A worldwide contribution on “Giving Tuesday” via Gibson Records in support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness
Today, on Giving Tuesday, Gibson Records announced the release of a new benefit single titled “I Can Breathe” by the Gibson Band, a collective of musicians united for charitable causes. The hard-hitting rock track features rhythm guitar and keys by Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson, with special guests Duff McKagan on lead vocals and lyrics and Slash on guitar and solos.
All proceeds from the song will benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) through Gibson Gives. The single is available worldwide.
Slash commented, “Cesar and Duff came to me with a really cool piece of music. I loved the riff idea and Duff’s vocal, so I felt right at home on the track.”
Duff McKagan added, “It was such a pleasure to work with Cesar and his whole crew on this tune. The musical slant and progressive rock-ness of this huge epic pushed me in a whole new direction. I love a challenge, and Cesar killed it! Most importantly, to be of service for mental health issues and awareness is super important to me at this time. Let’s rock!”
The cover art for “I Can Breathe” is based on an original painting entitled “They’re Coming” by Serj Tankian of System of a Down, who also appeared on the previous Gibson Band release along with Tony Iommi. The painting and a custom Gibson Les Paul Standard guitar featuring the artwork will be auctioned through Julien’s Auctions, with all funds raised benefiting NAMI.
Image: “They’re Coming,” an original painting by artist Serj Tankian, will be auctioned in aid of NAMI
Cesar Gueikian notes, “Guns N’ Roses had a profound influence on me and my guitar playing, so having the opportunity to write and record this song with Slash and Duff is a dream come true, and it’s an honor to call them friends and partners.
“‘I Can Breathe’ started as an instrumental track I recorded at La Roca Power Studio in Buenos Aires. Upon listening to the mix that Greg Gordon put together, Jenny Marsh (Global Director of Cultural Influence at Gibson) suggested Duff as lyricist and vocalist. Guns N’ Roses had just come off touring when I shared the song with Duff; he loved it and quickly wrote the lyrics and cut the vocals at the Sound Factory in Los Angeles.
Image: This Gibson Les Paul Modern guitar, customized with Serj Tankian’s artwork, will also feature in the auction
“Having Duff on vocals made the next step obvious, which was asking Slash if he would collaborate with lead guitars and solos. Both Duff and Slash transformed the track from a collection of riffs to a great song, while Greg Gordon’s mixing and creativity tied it all together.
“I am grateful for the collaboration from Slash, Duff, and Greg and for my friend Serj Tankian’s participation with the cover artwork. I’m thrilled we are donating all proceeds from the song to a great and relevant cause.”
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, dedicated to building better lives for the millions affected by mental illness. The partnership aims to support NAMI’s mission of providing advocacy, education, support, and public awareness.
Check out “I Can Breathe” and other Gibson Band releases as well as the National Alliance on Mental Illness. For more information on the supporting auction, visit Julien’s Auctions.
