Hunger Strike - Temple Of The Dog Cover

New musical project to help bring about a positive change:

The other week I was driving and noticed a homeless man at a red light. I don’t know why he stood out to me per se, but I lowered my window and asked if he was hungry and if he’d like some food. With a humble look on his face he answered ‘yes.’ I pulled over and bought him a warm meal so he could stay a little warmer that evening. As I was leaving, what struck me about my interaction with this man was how surprised he was that a complete stranger treated him like a person.

Now, I’m not writing this to say, “look at what I did,” but to share something important I realized afterward. Even though we are well off in so many ways in this country, there is a real poverty in how we relate to those “weaker” than us, you could say. It’s not surprising…when we turn on the radio or tv all we hear is how egoism and selfishness are the way to success, supposedly. When you read the paper you find out how another corporation, financial institution, or lawmaker took advantage of others and got away with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. We see the negative effects of this mentality all around us and it’s not something we should allow those close to us to be exposed to anymore. So, I have an idea...

I’m not rich and can’t feed everyone who is in need. Fact. This problem is much bigger than me. But, it’s not bigger than all of us! I want to see the day where it’s completely normal for people to stop and buy food for someone who needs a helping hand, and where the poor are no longer surprised to be treated like people. I can’t feed everyone but what I can do is use the gifts and resources I was given to create positive music that inspires one to love the person next to them in simple ways. I invite other artists to do the same! We’re in a unique position to influence a change in our culture. And this is exactly what this new project is about. I have decided to create original music with a positive message for the next year and release it into the internet. I’m not trying to get discovered or to make any money from this. I just want to let art be art and do what it does best. Below, I posted a link for a new cover of two awesome bands (Soundgarden and Pearl Jam) who collaborated as Temple Of The Dog to write the song “Hunger Strike.” Yes, it’s a cover…but the content of this song is perfect to kick off this project. Check it out. To me, the message of this song is not to go on a real hunger strike since we all need to eat. It’s about becoming conscious of others and living within our means, like getting rid of unnecessary comforts so that others may live. Got a 20 in your pocket? Instead of buying a $14 pizza and paying $6 in fees/tip to get it delivered to your door, make dinner yourself and use the remaining few bucks to get someone a burger. That’s all. Original stuff coming soon! Enjoy and feel free to pass on. Be sure to listen through stereo speakers or good headphones…the sound is totally different ;)

Cheers,
Pawel