In 2013 I went to Rwanda during the month of July and I conducted a study with psychology and music. As I traveled the country, I would play chords and songs I had written (negating lyrics) for children, many of whom were deaf of disabled. When I saw a big reaction from a kid to a certain song, a reaction being big movements, smiles, laughs, etc., I would interview the child and their teacher, learning about their childhood, behavior, activities, and home life. I then wrote lyrics attaching that child's development to their song, and compared the songs once I had completed them all. What I found was a correlation between a child's development and their taste in music; that a child who has lived a quiet, sublime life will resonate more with melodic, tranquil, softer songs, and that a child whose life has been entrenched in turmoil will identify more with aggressive, intense rhythms. The purpose of the album is to help eradicate the stigma that surrounds mental and physical disabilities, bridge cultures, and exemplify the fantastic beauty of children. All donations are optional, 100% of which will go to AVEH Umurerwa, a non-profit in Nyamata, Rwanda, that not only gives direct aid to children with mental and physical disabilities but also works within communities to eradicate the strong stigma surrounding mental illness.

Chris Zaro