Corruption Exposed & Composed - ccMixter Remixes Rootstriker Larry Lessig

April 8, 2011 - PRLog -- ccMixter.org’s international music community will ‘Strike the Root’ with music, in support of Dr. Lawrence Lessig’s new Rootstrikers project.  Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s words: “There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root,” Dr. Lessig has contributed recordings on the subject of corruption in society and government to ccMixter under Creative Commons licenses. Along with Lessig’s spoken word, ccMixter composers will contribute original songs, poetry and music to be produced and remixed – sharing experiences of corruption and its impact, worldwide.  

In Boston today at the National Conference for Media Reform, Dr. Lessig announced his Rootstrikers Project and website, rootstrikers.org, where citizens are invited to share personal stories of corruption and how it’s impacted their own lives. At ccMixter.org, anyone can participate creatively in the ‘Strike the Root Remix Project’ – by recording a poem, story, song, or sample for remixing under Creative Commons license.

“We need a community of rootstrikers--activists and creators--working together toward a shared goal,” said Dr. Lessig. “The root of our political evils is money. Rootstrikers and the Strike the Root Remix projects give us a chance to explore corruption and what we can do to fix it. "

ccMixter, the most prominent experiment in free music culture, was co-founded by Lessig in 2004 with a series of remix contests in hosted by Creative Commons in conjunction with Wired Magazine featuring The Beastie Boys, David Byrne, Cee-Lo, and other innovative musicians.  Since its inception, ccMixter has collectively created over 20,000 musical pieces under Creative Commons licenses, through international collaboration.

“When it all falls apart make art,” says Emily Richards, aka Snowflake on ccMixter.  “Music is universal -- it speaks from the Soul. Music can express much more than words alone. It deeply saddens me to acknowledge that we’re living in a time of unprecedented greed and corruption. But instead of destroying with our fears, we’re creating with hope.” Emily is also the CEO of ArtisTech Media, the company that operates ccMixter.org.  

The 'Strike the Root Remix Project' was announced today at ccMixter.org.  It states, “As artists, we believe we can facilitate a musical discussion – where the darkness of corruption can be lightened by sharing, collaboration and creativity…”  For over six years, ccMixter.org has internationally demonstrated the power of its 20,000-strong music community, made possible by Creative Commons licensing, and through the motto “Download, Sample, Cut-up, Share.”  

At http://ccMixter.org, the Strike the Root Remix Project has two phases. Until April 16, stage one is open for musicians and writers to record and upload an original piece, under Creative Commons license, relevant to the project theme. ccMixter artists will then have until April 30 (the official launch date of Dr. Lessig’s new website) to produce, mix and remix. Past ccMixter remix events include Freedom to Share: Response to ASCAP, Emergence Sonic-Art Installation, and One Laptop Per Child /Berklee School of Music.

Visit http://rootstrikers.org to participate in Lessig’s project. To learn more about the Strike the Root Remix Project visit: http://tunetrack.net/ccmixter/blog/posts/421/strike-the-r....

For Press Inquiries, please email info@artistechmedia.com.

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ArtisTech Media is a next generation music label that aggressively combines music, technology and collaboration - in order to create a quality, interactive musical experience for both creator and listener. ArtisTech Media operates the sites ccMixter.org and TuneTrack.net.