For a decade now, the Linkin Park-backed Music for Relief organization has been at the forefront of charitable organizations when it comes to aiding in the aftermath of natural disasters. Meanwhile, the Rock in Rio festival has used the power of its brand since 2001 to aid in the creation of a better world through social and environmental projects. So with Rock in Rio set to stage its first ever U.S.-based festival in May, a partnership with Music for Relief seemed like the perfect match.

During a press conference held in Los Angeles Thursday afternoon (March 26), Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda and fellow Rock in Rio USA performers Echosmith showed up to be the first artists to sign guitars that will be auctioned off to raise money for Music for Relief's next major project.

"We are getting all the artists that are participating in Rock in Rio to sign guitars that will benefit Music for Relief," stated Music for Relief's Whitney Showler. "These guitars will be auctioned off online and on sight in the VIP area at Rock in Rio and they will go to raise money for Music for Relief. And 100 percent of the proceeds are going to tree planting throughout California. And the tree planting is happening in wildfire burn areas. So it's a really fun project for us cause it solves both of our goals. It's tree planting in areas that have been struck by a natural disaster and then it's also improving the environment."

Rock in Rio CEO Luis Justo added, "We are very, very proud of the relationship that Rock in Rio is doing with Music for Relief, a really serious and important non-profit organization … and we are really proud to be launching an action initiative. And we are really proud to have found the perfect partner to start our social activism here in the U.S."

And with the announcement, Shinoda and Echosmith were introduced to sign the first guitars as part of the fundraiser. Linkin Park will take part in the Rock weekend May 8 and 9 in Las Vegas with such acts as Metallica, Deftones, Mana, The Pretty Reckless, No Doubt, Hollywood Undead, Sepultura, Of Mice & Men, Cohered and Cambria and more getting in on the fun. Echosmith are slated to turn up during the Pop weekend May 15 and 16 with Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Empire of the Sun, John Legend and more participating as well.

After the photo ops, Shinoda spoke with Loudwire about the Music for Relief plan. He stated, "It's a great cause and Music for Relief is an organization that focuses on disaster relief and mitigation, so in other words we funnel attention and money to the people that need it after they get hit with a natural disaster and we're involved in climate change, prevention and eco awareness efforts. For many years we've donated like a dollar from every ticket to plant a tree and I think we've raised over a million dollars and planted a million trees."

Meanwhile, Echosmith bassist Noah Sierota spoke about meeting Shinoda and the thrill of being asked to take part in Music for Relief's activities. "It's cool to be here and be a part of the charity that they started and meet him," said the bassist. "And it's cool cause that's what music does -- it connects people. Here we're connecting and collaborating for a common cause and a really great one too. We're very excited about that."

Head to www.charitybuzz.com/RockInRio to check out the signed guitars and make a bid. And as stated, the guitars will be auctioned in the festival's VIP area as well. The proceeds will contribute to the reforestation of more than 350 acres in California's Shasta-Trinity and Angeles National Forests. For additional details on Music for Relief, check here. The Rock In Rio USA festival ticketing and lineup information is available at this location.

Rock in Rio USA / Music for Relief Partnership Press Conference

Mike Shinoda
Chad Childers, Loudwire
loading...
Mike Shinoda
Chad Childers, Loudwire
loading...
Mike Shinoda
Chad Childers, Loudwire
loading...
Mike Shinoda
Chad Childers, Loudwire
loading...
Echosmith
Chad Childers, Loudwire
loading...
Whitney Showler
Chad Childers, Loudwire
loading...
Luis Justo
Chad Childers, Loudwire
loading...
Whitney Showler Echosmith Mike Shinoda Luis Justo
Chad Childers, Loudwire
loading...

More From Rock 96.7