A new initiative aimed at funding conservation efforts has opened its doors to artists worldwide. The project, known as Sounds Right, is now accepting music submissions that incorporate the sounds of nature. This announcement was made on November 5, 2024, as the COP30 UN Climate Conference convenes in Belem, Brazil.
Launched in April 2024, Sounds Right features a playlist that artfully blends natural sounds—such as bird calls and ocean waves—with tracks from renowned artists including David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Hozier. The playlist aims to raise funds for conservation projects by directing royalties generated from these tracks to environmental causes. As of November 1, 2024, Sounds Right has successfully raised $400,000 for Indigenous and community-led conservation in the Amazon and Congo Basin, building on an earlier $225,000 directed to projects in the Tropical Andes.
The recent expansion allows any artist to submit their music for inclusion in the Sounds Right playlist, provided they officially credit “Nature” in their work. This initiative not only supports artists but also ensures that 50% of the royalties from accepted submissions go to environmental initiatives, with the remaining 50% benefiting the artists themselves.
As the climate conference unfolds, the significance of this initiative is underscored. According to Cathy Runciman, co-executive director of EarthPercent, the project serves as a powerful testament to how artists can leverage their creativity to celebrate and protect the environment. Runciman stated, “This collection of tracks is a powerful expression of how artists can use their creativity to celebrate and protect the natural world at such a critical moment for our planet.”
The playlist has recently added 14 new tracks that honor the natural splendor of both the Amazon and the Congo Basin. Notable contributions come from artists such as Alexia Evellyn, Pedrina, and Antonio Sánchez. Sánchez, a Grammy-winning artist, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the importance of connecting people with nature. His track, “Drumming with the Birds,” explores the rhythmic sounds of Amazonian birdlife.
In addition to these contributions, Brazilian producer Alok is expected to release a special track for the Sounds Right project soon. He remarked, “Nature has always played an essential role in music, and the time has come for it to be recognized for that.”
As more artists join this movement, Sounds Right is poised to amplify its impact on conservation efforts, making a compelling case for the intersection of art and environmental stewardship. The call for submissions is now open, inviting artists to participate in this meaningful endeavor.
