Patagonia Music Launches VOLUME 3 with Esperanza Spalding and More

VENTURA, Calif. (JUNE 22, 2011) — Patagonia Inc., the environmentally minded apparel company, launches Patagonia Music Collective Volume 3 to continue financial support of grass roots environmental organizations through sales of artist’s exclusive tracks. The Patagonia Music Collective Volume 3 will launch in the United States on Wednesday June 22, 2011 at www.patagonia.com/music.

The Patagonia Music Collective’s Volume 3, like Volumes 1 and 2, features previously unavailable material from both established and rising artists. Exclusive tracks will be sold on iTunes at $.99 each or $9.99 for Volume 3, with the net proceeds going directly to the environmental organizations of the artists’ choice. Volume 3 has a collection of ten tracks from a diverse group of musicians. Musicians include Best New Artist Grammy Award winner Esperanza Spalding, Medeski Martin & Wood, Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR), William Elliott Whitmore, David Crosby & Graham Nash, Jake Shimabukuro, DeVotchKa, The Civil Wars, Dolorean, and Drive-By Truckers.

“At Patagonia, we acknowledge there is an environmental crisis and that we have a responsibility to use our business in ways that inspire solutions to that crisis. Working with artists to help fund critical work of grassroots environmental organizations is one creative approach that not only raises money but increases awareness and activism,” noted Lisa Pike, director of environmental initiatives for Patagonia.

This new model for green giving continues as a long-term project. Additional artists will add exclusive tracks to the Patagonia Music Collective throughout the year. The tracks are bundled into compilation Volumes for purchase but you can also purchase the tracks individually.

“I’m so thrilled to be a part of Patagonia’s compilation project to raise awareness about environmental issues. Growing up in Hawai’i, we realize the importance of protecting our natural resources,” said Jake Shimabukuro whose track, “Less Cowbell, More Ukulele” will support the Kōkua Hawai’i Foundation ¬¬.

The Patagonia Music Collective builds upon the success of such programs as 1% for the Planet and the Conservation Alliance (a coalition of business that grants 100% of its member dues to grassroots environmental groups). The Patagonia Music Collective is not a record label, nor is it simply a downloads-for-charity campaign. It is an evolving program that allows musicians to direct funds to specific environmental causes. Additionally it gives listeners rare access to previously unavailable music.

“We are honored to be part of the Patagonia Music Collective. At this point in time, there are so many important causes to get behind it can be overwhelming, which makes it even more essential that we remain clear and continue to do whatever we can to help wherever we can. It feels good to support Clean Ocean Action with our track,” said Medeski Martin & Wood. “Clean Ocean Action is relentless, which is the only way to make these kind of changes happen. We want to protect our marine resources for everyone now and for future generations.”

The platform fosters an artistic and political exchange between the passionate communities of musicians, fans, environmental advocates, and Patagonia’s own loyal, socially-conscience customer base.

The tracks are available at www.patagonia.com/music, on the dedicated iPhone app and the web widget at participating artists’ websites. Fulfillment will be handled by iTunes.

About Patagonia
Patagonia, with sales last year of over $410M, is noted internationally for its commitment to product quality and environmental activism. Incorporating environmental responsibility into product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line. In Fall 2011, the company’s entire product line will be recyclable thorough its Common Threads Recycling Program. The company also advocates corporate transparency through its interactive website, The Footprint Chronicles, which outlines the environmental and social footprint of individual products. Patagonia was featured as The Coolest Company on the Planet on Fortune Magazine’s April 2007 cover.

Contact:
Patagonia, Inc.: Jen Rapp, 805.667.4768, jen_rapp@patagonia.com