In our new age of digital distribution for music, it’s never more apparent how quickly music can react to World Events than when a disaster occurs.
As Hurricane Katrina’s devastating effects became news, musicians and actors from all over the World felt moved to use their talents to help where they can, including British singer songwriter Tarnia.

The song ‘US of A’ was originally written 4 years ago. When Tarnia wrote the lyrics and heard the song she felt it was destined to make a difference in the world but little did she know it would take a natural disaster to bring it back off the shelf.

Having contacted her co writer Nils Hagner, the songs release was organised within 24 hours employing the services of two companies, both experts in digital distribution, With Arkade www.arkade.com distributing in the UK and Intent Media Works is servicing the USA market.

Kent based artist Tarnia said, “The USA is like a second home to me. The friends I have made all over the USA are like a second family. The people in New Orleans are wonderful. Many are very poor but rich in pride and sheer determination.

Tarnia is not alone in her sympathy for the victims; Michael Jackson has announced that he has written a song ‘From the Bottom of my Heart’ which he hopes to record with other artists and release as a charity single.

In a statement Jackson said he would be "reaching out to others in the music industry to bring relief and hope" and more celebrities are stepping up their efforts to bring relief to those affected by Hurricane Katrina via a variety of channels.

Director Steven Spielberg and his family are donating $750,000 to the American Red Cross and the same amount to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. Actor George Clooney will give $1m to the United Way Hurricane Katrina Response Fund with Green Day, REM, John Cusack and Moby pledging to help find housing for flood victims through the political organisation MoveOn.org.

Whilst President Bush has come under criticism for his alleged slow response, 28 year old Tarnia, the youngest person in over 10 years to stand for election to the Musicians Union Executive and Regional Committees, saw the news footage as an immediate call to action. Kevin Harrington from Arkade commented, “We are thrilled to be supporting Tarnia’s initiative. The Arkade, and the internet, has empowered artists to independently release their music when they want and how they want. No longer are executives in suits standing in the way.”

The UK cost of the song is just 75p with 70p guaranteed to go directly to the Red Cross appeal fund. Please download generously!!

For further information

For further information, please contact Mel Thomas. Stay Gold Press.
Tel: 01273 201327 / 07768 865737. mel@staygold.co.uk

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