Lorde, Elbow, Sting, Of Monsters and Men, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel and other artists have all expressed their support for the Dalai Lama by contributing songs to a compilation album entitled Art of Peace: Songs for Tibet II that has been released on iTunes today.
The songs represent a celebration of the Dalai Lama’s philosophy of compassion and non-violence and peace. It is designed to focus people’s attention on the global significance of his teachings and the gift of Tibetan culture. Proceeds from the album will be used to help improve economic conditions for Tibetan refugees and facilitate cultural preservation projects.
The Art of Peace Foundation was also instrumental in organising the Dalai Lama’s appearance at Glastonbury this year – a project that took a number of years after the release of the Grammy nominated first Songs For Tibet album back in 2008 which was number one on iTunes around the world. The artists themselves have all agreed to contribute tracks specifically to the new album as a gift to the Dalai Lama on his birthday.
The full track list is as follows:
Sting – The Book of My Life (Ostinato Mix)
Of Monsters and Men – King & Lionheart
Elbow – Lippy kids (Live from Manchester Apollo)
The Family Crest – Sparks (Glister Mix)
Kate Bush – Wild man (with remastered shimmer)
Lorde – A world alone
Beyond (feat. Regula Curti, Dechen Shak-Dagsay, Sawani Shende-Sathaye & Tina Turner) – Mother Within (Ostinato Mix)
Duncan Sheik – Sometimes
Howard Jones – Things can only get better (acoustic version)
Bob Geldof – Baby’s Going Down
Rival Sons – Sacred Tongue
The Crystal Method (feat. Meiko) – Falling Hard
Ed Prosek – Home (Chamber Mix)
Rupert Hine – You can’t be chased (Ostinato Mix)
Eleanor McEvoy – Deliver me (From What You Do)
Peter Gabriel – Signal to noise (Cut in Edit)
“This is the moment for musicians and the world to show their appreciation for the Dalai Lama, what he represents and the benefits received from his teachings. Getting the Dalai Lama to Glastonbury and producing this album is all part of a larger project to give back to the Tibetan community and ultimately preserve their culture” said Michael Wohl, executive director of the Art of Peace foundation and project originator.
The musical offerings have been coordinated by Rupert Hine, the renowned songwriter and record producer who has worked with hundreds of well-known artists over the years.
“Inspired to contribute musical gifts to the Dalai Lama – a wide range of artists have stepped up to mark the occasion. From the iconic Peter Gabriel, Sting and Kate Bush – through to contemporary powerhouses like Lorde, Elbow and Of Monsters and Men” said Rupert Hine.