Got Vitam-indie? Indie Music for Life Volume 2.
The Vitamin E of Independent Music compilations is released and ready to fight cancer.

-- Monday February 14th, 2005 By Annette Warner

Can it get any healthier a concoction for the music lover? I don’t think so. It most definitely can’t become anymore heartfelt of an endeavor. On behalf of the one in three people that get diagnosed with a form of cancer and the one in eight of us who will actually die from this disease, 30 original music artists from all over the United States have come together to fight cancer on a double disc compilation that’s proceeds are designated to be disbursed among cancer centers and organizations related to cancer treatment and research. The sad thing is, there are still less artists on this CD than there are types of cancer...

Wilmington, NC based Singer-Songwriter; Vicki Blankenship is yet another one of us insatiable, artistic dreamers that believe in a cause enough to set out to make a difference. A six year cancer survivor, Vicki and her business partner Lisa Kellums founded Indie Music for Life in 2004, one of many organizations across the U.S. that promotes cancer awareness and fundraising for cures and research. But this particular one has taken on a very specific approach to its work; Promoting indie artists and making that as equal a driving force for the organization’s mission as its desire to assist those suffering with this disease in a more personal way, and to provide an additional avenue of support for those already established centers in need of extra funds. The gift of music is a timeless reminder that people really do care, and what better way to show it than on a diverse and talented compilation of struggling artists selflessly giving of their creative spirits for a good cause?

The Artists pulling together for this project have at least one thing in common; they don’t sound anything alike! Hoorah! Christopher Dallman, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin donated one of the most memorable songs on the project with his cut Motel Room. This punchy drive and funky, jam-able rhythm was totally appreciated. Another of many stand-out tracks was female artist Andy Moore’s cut Forget the Rest. "Try my best to learn from my mistakes and.. forget the rest" should be everyone’s motto and Andy sings that meaningful lyric very well with a voice that sticks to your soul. In addition to Vicki Blankenship’s cut Feel’s Good Home, local and Eastern NC artists appearing include; Wilmington’s own guitar Swami Laura McLean; NC’s fastest rising duo and my bet for the next Indigo Girls popularity comparison, Someone’s Sister; The usually humorous, but not on this CD, Jamie Anderson and; Swansboro’s incomparable Jennifer Licko, all of whom preside very well over their donated tunes. Over all..this entire 2 disc project has a myriad of accomplished songwriters and touring artists from all over the U.S that each hold their own and offer something exquisitely sweet to the punch bowl. A melting pot of sound from Rock to Folk to R & B to Jazz definitely makes it an interesting listen and a nice addition to a compilation collectors "easy-grab" shelf of favorites. Yeah, yeah, and yeah...I’m writing this article and just so happen to be included on the CD. So? What’s wrong with a little shameless self-promo and admitted conspiracy to sell the CD, so all of you current and future Annette Warner fans that haven’t heard "I Found Love" in the past 8 years since its writing can do so....on yet another compilation? I don’t care how old it is..it’s a great song..no matter what version you listen to! Heh!

Just think..if only this year you buy; four less mixed drinks, two less ‘cheap’ 12 packs; five less packs of generic cigarettes; three less packs of name brand cigarettes; four less trips to a fast food joint for a dose of arterial Jell-O; ten less loaves of white bread; ten lbs less white sugar; fifteen lbs less of white flour and, get this... just one less "Industry Puppet Flavor of the Year" CD, with 10-12 at the most tunes on it..you too can afford this 30 artist jaunt through the Independent Music world for a very good cause. That’s one less flavor than Baskin Robbins folks! So....if you’re fishing for some good karma and a place to lose a $20.00 bill.......

For more information about Indie Music for Life and to order the CD visit www.IndieMusicforLife.org or write: Indie Music For Life 2028 White Rd. Wilmington, NC 28411 or call 910.452.1336