Presented by the educational non-profit organization, Compassionate Farming Education Initiative (CFEI), "Home on the Range" is a benefit compilation album and documentary film, both to be released June 24. The album includes unreleased and exclusive tracks by established, outspoken artists who are passionate about animal rights and environmental issues.
"Home on the Range" was conceived and produced by Kneel Cohn (Warshow Angels) to raise funds for farm animal sanctuaries and to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected animals. He explains, "I envisioned a charity project that brought together an incredibly eclectic and inspiring group of bands and musicians. Ultimately, "Home on the Range" became a tremendous example of what an earnest, heart-driven indie fundraiser can become."
All of the songs on "Home on the Range" were donated by artists who have had a voice in the peaceful, compassionate lifestyle movement. High profile artists like Chrissie Hynde, Moby, Howard Jones, Conor Oberst, and Joan Jett have long promoted plant-based diets and animal rights activism. Yoko Ono, who provided an exclusive song memorializing a family pet, is one of the world's leading peace advocates.
Contributors to the documentary, including singer-songwriter and Broadway / stage star Nellie McKay, Warshow Angels, Princess Superstar, and Karen Ellis-Ritter and Joshua Ritter of Modern Day Alchemy, also contribute music to the compilation.
Other artists represent many genres, eras, and creative mediums: Fred Macherino (The Color Fred) from Taking Back Sunday, The Last Amendment (Penny Rimbaud and Eve Libertine from anarchist punk group Crass and Tony Barber from Buzzcocks), Stephen R Burroughs (Head of David), Justin Sane (ANTI-FLAG), The Giving Tree Band (leading the eco-friendly music production and manufacturing movement), Micah Tamblyn (Dropa), Share Ross (Vixen) and Bam Ross (The Dogs D'Amour) are The Lovestains, Joy Askew, and Early Melodic Animals (actor/activist JD Parsons, filmmaker Riz Story, Daniel Hudson and Jane's Addiction's Stephen Perkins).
HOME ON THE RANGE TRACK LIST:
01 The Pretenders Break Up The Concrete
02 Bright Eyes Shell Games (live) *
03 Moby The Day (acoustic version) *
04 Nellie McKay Suitcase Song (demo) *
05 Howard Jones Assault & Battery (live) *
06 Warshow Angels Bang Bang Love
07 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Make It Back
08 Princess Superstar Sound The Alarm (radio edit) *
09 The Color Fred Complaintor (demo) *
10 Justin Sane Cassette Deck, Road Trip, Grand Canyon
11 Yoko Ono Ode To Meadow (unreleased) *
12 The Giving Tree Band Peace On The Mountain *
13 Joy Askew Walk The Dog (remix) *
14 Modern Day Alchemy Dark Delight *
15 Dropa Estimated Arrival
16 Warshow Angels w/ Tony Barber & Nicky Garratt Love Hz (8 bit edit)*
17 The Lovestains Downtown
18 Early Melodic Animals Feel Low
19 Stephen R. Burroughs The Stars Left Off Mockery (demo) *
20 Last Amendment The First Goat *
21 Sin Corporation Pray For My Machine (v.2 remix) *
* Denotes exclusive track available only on "Home On The Range"
Produced by Kneel Cohn
Mastered by Steve Sundholm (Madonna, Hall & Oates, Carrie Underwood, Joe Bonamossa, Green Day)
The accompanying documentary directed by Amy Leonard features interviews with Kathy Stevens, the founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, along with Cohn, McKay and Superstar, plus CFEI founders Karen Ellis-Ritter and Joshua Ritter.
The 19-minute film explores the rich emotional lives and intellectual gifts that all animal species possess. Rescued animals on the beautiful grounds of Catskill Animal Sanctuary illustrate the value of farm sanctuaries for saving lives, providing education, and promoting peace. The film also discusses the harmful effects of animal agriculture on the animals, our bodies, and the planet and offers plant-based consumer solutions.
"Home on the Range" will be available as a digital download through iTunes, Amazon and Google Music worldwide on June 24th. The physical CD will be for sale at select retailers throughout North America, UK and Europe and online directly from CD Baby. The documentary will be viewable for free on YouTube.
Through CFEI, a 501c3, proceeds from this album will be donated to several non-profit farm animal sanctuaries throughout the U.S. including Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Happy Trails Farm Sanctuary, Kindred Spirits, and Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. Collectively, their mission is to rescue, feed, and provide a safe shelter for abused and neglected farm animals.