Fair Trading, Ethics and Music?

Danelle Harvey – Review

London’s own ‘Ethical Diva’, Danelle Harvey embodies her mantra, “Actively choose to be positive!” As the originator of Fair Trade Music, she’s to be commended for donating a percentage of her earnings to charity, but she’s also to be respected as a great musician. Her latest EP, Only Human is a fantastic fusion of acoustic soul coupled with meaningful lyrics. Danelle never preaches instead she lures you into her message with her soothing blend of smooth melody and her blessed deep voice genuinely emotes an inspiring and positive message. She isn’t interested in being self-righteous and instead gently reminds us to have a little bit of love for those in need.’ Her raw sincerity and organic approach brings Danelle closer to her goal of stirring our compassion and empathy towards other people’s suffering and pain.

Though her message remains constant her musical range is incredible. She fuses all sorts of musical influences and entertains with her acoustic guitar and Five + octave vocal range. Danelle has never been limited by convention and the ‘Only Human’ EP is no exception. ‘Muddy Water’ leaves you hypnotised by her comforting voice and acoustics. ‘Feelings’ travels between familiar R&B/soul beats and her unique blend of edgy rock and funky inspiring lyrics. Her energy radiates through each track particularly in ‘Love Revolution’ where Danelle raps/reggae style and really gets you grooving as she educates you on the plight of people suffering in warring nations. This girl is infectious and her raw emotive impact has been compared to legends like Janis Joplin and Tracey Chapman. Danelle doesn’t want you to just be inspired while you listen and warns us ‘what we give is what we’re absorbing back inside’. She invites us to take responsibility for the state of the world and listening to her upbeat music you begin to feel empowered to contribute. For full details on all the charities you can help Danelle support please visit her mayspace.

Her single ‘Only Human’- about Making Poverty History is currently available solely as a download from all major download stores. The track will be re-released with 2 exclusive remixes on a limited edition 5 track EP (both as CD and Download) from Monday 2nd June 2008. Check out her website for full tour details.

Raechelle Dias

~ by raedias on February 5, 2009.