Alicia Wiley,
Ana Egge,
Carey Ott,
Dawn Landes,
Jake Newton,
Jim Boggia,
John Mann,
Kassia Conway,
Korby Lenker,
Matt the Electrician,
Neko Case,
Nels Andrews,
Okkervil River,
Pete & J,
Pieta Brown,
Rebecca Elliott,
Sarah Kramer,
Shane Alexander,
Teneia Sanders,
The Swell Season,
Tracy Bonham,
Tyler James,
Vandaveer,
Wendy Newcomer,
William Fitzsimmons,
Willoughby
Influences
Joni Mitchell,
Stephen Stills & Manassas,
The Band,
Paul McCartney,
Jim Croce,
The Beatles,
Bob Dylan,
Jefferson Airplane,
Neil Young,
Paul Simon,
Everly Brothers/Jesse Winchester,
Tom Waits,
Joni Mitchell,
Simon & Garfunkel,
Neil Young,
Billy Joel,
Leonard Cohen,
Elton John,
Tim Buckley,
Van Morrison,
Bill Withers,
Tom Waits,
Leonard Cohen,
Fleetwood Mac,
James Taylor,
John Lennon
It's rare to meet an artist whose creativity wasn't buoyed by a teacher. Whether it was an art teacher, band director, literature professor, speech coach, or the kindergarten teacher who told them that it was okay to color outside the lines, there's usually someone who provided a key with which to open the artistic soul.
“Before the Goldrush” pays tribute to artists and mentors alike, as well as homage to the singer-songwriters of the Sixties and Seventies – James Taylor, Leonard Cohen, Tim Buckley, Joni Mitchell, and others – who laid the groundwork for today's generation of musicians.
The genesis of this project came out of connecting a series of dots: From hearing contemporary folkies talk about all the musical influences they picked up from their Baby Boomer parents, discovering how that music impacts their own styles and, in turn, engages their audiences.
A virtual open call was made to singer-songwriters around the world to be part of this project. Some are the children of teachers, some teachers themselves, but all believers in the prospects that great teachers can cultivate.
Many of the people in their audiences are recent college graduates who have made a two-year commitment to Teach For America. A commitment to work in schools in urban and rural communities with a focus on creating possibilities for students who might not otherwise have a chance. I’ve seen the love and energy their corps puts into their commitment, firsthand, and it creates a resonance that should be a benchmark for all educators.
The melding of an artist's soul and a teacher's heart is a natural. My hopes are that you'll carry the message of Teach For America and the passion of the musicians involved to your audiences. Tell the story, play the songs, spread the word.
“Before the Goldrush” is a digital-only release and sold as a single unit (containing all tracks). It is available through iTunes, Amazonmp3.com, Napster, eMusic, and other digital download etailers. All profits go to Teach For America and your purchase is tax-deductible.
![justmegan [NEW SONG!]](http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/78/s_2e770f7b6bd74f189b9c2a2b9e0968c0.jpg)
