Band For a Cure

By Jackie Cular

Band for a Cure was started by Cristian Salas in 2010 in a response to his cousin being diagnosed with Leukemia. Through Salas’ connections in the music industry, Band for a Cure will release an album of songs on i-Tunes, donated by a plethora of top artists, to raise money and awareness for a very important cause.

The Cutting Edge Culture: “BFAC stemmed from your family’s experience with cancer. How is your family doing?”

Cristian Salas: “Raymundito is doing great! He inspired me to start Band for a Cure when I heard of his Leukemia. He has been cancer free for almost a year now. He is 5 years old; going on 6 soon. I wish I can say the same for Carola, a wife and mother of three. Last I heard from my mom, her cancer has spread all over her body and was recently in the hospital for a week following her chemotherapy. If you are wondering about the names, they live in Santiago, Chile, so our family is Spanish.”

TCEC: “What are some important things you’ve all learned through this journey?”

CS: “Cancer is real and it is a global threat. My perception of this disease became personal once I learned Leukemia broke through my family circle. Cancer can be treated; it can be slowed down; and it can be cured, but not without the strength and involvement from the community. Cancer research and cancer treatment is expensive, and if everyone donated $1, that little bit can be a huge help! Something positive can be accomplished here if we all BAND together.”

TCEC: “How does BFAC raise awareness about cancer?”

CS: “Just how our mission is stated, ‘to aid cancer research and cancer treatment through music.’ Music is the social medium we use to raise the combination of funds and cancer awareness. We have a lot of artists, record labels, and companies that help Band For A Cure spread the message, such as Death By Stereo, Authority Zero, A Skylit

Drive, Alternative Press, AMP, Volcom, One Light Media Studios and Fearless Records to name a few. Wait, I listed more than a few, ha. All artists and bands, not limited to music, can be viewed on the website. We cannot thank them enough for the love and support they have all demonstrated, for backing our cause and becoming involved. We

also raise cancer awareness through various fund raising projects from your generic fund raiser at a local venue to Band For A Cure’s annual compilation CD featuring many great artists. We will also be spreading the message on this year’s Van’s Warped Tour on select west-coast dates.”

TCEC: “How do you educate?”

CS: “We have our very own cancer specialist named Martina. She has her own Cancer Blog on our website. It is interactive, so anyone can blog with Martina, ask her questions and reply to her posts. She will respond and answer any question or concern that our website viewers may have. As far as ourselves, Band For A Cure works closely with City of Hope. We have

visited their campus in Duarte, CA, and they help us out in the education department. I have taken many pamphlets home on every type of cancer and I start off my day by reading a little bit every morning, and I share the info with our fans through social media.”

TCEC: “How do you get bands to donate music for the compilation?”

CS: “All artists that donated a track to Band for a Cure’s annual compilation album are artists that we have already gained support from and have added them to our website. We have many, so picking them for this project was difficult at first. Once we had the final list, we contacted the artists directly, or their representatives and asked them if they wanted to participate and donate a track to this fund raising project. All artists were more than welcome to get involved and did not hesitate to say yes. It was rad and easier than what I had pondered.”

TCEC: “Why do you think music is a good way to get awareness for cancer?”

CS: “Well, music is everywhere! We all listen to it and it is a perfect excuse for a causal movement to stem from. Music is powerful, hypnotizing and anyone can relate to any song. There are songs containing strong lyrical messages, so back it up with asocial cause, then you have everyone’s ear.”

TCEC: “What else can fans do to show their support for such an important cause?”

CS: “Band for a Cure is new, so we ask everyone to get involved/support by liking and sharing our Facebook page and website, donate $1, attend our fund raising events, purchase the Band for a Cure compilation CD. Fans can also physically volunteer their time at City of Hope and build relations with the patients. They really need that and would really appreciate it, which makes you feel so good when you do. Band together!”

TCEC: “When and how can fans get the compilation?”

CS: “I am really anxious about this! Haha. Well, the tracks are currently getting mastered at One Light Media Studios in Las Vegas, NV. We have been working on publicity and advertisement for its upcoming debut. We will be announcing the release date soon, shooting for some time in May of 2012, and it will be available on iTunes.”

TCEC: “What’s up next for Band for a Cure?”

CS: “Uh, currently the stress is on releasing the compilation cd. Then, we have a huge fund raiser at The Goodnite Bar in Burbank CA on June 9. After, we will be hitting the road on the Vans Warped Tour June 24, 27 and 28. Upon returning, we will being looking into the first Band for a Cure concert.”

Go to the Band for a Cure website to learn when compilation will be released.