Composer and philanthropist Peter Buffett and international star Akon announced today the beginning of their musical collaboration and the launch of a new social action and resource website, IsThereSomethingICanDo.com. Akon added vocals and remixed Buffett's song "Anything," from his 2007 album 'Staring At The Sun.' Starting today, the track is available for free download at their new website IsThereSomethingICanDo.com
The website hopes to answer the question "Is there something I can do?" posed within the song and will offer practical ways to get involved in affecting positive change. It will also serve as a forum for users to learn and share information about their experiences with giving back.
Buffett wrote "Anything," after visiting post-war Liberia and Sierra Leone. Akon, an avid supporter of aid organizations benefiting his home of Senegal, viewed the video Buffett created after his trip and was immediately inspired to contribute.
"This song serves as a global call to action. After my trip to West Africa I knew I had to express what I saw the best way I know how - through music - and to have Akon hear my call was an honor and a surprise to both of us," Buffett says.
Akon adds, "I didn't know who Peter was when we met, and he didn't know anything about me. That's the thing that makes our work together genuine: It's based simply on our desire to encourage people to do something."
The "Anything" remix is the first project in what will be an ongoing relationship for this unique pairing. Next up, Akon will begin work on the song "Can We Love" from Buffett's upcoming album 'Imaginary Kingdom' (out September 9th, BeSide Records) and together they are planning further artistic collaborations around this theme.
More on Peter Buffett:
Omaha-born, EMMY Award winning Buffett has spent two decades as a composer and producer, best known for contributing to the score of the ACADEMY AWARD-winning film 'Dances With Wolves.' It wasn't until 2006's 'Gold Star' album that he added vocals to his intricate ambient sounds.
Buffett's next release 'Imaginary Kingdom' finds his signature lush electronic music and layered harmonies in their most revved-up state. The album features 14 tracks with a socially conscious focus including "Can We Love?," a song Buffett performed at this year's anniversary celebration of V Day in New Orleans, making him the only male to ever take the stage at the revolutionary rally to stop violence against women and girls.
More on Akon:
The son of accomplished jazz musician Mor Thiam, Akon was introduced to varied musical styles early on, and his two full-length albums for Universal, 'Trouble' and 'Konvicted,' are a hybrid of rap and silky R&B vocals. His multifaceted sensibilities and popular club anthems have launched him to international success, with four 2008 GRAMMY nominations and over 8 million records sold.
