I’m happy to announce the release  of the new single “Be On Our Way” today, the featured song from the Weinstein Company/MGM release Hurricane Season. The song pays homage to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina and the spirit of New Orleans in an inspiring “Curtis Mayfield meets Tupac-like” blend of classic soul music and socially conscious rap; performed by Grammy Award winner Van Hunt, New Orleans’ born rapper Supervision, Buku Wise and singers from the original Hidden Faces.

Like all the artists and musicians involved, New Orleans has always held a special place in my heart and ranked high on my list of musical influences. Moved by that and inspired by the movie and the true story upon which it was based, I tried to capture those feelings, the spirit of New Orleans and the underlying message, in an original song that fully supported the vision of the filmmaker, Tim Story. The result?  I’ll let you listen and judge for yourself.

Forest Whitaker’s Hurricane Season is based on the true and inspiring story of Al Collins (Whitaker), a high school coach,

Hurricane Season starring Forest Whitaker

who pulls together a group of high school basketball players – all left disenfranchised by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Against all odds, Colins learns and teaches the young men the meaning of perseverance and team spirit, leading them on to win the Louisiana State Championship. “Be On Our Way” underscores a pivotal montage through the challenges Al and his family must overcome, as their world gets washed away by the worst natural disaster in American history.

In addition to the creative opportunity, I saw the song and film as a chance to create an awareness campaign that could both remind millions of people of the struggle the people of New Orleans and the region are still going through as they try to rebuild their lives, and provide strength and inspiration for countless others around the world who are facing similar tragedies and challenges in their own lives.  Finally, I wanted to directly help the people of the Lower Ninth Ward, the area most affected by the catastrophic event and where much of the film was shot. To help me with this, I reached out to my friends at Apple’s iTunes Store to release and help promote the single and Brad Pitt’s Make it Right Foundation, to be the recipient of the proceeds.

Make It Right has been active rebuilding New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward. They are committed to building 150 sustainable, affordable and high quality homes,  while preserving the spirit of the community’s culture. Brad Pitt, Make It Right’s Founder, hopes that this project will be a catalyst for recovery and redevelopment throughout the Lower Ninth Ward and across the city of New Orleans. Through EarthTones, we are donating 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of “Be On Our Way” to Make It Right.

Be sure to check out the song and tell your friends about the campaign.  “Be On Our Way” is exclusively available at the Apple iTunes Store, starting today.

For more info about the song and campaign, go to http://earthtones.org/projects/be-on-our-way/

For more information on the Make It Right Foundation, please visit www.MakeItRightnola.com.