Kickstarter

The idea behind When We Arrive has been brewing in my mind for several years now. I came up with the concept of a project that would appeal to a new growing class- young, mostly educated Latinos, a group that has become aware of their social responsibilities and has begun to understand the consequences of complete assimilation into American society. As generations pass, the growing expectation for Latino men and women like me is to leave the trappings of second-class citizenship behind through education- my own parents saw it as the way to break the cycle of poverty. They were right, too- I thank God for my blessings and I wouldn’t trade my opportunities or my status as an American for anything in the world- but what they also don’t talk about was the cost. My generation is also at a cultural crossroads; as we adopt a more American lifestyle, our Latino heritage is becoming lost. Spanish, our traditions, our music- these things get lost in the quest for success; as we become more American, we become less Latino.

I want When We Arrive to reflect this idea, this dual identity. I want it to truly be a blend of American and Chicano styles of music, both musically and lyrically.  The amount I'm asking for is actually short of my projected budget- I made one based on the amount of studio time I would need, as well as payments for several musicians I would hire to help me create the music- but I didn't want to overreach on this project.  If I don't get the amount I need I'll pay for the rest myself, but one way or another this project will be completed. 

Even if you don't consider yourself a hip hop fan, give my music a chance; you might just find yourself surprised at what I bring to the table.  A free mixtape can be downloaded here, whether you choose to donate or not.  Either way, thank you in advance for giving me a chance. 

PARENTAL ADVISORY: SOME EXPLICIT CONTENT

http://soundcloud.com/inno-j-alvarez

Update 1/19/12: Now can be heard on YouTube as well!

http://www.youtube.com/user/InnoJAlvarez?feature=mhee

Special Thanks to the following people for helping make this mixtape a reality:

Kendrick "DJ MIXA McGoo" Newman for putting this blend together

Dennis Killian (Who's not on facebook anymore apparently) for his piano work on "Be Alright" - told you I'd use it someday!

Mark Sarisky- for giving me the tools and the know how to create my own vision; thanks for your guidance Mark.

Adair Lion- for pushing me to succeed; your success inspired me to work my ass off and do the same. See you at the top my friend!

Max Cidon- my engineer, made a mediocre mix sound amazing and gave me the facility to finish this project. 

Eliana Bernard- for providing the artwork pictured above, and what will eventually be the cover of my album should this project come to fruition.

Mixtape track listing and notes:

1. When We Arrive
Lyrics written by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.
Original track entitled ‘Solitude,’ off the album Dudley Perkins: A Lil’ Light Instrumentals. Produced by Madlib. ©2003 Stones Throw Records.
Performed by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez

2. The Army Marches
Lyrics written by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.
Track produced by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez. Contains a sample of ‘El Corazon Del Inca’ off the album Urubamba. Produced by Paul Simon. ©1974 Warner Bros. Records.
Performed by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez

3. Be Alright
Lyrics written by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.
Track co-produced by Dennis Killian and Joseph “Inno” Alvarez. Features an original piano interpretation of ‘Jordu’ performed by Dennis Killian. Originally written and performed by Irving “Duke” Jordan.
Performed by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.

4. Love Lessons
Lyrics written by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.
Produced by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.
Performed by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.

5. Movement
Lyrics written by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.
Produced by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez. Contains a sample of ‘1st Movement’ off the album The Electric Light Orchestra. Performed by The Electric Light Orchestra. ©1971 EMI Records.
Performed by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.

6. Need Work
Lyrics written by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.
Original track entitled ‘Got Work’ off the album Revolutions per Minute. Performed by Talib Kweli/Reflection Eternal. Produced by Hi-Tek. ©2010 Blacksmith/Rawkus Records.
Performed by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.

7. The Fire
Lyrics written by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.
Original track entitled ‘Bounce’ off the album Tronic. Originally performed by Black Milk. Produced by Black Milk. © 2008 Fat Beats Records.
Performed by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.

8. When the Light Went Out
Lyrics written by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez
Produced by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez. Contains a sample of ‘Beautiful’ off the album Division. Performed by 10 Years. Produced by Rick Parasher. ©2008 Universal Records.
Performed by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.

9. Let’s Grow
Lyrics written by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez
Produced by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.
Performed by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.

10. Awaiting the Arrival
Lyrics written by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.
Original Track entitled ‘Showtime at the Gallow’ off the album Rip the Jacker. Originally performed by Canibus. Produced by Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind. ©2003 Babygrande Records.
Performed by Joseph “Inno” Alvarez.