In order to raise awareness about the perils of climate change, Oscar and Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman has joined hands with some of the world’s most notable musicians, visionaries and philanthropists for a project titled Hands Around The World.
The song was launched on April 22nd, which marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
He teamed up with a variety of musicians and artists for this year-long project, which includes a new anthem featuring pop stars Natasha Bedingfield, Cody Simpson, soul musician MAJOR, opera icon Jonathan Cilia Faro, gospel singer Erica Atkins-Campbell of Mary Mary, and many more.
Alan Parsons and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra along with NASA and astronauts from the International Space Station have also lent their support with their One Note Symphony composition. An album of powerful songs representing music from different genres is also in the making.
A.R. Rahman said,
“I am hopeful that our combination of using music and technology on this project will have this message resonate with the masses. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with so many incredible musicians from around the world.”
As part of this Earth Day 2020 initiative, AR Rahman introduced the project via Instagram Live on April 22.
With the world under Covid-19 pandemic siege, this Earth Day project aims to put the spotlight on the need for people to stand by each other. ‘Hands Around the World’ is officially endorsed by the legendary record producer Quincy Jones and the primatologist and anthropologist Jane Goodall, with support from top climate change scientists, NASA’s Thorsten Markus and leading climate specialist Professor Todd Crowley.
The song lyrics have been written by Stephen Schwartz (Pippin, Wicked) and the team and had its first recording session at film/ television composer Nathan Barr’s Bandrika Studios in Los Angeles in February.
