By Julie Johnson
An energetic supporter of initiatives that foster a positive future, Julie worked with Appalachian Voices from 2009-2011, first as a Communications Intern, then as Distribution Manager and freelance feature writer for The Appalachian Voice.

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Charlottesville, Va.-based rock and roots band Trees on Fire has announced the donation of 5 percent of sales from their new album, Organica, to Appalachian Voices. The new release is the quintet’s first full-length album, and went on sale Tuesday, May 4.

“We are excited that Trees on Fire has chosen to use the power of their music to raise awareness about mountaintop removal coal mining, and to support the work of Appalachian Voices in that mission,” said Willa Mays, Executive Director of Appalachian Voices.

Trees on Fire, voted “Greenest Regional Band” by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, has raised awareness and funds for a number of organizations in their four years of existence. Their choice to support Appalachian Voices resulted from the band’s belief that ending mountaintop removal mining and preventing the construction of new coal-fired power plants are steps toward the goal of producing energy without damaging the environment.

“We are musicians, not environmentalists, so we are proud to partner with an organization like Appalachian Voices,” said Paul Rosner, drummer and vocalist for Trees on Fire. “They understand what it takes to fight mountaintop removal mining, a practice we hope is abolished for its blind destructiveness.”

Recorded in Virginia and Louisiana and produced by Rob Evans, Eric Heigle and Trees on Fire, Organica takes listeners from the heights of the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains to the buzzing swamps and bayous of the bottom-land, connecting the dots between rock, dance, roots and pop music.

Another portion of the album sales will go to benefit the Atchafalaya Basinkeeper, located in southern Louisiana.

For more information, visit appalachianvoices.org/trees-on-fire/.