Album Notes

These are the facts:

In the three minutes it will take you to read this release, another American will have died of diabetes-related complications. In the 45 seconds it will take you to let that sink in, a new case of diabetes will be diagnosed. Approximately 5.4 million Americans don't even know they have the disease yet. And the search continues for a cure.

In an effort to raise awareness as well as financial support for continued research, Fire-tone Records owner Matt Friscia has coordinated the production of Indie Rock Unites... Vol. 1, a compilation CD that will offer an eclectic mix of music, much of which is otherwise unreleased.

Though heavy on acts from the label's own Chicago turf, the project has attracted bands from across the nation, including The Churchills (New York City/New Jersey), The Red King (Philadelpia/NYC), The Push Stars (Boston), Tolerance (Phoenix), The Figgs (Boston/New York), The Poster Children (Champaign, IL), and Third Grade Teacher (Los Angeles).

And while some bands are simply pitching in to help a worthy charity, others have more personal connections. Machinery Hall's drummer, Paul Buhl's mother suffers from a mild, low-level diabetes. Sister Child vocalist Stewart Riske's 33-year-old cousin Steven was diagnosed at 10 years old.

Danny Shaffer, who owns the Chicago recording studio where Frisbie recorded their contribution, watched his father struggle with diabetes all his life. When kidney failure set in, a common problem for diabetes victims, the then 26-year-old Danny donated one of his healthy pair, only to watch his father die several months later at the age of 52.

This isn't the first time Friscia, who himself lost his 32-year-old father to diabetes complications when he was only six years old, has put musical muscle behind the cause. "I did put on a small concert in Tempe, AZ benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, but it was only mildly successful with limited promotion," he explains. "I wanted to do something more worthwhile... something more permanent."

With that being said, we bring to you this amazing line up of independent rock bands from around the country on one CD..."Indie Rock Unites...vol.1".

Enjoy and feel good about picking up this CD for a great cause!!