Saving The World With Free Music

It’s impossible to avoid the news of Haiti’s total devastation after an earthquake hit the impoverished Caribbean nation last week. This morning, a crushing 6.1 follow-up quake rocked the region, further complicating relief efforts that have been faced with incredible difficulty in getting supplies and help to the suffering, due to the damage done to the island.

Various benefits and fundraisers have leaped into action as a result. In addition to Friday’s planned Hope For Haiti telethon, where Jay-Z, U2 and many others will perform, our friends at the Viper Room brought a very cool project to our attention: Download To Donate, a collection of unreleased tracks from a diverse group of musicians who banded together to raise funds for the victims of the quake. Artists involved include Lupe Fiasco, Peter Gabriel, Linkin Park, Alanis Morissette, Dave Matthews Band, Enrique Iglesias, Hoobastank, All-American Rejects, Kenna and Slash.

The effort is spearheaded by Music For Relief, a nonprofit group focused on disaster relief efforts and founded by the members of Linkin Park. The group has raised over $3 million to support relief efforts following the 2004 tsunamis in Southeast Asia, Hurricane Katrina in the U.S. and other natural disasters.

Preview and download the tracks below (because I know you’ve been dying to hear a 13-minute version of DMB’s Typical Situation). After you download, they’re asking (no pressure, no pressure) that you make a donation to support relief efforts in Haiti. There’s no set amount they’re asking for, but they’d like you to give what you can to provide food, water and shelter to people in need.

To hear more from the artists about the Download To Donate effort and why the crisis in Haiti is close to their hearts, tune in to Larry King Live January 19 at 6:00 p.m. PST/9:00 p.m. EST. I know, Larry’s a leather bag in suspenders who can’t pronounce “E. Coli,” but it’s for a good cause.

Speaking of good causes, Pitchfork has a comprehensive list of other artists and publications getting involved. Check it out.