So what if a single was to come out featuring System of a Down’s Serj Tankian, Ihsahn, and guitars from Devin Townsend? Yeah, that sounds like a dream collaboration that has never happened, right? Actually, it’s happening, and it’s coming out soon, courtesy of Revolution Harmony Records and it’s founder, Ray Holroyd. Holroyd, a British journalist and lecturer, started Revolution Harmony in Vancouver in 2011 as a way for his students to sell their music and donate the profits to charity. “We Are,” the track that Tankian, Townsend and Ihsahn collaborated on, was written by Holroyd.
The lyrical content of “We Are” is about musical harmony inspiring “a revolution towards societal harmony,” and is dedicated to Melson Mandela and the memory of Lucky Dube (viewed as the Bob Marley of South Africa). The song will be coming out worldwide on July 18th, which is Nelson Mandela Day. All proceeds will be donated to Buskaid, a charity providing free music lessons and instruments to children in South Africa.
“Revolution Harmony is a dream come true, it’s the perfect harmonious marriage of my two callings: making music and making a positive change in the world,” Holroyd comments. “‘We Are’ is the first milestone for Revolution Harmony, and to share it with three of my musical heroes, Serj, Ihsahn and Devin, who all believe in my vision, is deeply heartwarming and humbling. These musicians are overflowing with talent and compassion, and I am eternally grateful and monumentally honoured to have had them contribute to my cause by singing and playing on a piece of my music. The goal for these All-Star charity singles is to raise significant funds for various smaller charities, by making/selling creative and meaningful music that features rare collaborations by inspirational artists.”
Tankian commented on his involvement with the song, stating that “Music has saved my life and has the potential to create positive change in all those young kids struggling to make themselves heard and to survive.” Townsend also commented, stating:
“I met Ray while he was working at a guitar magazine in the UK. He was very generous with his position there and had convinced me to guest on his charity project. I am happy to contribute and to be involved with the other musicians. I hope the goals he has for the benefit of people in need come to fruition, and I wish everyone involved the best of luck. Please do what you can to help people less fortunate than yourself, it is rarely easy, but it is a testament to the human spirit.”
You can read more about “We Are” here, and Buskaid here.
