This article was published on: 09/18/12 12:00 AM
Deschutes offers songs, supports river conservancy
By Breanna Hostbjor
Indie music fans and river conservationists have cause to celebrate — together. Deschutes Brewery has unveiled a series of river-inspired songs performed by indie artists, and the first song is now available online.
The first installment of the series, called “Deschutes River Recordings,” features Eric D. Johnson, of The Fruit Bats, performing The Byrds’ “Ballad of Easy Rider” on the shores of the Deschutes River. The sounds of singing birds — and one irate squirrel — are audible in the background.
A music video is available at the brewery’s website, where you can also download a copy of the song. The entire series will be available for free, but music fans also have the option to donate money for the download. All proceeds will benefit the Deschutes River Conservancy.
“We are so appreciative of our relationship with the Deschutes Brewery, and they are a tremendous partner,” said Bea Armstrong, the director of development and communications at the conservancy. “And they are playing a huge role in giving back to the river we all love so much.”
Deschutes Brewery was equally enthusiastic about the project.
“We’ve always been a large supporter of the Deschutes River Conservancy and its mission, so when we started the concept for this project we knew we wanted to incorporate them as our beneficiary,” Jeff Billingsley, marketing director for Deschutes Brewery, said in a written statement. “We love the way this project came together, aligning an experimental outdoor recording of independent music with Deschutes Brewery’s ongoing experimentation with ingredients and styles in our beers.”
The brewery, according to Armstrong, is contributing not only funds raised by the project, but the recognition associated with their brand. The collaboration with indie artists is also helping the conservancy access a demographic — young indie music lovers — that their own marketing efforts don’t reach.
The two remaining songs in the project, which have not been released yet, will be performed by Eric Earley, of Blitzen Trapper, and Laura Gibson. Visit Deschutes’ site to view them as they are released over the next few weeks.
— Reporter: 541-383-0351, bhostbjor@bendbulletin.com