An Introduction to this Project:

I set out to produce this recording project as a learning tool, for myself and hopefully for listeners as well. I’ve been inspired by a long tradition of folk musicians like Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, who were able to create compelling songs documenting the struggles and heroes of their times and places. I’ve been educated and moved by their music and greatly enjoy singing along. However, though many of the issues their songs address are still relevant, the communities and movements have changed. With This Land, I decided to try to create a collection of folk songs in a similar spirit, focusing on people who are in the midst of today’s struggles. This project does not aim to be comprehensive.

I chose these seven groups for a number of reasons, mostly because their work addressed a variety of issues and they were enthusiastic about being involved in the project. Through research, phone interviews, email, and on-site visits, I collaborated with representatives of each issue or group to decide what specific material to highlight as the basis for the songs. After composing a draft of each song, I sent it to be reviewed by the partnering group so they could suggest any lyrical changes they saw fit. I made revisions based on their feedback and then arranged and recorded the songs. I learned a huge amount in the process of creating this album, both about the relentless efforts of each of the groups or individuals with whom I had the opportunity to partner, and about the challenge of trying to create songs that were both musically interesting and accurate representations of the information they’d conveyed.

I am thankful to each of the participants for sharing their lives and experiences with me, as well as all of the artists and friends who contributed to this CD and website. Please help spread the word about this project. All of the proceeds of the CD sales go back to the participating groups to help fund their actions and organizing. It is my hope that this recording will be shared with others, raising awareness and funds to support these grassroots efforts. Thanks for listening.

–Joshua Marcus