The music community gives so much to all of us through their commitment to the arts. In celebration of Independence Day 2008, I urge you to participate in Independents Day 08, a charity drive raising money for the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN) and the charitable organization of the Recording Academy, my beloved MusiCares.

In addition to being able to purchase a special compilation filled with one-offs and unreleased recordings by great artists, a charity auction is being held on eBay with some phenomenal one-of-a-kind prizes (be a music CEO at Beggars US for a day sound interesting?). You can read further details on all the great things you can win after the jump, plus a listing of the tracks you can get on the Indepenents Day 08 compilation — but remember, the compilation is only available for a limited, 72-hour period of July 4-6 at a special price.

Independents’ Day fires up in the United States on Friday July 4th! In conjunction with the digital album, there will also be an online auction running July 4th thru July 13th, with items for sale including memorabilia from artists like Evanescence and Nickleback, as well as incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences including:

- Play Guitar Hero with Roadrunnner artists Dragonforce! Dragonforce is the band behind the track widely considered to be the most challenging in the game’s history, “Through The Fire and The Flames.”
- Be a music CEO for a day! One winner will get to shadow Beggars Group US CEO Lesley Bleakley for a day, operating one of the biggest indie labels in the country.
- Spend “A Day with Dave!” One winner gets a personally guided noon - midnight adventure through the artistic spots of Portland, OR with Dave Allen, founding member of legendary punk icons Gang of Four. Dave is an enthusiastic Portland resident, and will share his favorite haunts with the lucky winner. This package includes airfare and one night of hotel.
- See Ani DiFranco! One winner gets a pair of tickets to see Ani DiFranco in concert July 16th at New York City’s United Palace, as well as a special opportunity to attend sound check before the show.
- Win a Ringo Starr autographed drum head.
- Score a Joan Jett specially autographed skate deck.
- Have a Jam Session with hiphop/Jazz act Ozomatli.

and so much more….check out the US auction which goes live late night on July 3rd.

eBay Auction Link:

http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=independents-day-charity-auction

Proceeds raised by this event will be split between A2IM, WIN (the Worldwide Independent Network), the Recording Academy’s charity MusiCares, and a special emerging country fund that supports those working to create their own independent label groups in regions like the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Tracklist (get the whole thing for only $2.99!!!)

* Ani DiFranco - Alla This
* Atmosphere - You (Live Acoustic Version)
* Black Milk feat. Fat Ray - Take Control
* Busy Signal - Unknown Number
* Charlatans UK - Murder
* Christian Scott - Rewind That (DJ Logic Remix)
* Dave Barnes - On A Night Like This
* Devendra Banhart - Don’t Look Back in Anger
* Dr. Dog - The Ark
* Elizabeth Cook - El Camino
* Feeder - Public Image
* Frank Black - The Seus (Charles Norman Remix)
* Hamell on Trial - Halfway
* Hanson - Your Illusion (Live)
* James Hunter - Don’t Do Me No Favours
* Jeff Hanson - Your Only Son
* Jim Lauderdale - You Loved Me Too
* Khia - Geeked Up
* Living Legends - That Looks Good (Jones Remix)
* Pacifika - Me Cai (The Da Cruz Ragga Mix Radio Edit)
* Slipknot - Purity
* The Donnas - Wasted Life
* The Mighty Underdogs (feat. Gift of Gab and Chali 2na) - War Walk
* Tift Merritt - Tell Me Something True
* Tokyo Police Club - In a Cave (Great Lenin’s Ghost vs. Octopus Rex Remix)

The album will be available for a very limited 72-hour window (July 4-6) at Amazon, eMusic, ZUNE, A2IM.org, www.independentsday08.com, and participating member websites.