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The Compassion International trip to El Salvador was another amazing and overwhelming view into the lives of children and families being impacted and changed. Emerson Drive had the opportunity to see it all first hand and bring smiles to the faces of hundreds of kids.
The first Compassion project we visited was just outside of San Salvador in the forested communities of Reparto Santa Elana and San Martin. Upon our arrival we were greeted by all of the children who were in lines on each side of us. As we walked down the middle between them, they were singing, clapping their hands, giving us hugs, and shaking our hands. It is something evident in each Compassion project I have visited – the anticipation and joy they have in making us feel welcome. They love to have visitors and do all they can to bring smiles to our faces even though we are there for them.
The kids performed a presentation for us full of music and dancing. We then broke off into three groups for an hour or so where all of us played soccer, worked on art projects, or sang songs. I tried to get involved with all three at different times. The boys and girls were so incredible. We then served them lunch, took a group photo, and said our goodbyes. Hugs of course too.
Following the visit to the Compassion project, our travel group took a walk to one of the homes in the neighborhood. A single mom and her five children, two of which were in the project we visitied. The photos below communicate their circumstances better than I could in writing. This was a home of deep rooted poverty, but Compassion was helping provide food, education, activities, and medical care to the entire family. This in turn brings hope…..and the hope a future.
The second project visit day was in the Pacific Coast community of Puerto de La Libertad, home to approximately 40,000 residents. When the bus pulled up outside of this Compassion project we could hear the children singing and clapping inside the auditorium. They were ready for us. The Emerson Drive guys walked in and it was like they were at a sold out show as the crowd of kids exploded in cheers. They weren’t cheering because they knew anything about the band or country music. They just knew that people with Compassion were there to meet them and to visit their project. They were honoring us exactly like the other projects do and it overwhelms.
The first thing these kids did for us was set up a band on stage. Singers, guitars, drums, keyboard….the works. They then proceeded to play several songs and commence church. It was a moving display of their appreciation for us and their devotion to God. Authentic and undefiled.
Our crew then visited each classroom where the children were participating – computer, cosmotology, educational classes, music, and seemstressing. Compassion not only provides school resources and instruction, but gives the kids an opportunity to learn a trade in the event they don’t make it to college. In either case a way out of poverty and incredibly difficult circumstances. It also keeps them off very dangerous gang filled streets where the influence to join is strong.
Our visit to families in their homes followed and we saw more of the same suffering. Severely impoverished neighborhoods with families living in one or two rooms. One of the homes consisted of three families in three rooms. Multiple children in one bed with their parent(s) in another. No running water, open sewage in streams and ditches, and unreliable electricity. Also the constant fear of brutal gang activity in their communities.
In each of the home visits we asked the children if they had the letters their Compassion sponsor has written them and they knew right where the papers were. With smiles on their faces they proudly retrieve them from safe keeping and show us the letters and photos of the individual or family that sponsors them. It is a relationship they cherish and are thankful for because they know it is because of their sponsors support that they are able to attend the Compassion project. The one place they can dream about what they want to be when they grow up, to get a healthy meal, and find the support they need in critical areas of their young lives.
The emotions stay ripe and fluctuate between the harshness of poverty and the joys of hope. Not only being present to see it, but to smell, taste, touch, and hear what these children and families experience on a daily basis. And the holistic way in which Compassion International works within countries, communities, and churches to lift children out of poverty and give them the real opportunity to break the cycle and thrive. To help them attain a high school and, in some cases, a college education. Something they and their families would never have dreamed possible.
This is what we saw and the results will reverberate. There will be a story about Emerson Drive’s experience in a forthcoming issue of Country Weekly. They will also be talking about it in the weeks and months to come because these are things we are compelled to tell. I look forward to partnering with the guys from the band. They have big hearts and are great men to know, not to mention incredibly talented artists.
We will have more news soon about artists who are partnering with Compassion in various ways. Country music is full of artists and professionals who love to help local charities, but also see the big picture when it comes to a world in critical need. I continue to look forward with passion to help align those with a desire to help to having a genuine life changing impact on child.
For more photos of the trip please go to HERE.
Nashville, TN- The Valory Music Co./Midas Records artists Emerson Drive are teaming up with Compassion International for a trip to El Salvador with Compassion executives on March 23-26.
“I am thrilled to have Emerson Drive join us on this trip to El Salvador and help build a significant partnership between country music and Compassion International. I know first hand what incredible guys they are and believe this trip will not only be an important experience for the band, but will help give hope and a future to children in desperate poverty around the world,” says Mike Severson, Country Format Artist & Radio Relations for Compassion International.
Emerson Drive is the first country band to ever become involved with Compassion International and they are excited about the upcoming opportunity to learn more about Compassion’s mission to release children from poverty in developing countries around the globe.
“One of the best things that we get to do as entertainers is support great charity organizations like Compassion International,” states lead singer Brad Mates. “This trip will give us a first hand look at life in third world countries and I have no doubt that it will leave a lasting impact on us individually and as a band. We’re excited about the partnership with Compassion and doing whatever we can to raise awareness about their child sponsorship program.”
While in El Salvador Emerson Drive will visit with Compassion staff on the ground as well as some of the children benefiting from the support of one-on-one sponsorships. The band has invited photographers from Country Weekly and an independent film crew to accompany them on the trip to document their journey. The footage gathered from the group’s visit will be utilized in a viral video campaign in conjunction with the song, “There’s My God,” a track that will be included on Emerson Drive’s upcoming album BELIEVE, due in stores later this year.
Emerson Drive continues to brainstorm with Compassion executives on additional opportunities to increase the number of child sponsors with hopes of involving their growing fan base and country radio. The guys in the band hope that their involvement will garner more awareness about Compassion International as well as encourage people to sponsor a child or make a donation to this worthwhile organization.
Compassion International was founded on the belief that changing the lives of children in third world countries by providing them with the basic needs and education to help them overcome poverty will empower them and ultimately change their communities and nations. According to statistics, of the world’s 6.3 billion people, nearly 30 percent are under the age of 15. In most developing countries, children comprise half of the population, yet almost 11 million children each year – about 30,000 a day – die before reaching their fifth birthday, mostly from preventable causes. Compassion strives to influence a child’s life at the earliest stages possible, and support the child’s development through young adulthood. Those interested in finding out more about Compassion or how you can help can visit www.compassion.com.
For more information about the Emerson Drive and to see video clips from their life out on the road, which will include an episode from their El Salvador trip beginning in April, log on to www.emersondrive.com or visit www.myspace.com/emersondrive.
It’s Emerson Drive with their rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner delivered on June 1st before the Best Buy 400 NASCAR race at Dover Speedway.
The opening night gala for the 2008 Nashville Film Festival recently took place. The red carpet walk included Emerson Drive, William H. Macy, Jessi Alexander, Carter’s Chord, Wild Bill, and other notable guests for the debut night featured film “The Deal”.
WGNE & Emerson Drive Team Up For Charity
RENDA BROADCASTING Country WGNE (99.9 GATOR COUNTRY)/JACKSONVILLE is partnering with MIDAS RECORDS group EMERSON DRIVE to help the kids at ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL.
The boys recorded a special acoustic version of the LIFEHOUSE song “You and Me,” recently; it’s available exclusively for download at www.999gatorcountry.com for a $1 donation to ST. JUDE.
Click here to hear a sample of the song and here to download.
Emerson Drive, Southwest Airlines and the Nashville Film Festival are teaming up and giving away a trip to Las Vegas and the ACM Awards. Love music? Into film? Dig Southwest? Well then here’s the lowdown:
Emerson Drive was a recent guest of the Big 98 WSIX in Nashville. The band performed six songs acoustically at the station’s Full Throttle Garage and answered questions from the invited listeners. Two of the songs are going to be on the next album. Check out “Extra Mile” by clicking here.
The rest of the tunes are here.
Emerson Drive is still in the studio working on the album tentatively scheduled for a Fall release.
More behind the scenes footage of Emerson Drive at Country Radio Seminar with a special guest appearance by Charlie Daniels.
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The Skylink train at DFW is fantastic. So much better than that clunky old tram that took forever to get to another concourse. Skylink is sleek, quick, and since it sits atop the terminals, offers great views.
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Speaking of views, the new Cowboy’s stadium in Arlington is gigantic. You can see it clearly all the way from the airport and so far it resembles the contraption they built in the movie “Contact”. Massive.
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The entire airport at DFW has improved greatly. It reminded me how I’ve always loved airports and planes since I was a kid. Call me crazy.
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Omaha has a very nice Warehouse District. Cool shops and great eats! They are also getting some major concerts in the market.
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Des Moines Warehouse District is growing and looking impressive. The city is such a great market for country music too because of stations KJJY and KHKI (The Hawk). They support new music and help the format grow. We just had a huge show with Emerson Drive there, which was sold out. Thanks to everyone at the stations, especially Andy Elliot and Eddie Hatfield. Well done!
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Des Moines, however, is one of the worst places to fly out of to get back to Nashville. Always seems overly expensive.
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Heard some of the new music from Emerson Drive on their bus after the show. They are going to deliver something AMAZING. The whole band is operating on an entirely higher level. Very exciting.
The Buckeyes were Emerson Drive crazy when the band performed at Newport Music Hall on campus of Ohio State University.
CRS greetings to those of you who couldn’t make the trip……..”Wish You Were Here!”
The finalists for the ACM Awards came out this morning and Emerson Drive picked up nominations for Group of the Year and Song of the Year for “Moments”.
Also, congratulations to my good friend Mike Wrucke who co-produced the Miranda Lambert project which is up for Album of the Year and her song “Famous In A Small Town” which is competing for Single of the Year. Nice work Mike!
Go here for a complete list of nominees.
Emerson Drive’s newest single climbing the charts has a video from their performance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Emerson Drive played a BIG show in El Paso Friday night full of amazing energy and excitement. Thanks to Marty Austin and the entire KHEY and Whiskey Dicks crew for a fantastic night! Texas did indeed show E Drive the love! We will be back and in DFW the first week of April. Here is the latest installment of ED TV with some El Paso highlights for your viewing enjoyment:
Emerson Drive visits the cast and crew of GAC Nights.
Brad Mates is featured in the “Country’s Hottest Bachelors” issue of Country Weekly. On newsstands now, the contest will be open for voting at www.countryweekly.com and the winner will be published in the March 24th issue.
Since a single photo may not be enough to capture the true essense of the Emerson Drive lead singer, here’s a special video displaying that Brad not only has the looks, but also some wicked boot repair and sales skills.
Photo Credit: Tony Phipps
Midas Records’ GRAMMY nominees Emerson Drive strike a pose with fellow nominee, Big Machine recording artist, Taylor Swift at the Nashville GRAMMY Nominee reception. Emerson Drive are nominated in the category of “Best Country Performance By A Group or Duo with Vocals” for their #1 hit “Moments.”
Pictured L-R: Emerson Drive’s Dale Wallace, Taylor Swift, Emerson Drive’s Danick Dupelle, Brad Mates and David Pichette. www.emersondrive.com www.myspace.com/emersondrive
Emerson Drive traveled to Mexico for a week at the end of January with fans from Wisconsin. WMIL/Milwaukee, WNCY/Green Bay, and WMAD/Madison all participated in the trip and ED-TV brings you a small taste of Rivera Maya.
And if you thought Naruto and Emerson Drive didn’t have anything in common. Well my friend, think again!
Emerson Drive has been nominated for #1 Digitally Active Duo/Group on the CMT Video Music Awards. The nominees and ultimate winner are determined by calculating the number of digital streams the act had over the last year.
The numbers: 3.8 million total streams and over 2.3 million total profile views on Myspace!
E Drive is also up for a prestigious Grammy Award for Best Country Performance By A Group or Duo with Vocals for their 1 hit “Moments”.
Emerson Drive is starting 2008 in a big way. The new single is closing in on Top 20, testing Top 10, they are nominated for a Grammy, and have just concluded a 10 city tour with Big & Rich. And that’s just a glimpse of amazing things to come for a band that has established themselves as one of the best in the country format.
The guys have launched a video blog from their travels on the road. Keep up with them here.
I’ve launched this blog as a means to let you know what is going on at Midas Records and with our artists, but I also want it to be a place where we get to know one other beyond the weekly music calls. I’d like to have radio folks submit articles and stories they personally have written, as I will do the same. I’d like to find commonality and discussion when so often we have opposition and brevity because of the nature of our divergent jobs. I’d love for this blog to be a tool in knowing one another better and for an interesting outlet for an interesting business.
So, let’s get this thing going.
