The first volume of "The National Park Album" launches August 20th, 2024, featuring an extraordinary collection of original songs by legendary artists Ry Cooder, Animal Collective, and Rising Appalachia. This ambitious project, spearheaded by writer Fredrik Colting, aims to create a unique musical tribute for each of America's national parks, celebrating the natural beauty and shared experiences they inspire.
Colting, deeply moved by the concept of national parks as wild, beautiful spaces that connect us to nature and ourselves, initiated this cultural mission to capture the essence of these iconic landscapes. "Two things that unite us as humans are our love for music and nature," Colting stated. "I wanted to be part of creating an album that celebrated this connection in a time when we should be reminded of what unites us, rather than what divides us."
Volume I: A Journey Through America's National Parks out on August 20
Volume I of "The National Park Album" features 15 original songs, each recounting a unique story from various national parks. From the visual spectacle of Yosemite's Firefall to the mysterious disappearances in Olympic National Park, the album explores the rich histories and legends of these natural wonders.
Featured Tracks Include:
"America’s Best Idea" by David Karsten Daniels – Celebrating the creation of national parks as a sanctuary from modern life's stresses.
"The Edge of the Sea" by Jessica Allossery – A tribute to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia, where the first daylight touches the U.S. mainland.
"A Drop of Water" by Joseph DeNatale – The Grand Canyon's vastness carved by water over millennia.
"Lady Bird" by Stefanie Joyce – The adventurous spirit of Lady Isabella Bird in Colorado National Park.
"Desert Eyes" by Jacob Montague & John Brazell – The transient beauty of Arches National Park's sandstone formations.
"Congaree" by Animal Collective – An ode to the biodiversity of Congaree National Park.
"Hyperion" by James Worton – The tale of the world's tallest tree in Redwood National Park.
"Wisdom of the Smoke" by Rising Appalachia – An exploration of Appalachian culture and legend in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
"Stone Face" by Josh Gold feat. Crushboys – The Paiute legends of Bryce Canyon's hoodoos.
"37 Days in Wonderland" by Jeff Kightly – The survival story of Truman Everts in Yellowstone National Park.
"The Promised Land" by Jerry Popei – Zion National Park as a Garden of Eden amidst a desert landscape.
"Gods’ Land" by Allison Preisinger – The mysteries and dangers of Olympic National Park.
"As Long as It Is Wild" by Matt Griffith – Inspired by John Muir's writings and Yosemite's Firefall.
"Lava Beds" by Ry Cooder – A journey through the volcanic landscape of Lava Beds National Monument.
"The National Park Album" is available for streaming on all platforms starting August 20th. 100% of the profits will go to support the national parks. Limited edition vinyl sets can be purchased at Urban Outfitters, Huckberry, The Parks Project, REI, and thenationalparkalbum.com.
Supported By:
The National Park Service
National Park Stores across the U.S.
The Parks Project
Huckberry
REI
Trader Joe's
For more information, please visit thenationalparkalbum.com.
