A great synonym for peace is 'togetherness.' Can you think of a better definition of 'togetherness' than two sisters who form a band and play 200 shows a year for three years?
Soulful singer/songwriters Amanda and Jenni Price teamed up in 2002 to form Acoustic Minds. Since then, they have touched many hearts and minds with their powerful songs and positive outlook. Most recently, they booked their own 'Peace Tour 2008' with fellow musician Alex Arndt and were subsequently contacted by the Los Angeles chapter of The Peace Alliance, a campaign to establish a U.S. Department of Peace. The band's May tour found Amanda and Jenni joining a list of celebrity endorsers such as Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Willie Nelson, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and more.
"It was something that naturally came together," Amanda told us. "I have always been an advocate of non-violence... Peace isn't something you can tie down, it's something universal and important at all times. It just made sense to turn our northwest ride into a ride of peace. And what a ride it was!"
If Acoustic Minds are to serve as a role model for other independent musicians, the lesson must surely be in their grassroots approach to spreading their music in addition to their message. And by its very definition, peace is a message for everyone to get behind.
"I would suggest to all musicians to go to their local peace organization," Jenni said. "There are hundreds of groups set up in all cities across the globe. The more we musicians lead by example, the more this word can we spread."
Amanda agreed, "You cannot just be a pretty voice anymore... you need to be an example. It's not always easy, but if you're consciously aware of what you are doing you can make an impact. Even one person is one more to the cause."
For the grassroots approach, the Web is second only to the instruments and voices themselves. In order to connect today's music fans in a common groove, the Web is essential.
As Amanda points out: "Being online is key. I love that GarageBand.com is linked to iLike as it saves so much time adding dates... it's a great tool for people to link to what others think."
Jenni concurred, "I love submitting our songs for review on GB, it is a great way to get some factual constructive feedback. We have always enjoyed hearing from other great artists and songwriters. Whether their advice is good or bad, it is necessary and very much part of the process in this business. You have to grow some thick skin. Most people are very positive about the music... the negative things just help you so you can also grow and rework songs to make them more pleasant to the ear, if you will."
"We have taken the feedback we received and changed some of tunes as well as how we present them," Amanda agreed. "I really think the overall growth of a group is so important and we went from a 'garage band' to a professional band. I'd like to think GarageBand.com helped us get there."
