ABOUT
101 - Flames of Inspiration is a transformative movement that bridges divisions through the power of music. By connecting artists from around the world we create a symphony of hope, a new and unique world fusion music that transcends all boundaries, religions and beliefs, testifying to the power of community and the healing power of creativity.
We promote a world in which music becomes a catalyst for change and understanding.
MISSION
Connecting musicians from around the world to create collaborative music that inspires environmental awareness and spreads a message of hope.
VISION
To become a global music platform where art meets ecological activism, turning environmental challenges into collective sound inspiration.
VALUES
Collaboration: Music is born from union.
Sustainability: Every note reflects respect for the Earth.
Inclusiveness: Every voice, every culture, every sound has value.
Hope: We believe in a better tomorrow, together.
WHY WE STARTED THIS PROJECT
We have been on this planet for many decades now and have seen ideas and crises come and go. Some of the signs we see today are worrisome. Our impression is that many people's attention seems to be narrowing. Again.
Many are experiencing that resources are becoming scarcer and their livelihoods are being threatened.
Some have begun to look for simplified explanations for the challenges we face today. They point responsibility to specific groups, nationalities or conspirators. Those who study history know that this is not the first time this has happened. Strange ideas of extreme nationalism, racism, dictatorship, and persecution have always run rampant during plagues, famines, and other disasters.
But division is not the solution to the problems we all face together. This could be said to be a platitude, but history shows us that.
Therefore, we are turning to extraordinary musicians who will create an album and a 55-minute film together. This will show how much we have in common. And it will highlight what can be accomplished by working together for a goal that everyone feels is important and worthwhile.
What's happening in the world
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Increased pollution
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Deforestation
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Climate change
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Rising sea level
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Extreme weather
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Decreased biodiversity
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Resource scarcity
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Fighting for territories
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Forced migration
What we want to create
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Dialogue
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Collaboration
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Empathy
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Trust
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Inspiration
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Hope
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Peace
Negative effects
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War
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Fear
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Passivity
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Narrow mindset
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Loss of hope
Goal
Calling musicians from around the world to collaborate to create a global village that shares these issues and wants to be an active part of trying to turn things around, creating hope.
Each musician contributes to write the lyrics and music.
MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT
101 Flame of Inspiration" is the title of the musical project produced by E2D, an initiative that started in Apulia and embraces the world, the brainchild of Eric Forsmark, Swedish by birth but Apulian by adoption who, since April 2021, has been searching the world for musicians capable of shaping this idea. At his side, in this continuous but at the same time harmonious and always surprising flow of ethnic music, the Swede Peter D. intent on making the sound even more perfect.
“It is worrisome,” says Forsmark, who has settled in Giovinazzo, North Barese, for many years, "that although man has been on this planet for a long time, today many people are experiencing a lack of resources and deteriorating living conditions. Some have begun to look for simplified and irrational explanations, or have taken refuge in unacceptable ideas of extreme nationalism and racism. But division is certainly not the solution to the problems that need to be addressed all together. Hence the project of contacting extraordinary musicians to show everyone how much we have in common. A musical suggestion for a shared global approach."
Two guidelines for all artists involved: to respect 101 beats per minute, hence the title “101 Flames of Inspiration,” and to write lyrics in their own language centered on the project's message.
One hundred and one beats per minute, but only one breath, that of nature, the wonderful backdrop of the trailer to which the music itself is inspired by bringing together artists with totally different histories and worlds to create a splendid musical hybrid, the result of cross-contamination.
WHO WE ARE
E2D was founded in 2014 by Eric Forsmark and Peter D.
Previously, we have been creating music together for more than three decades, in various groups and formats.
Over the years we have played with hundreds of talented musicians who also play out of pure passion. Some of them also participate in this project. Music and other cultural expressions transcend national borders and influence us all. We inherited these roots from our ancestors, who developed and perfected them over thousands of years. As soon as different groups, tribes or civilizations came into contact, they influenced each other and infected each other with their music.
Since April 2021, Eric has been working to identify unique and inspiring musicians around the world. He contacted them and asked them to propose their own compositions or to develop those already proposed by others. After Eric makes the first video and audio edits, Peter spends hours and days perfecting the sound. Any pitch is fine, but the tempo must be 101 BPM (beats per minute). This makes it much easier to put all the pieces together and also to combine tracks from different parts. We have already tried the Indian tablas track on the Colombian part and the salsa percussion on the Central African part (which works great!).
Both Eric and Peter contribute their percussion and guitar tracks, and more. Once all the parts have been recorded, it is time to decide in what order they will be connected and how the transitions should be performed.
We also ask all the musicians to film themselves playing. This greatly enriches the whole experience. Over the past 4 years months we have worked with nearly 200 musicians and have found that no matter where they live, we share a great deal with them.