Legendary DJ & Podcast Enthusiast Develops Program for Artists to Raise Money for Notable Causes

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Ira Watson, aka DJ Come of Age, a DJ with a knack for finding talented independent artists of soul and R & B. Ira had an innovative idea with exciting potential.

When I spoke with him, he told me of his start as a DJ and how, as he began to incorporate independent music in his mixes, people would come up to him and ask "Who is that you're playing?" In case you don't know, he was using music produced by independent artists available for download on the internet. These include songs by inspiring artists not signed by major record labels. He began thinking and soon became a promoter of independent soul & R&B.

DJ Come of Age is a featured writer at Underground Soul, an independent organization specializing in online marketing, publicity, promotion and bookings for independent artists, DJs and record labels. In simple terms, he finds great music, mixes it, and promotes it.

DJ Come of Age, working with Markus Ekholm of Slowmo, a Swedish producer of a mixture of soulful jazz/neo soul, and club R&B/hip hop sounds, has devised an exciting new program, "Downloads for Dollars" which will raise money for charities and notable causes, bringing attention and support for those in need.

Starting September 1st, anytime you download the song "From A Window" on the album "Unheralded-The Neo Soul Project" by Slowmo on iTunes, MSN Music, and other services, thirty cents will go to help raise money for Alec's ABA therapy and school expenses. These are costs are not covered by insurance.

In addition, DJ Come of Age's DJ Consortium label will contribute $2 of every purchase of the new album "Hidden Souls 2" for Alec's expenses. The CD's are available only through CD Baby. "Hidden Souls 2" is a blend of neo soul, chilled grooves, and funky R&B.

DJ Come of Age told me that he pitched this idea to many charities and had no takers! One of my greatest de-stressers is taking my old (yes, I have one of the really old ones!) iPod out running, and listening to downloaded music. During this time, I draw close to God. I am a huge fan of the exciting new phenomenon of downloading music. I think the "Downloads for Dollars" idea has enormous potential.

Right now, we are seeing what is going to happen with Alec's ABA fund, but be assured, when this takes off, and I am praying it will, we will be expanding the program to fund ABA for many other autistic kids.

THANK YOU IRA and Markus for allowing Alec to be a part of your vision! I am so humbled by your generosity! I know the future holds exciting things for you, so I'm sitting back and watching it unfold!

Notes on Autism:

1 in 166 children are now diagnosed with autism, a frustrating disorder hindering normal development of the brain. Autism disorders affect social interaction, sensory processing skills, cognitive functions, and the ability to communicate with others. However, new scientific studies indicate that a combination of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy (recommended by the Surgeon General in the treatment of autism) and promising biomedical therapies can greatly improve the prognosis of autistic children.

Our family can attest to this, as we have seen substantial improvement since Alec's original diagnosis in the May of 2004. However, current costs for Alec to receive ABA and medical treatments are high, and most of which are not covered by insurance. This is the plight of families battling autism.