Interview: Joalby by Isabella Sedlak In August 2006 American musician Joalby (President & CEO of Crazy Baby Records) released the result of his recent project: Voyces United for UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees). Music for the support of the world's refugees. Joalby who is an active supporter of the UNHCR and a number of non-governmental organisations (like e.g. Amnesty International) as well as foundations (like e.g. the Matthew Shepard Foundation) executive produced the benefit CD. All earnings go directly to the UNHCR. The CD encompasses a compilation of pop songs performed by international artists like e.g. Matt Allison (South Africa), Randi Driscoll, Dyana Dafova (Bulgaria) and Jamie Stevens. The UNHCR's assignment is the protection and support of around 19 million refugees in 116 countries worldwide, such as in Sudan, Afghanistan and Bulgaria. They organise asylum, medical care and resettlement for people who were expelled from their homes due to war or persecution. Their activities started in the 1950s during the dislocation of peoples after World War 2, acting as international co-ordinator for refugees all over the world. In 1954 and 1981 the UNHCR received the Nobel Peace Prize. Today the UN Refugee Agency's headquarter is in Geneva, Switzerland and it employs more than 6690 people in 268 offices all over the world. At the moment they are operating e.g. in Lebanon, where nearly a million Lebanese people fled due to the Middle Eastern conflict. Many of them were sheltered in Syria where the UNHCR organised and distributed aid. A number of publicly known Goodwill Ambassadors, such as Angelina Jolie, actively support the UNHCR's activity by travelling through the world and raising people's attention.  We got the chance to ask Joalby some questions on the Voyces United For UNHCR project and his personal opinions and beliefs on giving support to refugees and other people who are in the need of help. V: You once mentioned that "Music and arts" have helped you "to become the person" you are today. Would you like to give us a short insight into your life and musical career? Joalby: I began my musical career in youth choir through my church. My grandfather was a well-known songwriter in Mexico and from youth I knew that I wasn't the kind of person to sit back and take life as it comes. Music throughout life has helped me out of my darkest points. It has strengthened me because regardless of everything that went on around me I knew that I could freely express myself with that as an outlet. I began writing my own material at a very young age and got serious about it at age 12. At age 12 I became involved in a Youth College program and from there received a part in Metropolis (1927 Fritz Lang silent film made into a rock opera about a post-apocalyptic world). I got to travel with the cast and received an award of recognition by the American College Theatre Festival Board before I entered junior high school. I went on to do Christian Youth Theatre and ended up back at making music. From then until now music and the performing arts in general have offered me opportunities that I would never have thought I would be able to be afforded. V: On your MySpace-site you define yourself not only as a producer and a songwriter but also as an activist. Where and how have you appeared as an activist so far? Joalby: My passion will always be in the arts; however, my calling has always been in helping others. I have spoken at businesses and colleges on the importance of diversity acceptance and to raise awareness for anti-hate crime charities. I have helped to set up Paint Your Heart Out (Outreach Event through Habitat for Humanity) while employed at Chase Auto Finance. I was part of the first steering committee for GLBT individuals at Chase Auto Finance San Diego, CA. I walked in the GLBT Pride Parade one year. I have assisted in setting up Blue Jeans for Babies (Fundraiser for March of Dimes) while at Chase Auto Finance. I participated in AIDS Walk San Diego. I have brought refugee rights out while speaking at a college earlier this year incorporating it into speeches on Music Industry Practices.   In 2005 I had a chance to sit down and meet with United Nations Ambassador Stefan Tafrov of Bulgaria and spoke in regards to continued funding for refugee relief organizations and about the UNHCR album. I visited Washington DC in 1999 as a recipient of the Presidential Achievement Award in Education and have maintained communication with Congressman Bob Filner and Senator Dianne Feinstein through the years updating them constantly on the importance of funding relief work both in the USA and abroad. In June 2006 I was invited to be present at the launch of World Refugee Day 2006 and had a chance to speak with Representative to the High Commissioner of UNHCR, Kolude Doherty in Washington DC. V: How has your special attention to refugees been raised and why? Joalby: As an artist, I feel in many ways that I can identify with someone who most people wouldn't understand. Often we feel like we have only ourselves to rely on. The refugee crisis was always in my mind from a young age. Anytime I saw people in these dire situations suffering it would hurt me to know that individuals were going through these extremities in life. In high-school one day we cut class and went up to Los Angeles County and there was a presentation being done across the street from a college campus about displaces persons after and during wars. It stuck with me.   When I was out of high-school I began to work on my first album and towards the end of the process I ran into problems receiving my master tapes back from the team I was working with. During that time, I began getting more and more into spirituality, returning to church and studying the Kabbalah. I felt it was incredibly selfish of myself to stand by and not do anything with my gift to benefit others rather than just myself. While I was waiting for the situation with my music to resolve itself I had an idea of starting a benefit CD. I knew at once that the refugee cause was what I wanted to benefit from this. I went online and found UNHCR's official site and as I read more and more about the organization I felt I would be a fraud to everyone if I knew about what was going on inside of these people.   Forget about the issues in the countries and their homes. What mattered to me is what was going on in their hearts, their hopes, their ambitions. The war and the constant struggle in their countries really to me didn't matter at the time. What mattered to me is the pain they felt, the hurt and the loss they've experiences, the hardness they had to portray to survive, the innocence lost. To me that was the most important thing to address. V: How did the cooperation with UNHCR initiate? Joalby: Upon coming into contact with UNHCR, I knew I had a plan. I was unsure though how to formulate it into a solid. I began recruiting artists for participation on the album. I emailed UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva, who then forwarded it to USA for UNHCR and to Mike Coburn at the Washington DC Office for UNHCR. I began an email relationship with Mike regarding the album and once it was determined it was a genuine plan and as it was formulated I had the opportunity of speaking with others at USA for UNHCR regarding the album. Over time, I demonstrated to UNHCR the seriousness and authenticity of my intentions and was welcomed in as one of them. As we would get closer I would be more comfortable with asking for what we needed to ensure success for the album and for the cause at hand. Dyana, Ambassador Tafrov, Joalby n Candice V: We thought that one quality of Voyces United for UNHCR was the international background of the musicians. How did you get in touch with them? And what was it like to work with such a different range of artists? Joalby: Many of the artists were actually friends of mine I had known over time who I knew felt the same way about the cause as I did. Others, I would email explaining my vision for the album and recruiting their participation and was surprised that people started showing interest. I did not want to have only unknown artists, only independent, or only major label artists on the album. My goal was to bring people together. Working with these artists was surprisingly very easy. I think the artists noticed that I wasn't a label executive putting this together. They took notice at the fact that I was one person wanting to make a difference and let people know that you don't have to be a celebrity or have million in the bank to make a difference. Sometimes all it takes is not being afraid to stand up for something and find others like you. I have created great friendships, which I know will last a very long time throughout this process. For the people I had known it served to bring us to a whole new level of friendship. V: How did the artists react on your request? Do you know about their personal reasons to participate?   Joalby: There were many artists who agreed to participate on the album just based on the cause. I believe at the core of it all everyone wants to do something of significance with his or her life. Everyone wants to feel as if they matter in some way and in many instances this project gave them that opportunity. I do feel saddened that many artists did not make the album. I also feel saddened that from a 2 CD set as it was released in Bulgaria it was brought down to a 1 CD set for the International market. However, I feel honoured that I had the belief and support of so many. I know for some of the artists it was a question of waiting for something like this to come along. One of the artists who did not make the album actually yet I still speak with wanted to become involved because she had personally experienced life in placement camps when entering into Australia. Dyana Dafova of Bulgaria is very much like myself. We have a spiritual calling to use our art to bring people together. Natacha Atlas has been involved with UNHCR previously as well as Laetizia being one of the main spokespersons for a UNICEF project in France. All of the artists in their own way were able to leap into this and to bring light to this unfortunate crisis affecting the world. V: Producing an album is not a cheap, short-term operation; especially when thinking of all the international musicians like well-known singer Natasha Atlas, Alex Bach, Alicia Janosz (Poland) and Xanda Howe (United Kingdom), you invited to participate in your project. We read that it took you four years to plan, develop and compile the album. Who financed the production and recording? Where was it recorded? Was it difficult to get it all together? Joalby: The artists for the most part financed their own contributions with the exception of my track, Candice Coleman's track and Todd Evans' track, which I produced and fully financed myself. Todd Evans track unfortunately did not make the album. All legal fees and production fees for the final mix I financed. All the contracts and negotiations and attorney fees I financed. I wouldn't really say getting it together was difficult. I was blessed to have people who wanted to be involved and who wanted to make a difference. The hardest part for me was getting a record label involved. However, Riva Sound in Bulgaria came forward to do a pre-release in Bulgaria and we were blessed to get the interest of Intersound Records, Compendia Music (Sheridan Square Entertainment Group) on our side. The songs were recorded all across the globe from Bulgaria, USA, Germany, France, United Kingdom, etc. V: As an executive producer you chose a very pop-oriented artistic tenor for Voyces United for UNHCR. Do you think that this kind of format still works for young people? Or wouldn't it be more effective to produce other genres like e.g. Hip Hop, Soul or Rock in order to affect the younger generation and draw more attention on your issues? Joalby: I feel that music whether it be pop, rock, industrial really isn't the focus on this album. The focus on this for me was the cause at hand. I do agree it is very much a pop and world music album. The reason we went for that feel is to release an album that incorporates parts of multiple countries customs, and genres into one accessible format that could be listened to by young as well as mature individuals. I have thought about the fact of genres on this project and I will be approaching within the next few years a part 2 and part 3 of this album.   The subsequent Voyces United for UNHCR albums will focus on different genres (i.e., Rock, Electronica, R&B, etc) Each album will focus on it's own genre however so as to not have a mix of too much going on in one project. I do think in some ways youth might be more quick to purchase something of a more accessible genre were it to be a rock album or genre such as that. The importance for myself and the other artists on this first album was to bring the cause front and center. We did so by bringing artists together to work together for a common goal. Focusing on a world music-pop album is more difficult to market many times. All involved feel it fits the cause perfectly rather than starting off with a hard rock album which while it may have a good pull, might not have given us full support from UNHCR. In some ways we had to play safe so we could focus on the cause and then down the line throw a curveball out there. V: We noticed that the English songs hardly ever refer to topics, the UNHCR deals with. They are mostly about personal stories, experiences in love and relationships. Why did you choose these songs and opted against e.g. an anti-war hymn? Joalby: I knew I would get this question. I've had to answer this question to so many people. We had the opportunity to create an album of anti-war hymns and have the songs focus on a call to action. I myself felt that it would be nicer if rather than focus on the negative we should include songs that focus not solely on issues affecting refugees and asylum seekers. Our aim was to create an album with songs that create a sense of personal experiences with overcoming obstacles whether it be in life, love, or otherwise. Overcoming obstacles in life is what called me to UNHCR. To see people who are dealt all the hardship in the world and still see their pictures and seeing them with the most beautiful smiles I've ever seen in my life. There is something to be said in overcoming what we are dealt. V: The United States of America donated USD 322,711,535 to the UNHCR in 2005. A percentage of the money is now used to repatriate Iraqi refugees who are returning to their home country after being frightened away by a war initiated by the US government. What are your thoughts on that? Joalby: My thoughts on the war or the fact that while we are applying a percentage to repatriating these individuals? My thoughts on the war are really harsh so I choose not to mix my political beliefs much with my work for UNHCR and this project. I will say it is a respectable thing for the USA to do; however, what comes next. We are paying a smidgeon towards all the pain and hurt and torment we created on these people. Our money and our contributions are not going to make things better. These people are being sent back into their homes, but really what next? We as a people should examine the situation more clearly. Do we still need the troops there in full force? Is it absolutely necessary to maintain a major presence in Iraq? Will all this money that we are incorporating into bringing these people home even matter in a year or two when we are gone?   I feel the best thing to do would be to implement training programs and educational facilities not only for children but adults as well. The lack of education in some of these countries just boggles me. Here we are as a rich country and we send people in to countries to kill others and then turn around and say "Here's a check to help you out" It doesn't seem right for me. The money fades away and these people are left the same as they were before. More needs to be done to stimulate growth in these individuals. While I know that UNHCR as an organization does fund education, health programs, sanitation, clean water and numerous other things for these countries they repatriate people to, I can't get over the fact that it should rely on organizations such as UNHCR alone. Given the facts, I feel government as a whole should get together and formulate a plan to do so in addition to what UNHCR is doing. As a group of individuals and supporters UNHCR can only do so much. With the much needed support of the government both local and international we would have a better chance at maybe not ending the refugee crisis but lessening what is currently is. V: What do you expect from the benefit CD? What were your major aims when producing it? And have some of them been realized already? Joalby: I try not to expect much from the album. As a matter of fact in life I learn to hope for the best but not expect it. I would love for the album to be a complete worldwide success. My only major aim however is the same now as it has been all along. If I can help even only ONE person to overcome their own obstacles. If I can provide a meal for one person, if I can help fund an asylum seeker's legal fees, if I can give one person a warm place to sleep or a chance at a better education or better life my goal will have been accomplished.   The artists on Voyces United for UNHCR and myself had discussed this previously and we all arrived at the conclusion that if only ONE person benefits from this album and can lead a better life our mission will have been met. My own personal goal was to matter and to be taken seriously for what I am passionate for - helping improve the quality of life for those who cannot provide for themselves. My only goal in life is to matter. I feel that all our goals have been realized. I feel people have realized I am serious about wanting to help others, I feel as if what I'm doing matters to people. The long term outcomes of this project may not be seen by myself or any of the artists involved as funds go directly into UNHCR and no money changes hand at all. The label sends UNHCR directly their proceeds from the album we have donated. While there may be multiple achievements with the album, I am confident in saying that all we care is that we make a difference. Whether we are recognized for the achievements or not is not of concern. Janifer, Evolution 4, Noah Heldman, Dyana Dafova, Joalby, Candice Coleman, Brad Estrin, Randi Driscoll V: Could you think of supporting and producing a similar project for a different UN organization, such as UNICEF, as well? Joalby: Absolutely. While my heart is with refugee causes, I would be much interested in becoming involved with various entities within the UN such as UNAIDS, UNICEF, and the ECA for Africa. Also not directly tied into the United Nations, I feel that WarChild is a greatly underappreciated organization, which deserves more focus on it as well. V: Which major projects have you been working on this year? What is planned for the future? Joalby: Currently we are still pushing the Voyces United for UNHCR album. Regarding the continued attention there are many interviews set up in the Balkan Nations and elsewhere upon the official launch in other territories. We are setting up a reception event for January at which UNHCR and the artists will get together to make an official press presentation of the album where media, press, UNHCR member, supporters, Ambassadors, Senators, Diplomats, members of the business forum and Congress will be present. Besides this I am finishing up my debut album and will soon begin work on a benefit single for the Matthew Shepard Foundation (Anti-hate crime & Diversity Acceptance organization). V: Reading your comments on the precarious situations in many parts of the world, we could really feel the fire that is burning in you and your intense need to help disadvantaged people. In most cases the United States and the European Union are responsible for the sustained underdevelopment in certain regions. Do you try to change people's attitude towards their way-of-life and behavior in your home country? Joalby: At then end of the day whether it is in the USA or out the important thing as seeing everyone as our equal. None should be seen as more or less than ourselves. I view us all as reflections of one another. It is true a great deal of the underdevelopment not just in other countries but also in our own is partly our own fault. I can't hold it against anyone though since in many situations people are uneducated in what happens outside our country. I do make it a point to raise people's awareness to the plight of individuals who benefit from the aid of UNHCR. I attempt to educate people on who UNHCR are, what they do, why they do it and who benefits from it.   Once we understand UNHCR and why it exists it gives us a whole new outlook on our own life. After learning about much of what UNHCR does even I have learned more and continue to learn. Passing this knowledge along to others helps to raise awareness for all of this. Underdevelopment would not be such a big issue to me if only people understood that not everyone else in the country has it like we in the USA do. If everyone was made aware of the reality of the world and all that goes on in it many people would open their eyes and demand a change. Until that happens various others and I will be out there championing causes such as UNHCR. V: You were criticizing that "people nowadays are so halfway involved". As you mentioned, transferring money cannot solve deep-rooted social and political problems; especially when people immediately after writing a check indulge in the Western capitalist preferences without wasting one thought on the global consequences again. What is your major concern and how would you like people to act and react? We would ask you to leave them a message.   Joalby: I have said before and stand by the fact that "people in this day and age are involved halfway" with these organizations. It pulls at our hearts to see a story about it on TV. We write a check and it ends there. What we need to realize is that for the millions of people sleeping in camps, for the many children living alone as orphans of war, for the women who are raped as young as six, for the youth who attempt to flee their land after seeing their families murdered only to be sent back by the country they try to get asylum from, to those millions of people who are living in refugee camps, or placement centers, to those bodies in the streets, to those souls that can no longer cry out, to all of them this is life. A check is not going to alleviate the situation. We blind ourselves to the truth of what is occurring these days. We push it aside. I'd like to take this chance to incorporate a teaching from my pastor in which he states that the hardest thing we will ever have to face in life is when the truth is acknowledged. In life whether it be with this or in love or any issue in life we take the truth and push it to one side so we do not have to acknowledge it therefore it doesn't exist. As my pastor says we must bring these truths front and center so we can work towards and through them. With situations such as these a check will not alleviate the situation. We need to take this truth that people are dying, living in pain, in hunger, women are turning to prostitution to feed their children, parent are crying leaving behind children and understand it. We must stand up for a change and come together to raise the awareness of those many others who at this moment have not yet embraced their truth. Pushing away the truth will not help us grow, yet if we embrace the truth and make a change it will help us grow and grow complete. I challenge all of you to become more educated. It doesn't have to be UNHCR (although I would prefer for it to be as that is the organization I champion). Many of my friends I challenged to learn more about UNHCR and they were surprised that there was much more to UNHCR than "Hey isn't that the organization Angelina Jolie supports". For most of them that is all they knew about it. This is why I cannot stress this enough. Take pride in the fact that we are fortunate enough to have these means of communication available to us through which we can grow more knowledgeable. I challenge you to take the truth and put it right in front of you. Force yourself to face your truth head on. Take a cause you believe in and challenge yourself. Don't just write a check. Learn more, email someone, call the offices, ask to speak with someone, find out who they are, what they do, what started it, and then raise the awareness of others. Do something more than write a check or look at the screen and say, "oh isn't that sad". Challenge yourself. Do not allow yourselves to be blinded of the truth. You can buy and order the album on Joalby's and the Voyces United For UNHCR site (see below), order via Amazon.com and purchase it in a number of retailer stores like Borders and HMV. Links: Voyces United For UNHCR MySpace   Joalby's MySpace   USA For UNHCR  UNHCR The UN Refugee Agency

 

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