just infusing our feelings about the world into how we live our lives and do our music."
Over Lisa's pretty, soaring voice and Paul' evocative alto, Mojave mixes it up with violins, drums, guitars and a layer of rich instrumentation. The pair both come from hard rock backgrounds, however, so the sound never gets too sweet. It's got an edge that comes out both on stage and in the musicians' passion for the environment.
In order to walk its green talk, Mojave is:
. Carbon offsetting transportation fuel and power consumed in travel and during studio time through Tree Canada (http://treecanada.ca). The band has offset the 0.16 tons of CO2 released in driving to and from the recording studio by planting 22.02 trees.
. Not releasing physical CDs, which ultimately end up in landfills as non-biodegradable, non-recyclable material. Most music fans today also prefer digital files for their computers or MP3 players.
. Walking or taking public transit to all local shows. As an acoustic band, Mojave doesn't need to carry heavy gear or amplifiers.
. Using American Apparel (www.americanapparel.net) brand clothing for all merchandise. AA is a sweat shop-free manufacturer based in downtown Los Angeles. It's a socially responsible company and the products travel a shorter distance than clothing made in China, for example.
. Donating a percentage of all sales to ecologically-minded charities such as 1% Percent for the Planet (www.onepercentfortheplanet.org).
Paul, who also plays with local band Black Canvas, and Lisa who fronts the Vancouver hard rock group Damsel Fly, emphasize that they're not interested in preaching their green efforts or making others feel guilty. They just want to show that respecting the planet and making creative, expressive music can go hand in hand.
"We realize that it's not possible to do everything in an environmentally-minded way all the time," says Lisa "But if an ecologically-friendly option exists, it's worth checking it out and probably worth pursuing. "
While Mojave's environmental conscience infuses its touring and marketing efforts, Paul and Lisa are focused on writing and performing good songs that tell engaging stories. Mojave has also recently played at Simon Fraser University's Sustainability Festival in October 2007 and Earth Save's Taste of Health show.
Stories is available through Apple iTunes at: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?playListId=263806605
About the band: Mojave was founded in 2006 after Paul (Black Canvas) and Lisa (Damsel Fly) met in a local music venue. They quickly found personal and musical compatibility to create a sound that is just as intense as their hard rock roots, but without the distortion.
Lisa and Paul share vocal and guitar duties, adding session players as necessary. Stories is Mojave's first full-length album. It was recorded by Tim Neuhaus of Ear Art Music Studios in Delta, B.C. Cover photo is by Philip Greenspun (http://philip.greenspun.com). Press photos are by George Smeltzer.
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