With a new year comes a new opportunity for change, not only on a personal level but also spanning regions. In Kuwait, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were put in place to ensure the continued and multifaceted development of the country and the sixth goal demands that HIV/AIDS, as well as other diseases, are combatted. It is the wish of Dr. Hind Abdelaziz Al-Shoumer – Head of the Office of HIV/AIDS in Kuwait – that the disease is eradicated in 2015 and she believes that this can be achieved through education, treatment and the fight against discrimination, on a national and international scale. Another – somewhat unconventional – way of supporting the HIV/AIDS cause is through the medium of music and it has taken the world by storm. 

Since the release of Hot Fuzz in 2004, The Killers have been inspiring people with their unique indie rock style of music. Unknown to many casual listeners, the band often uses their musical influence to support campaigns and fundraise for charities. The Killers have formed part of the Project Red campaign since 2006, producing yearly singles to fund the fight against AIDS. Their yearly releases have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and – with the ninth (RED) song made available a few weeks ago – their support continues.

Listen to #IFeelItInMyBones in support of #WorldAIDSDay idj.to/TzF2D9 — The Killers (@thekillers) December 1, 2012

 

There are 33 million people living with HIV globally. 22 million of them live in Africa. It’s not just another Tuesday. Follow @joinred #red — The Killers (@thekillers) December 1, 2009

  Headed by Bono and Bobby Shriver, the campaign has since raised over $275 million for 150 countries to support those suffering from and surrounded by AIDS. Partnerships with Apple, Starbucks, Galaxy and many more organizations have led to better standards of living for 55 million people and the possibility of an AIDS-free generation in years to come. In the words of Bono, “This isn’t about charity, it’s about justice” and with 100% of its donations going towards the fight against AIDS, (RED) exists solely for the purpose of supporting a worthy cause.

    Although the tracks are released around December 1 every year, coinciding with World AIDS Day, the songs are not remotely ‘festive’. Nonetheless, what the album lacks in wintery charm and references to snow it makes up for in breath-taking instrumentation, gritty monotone vocals and provocative refrains. With borderline-disturbing lyrics paired with humorous themes, the band encourages a more laid-back approach to the festivities.   [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/179580071″ params=”color=ff0000&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”250%” height=”150″ iframe=”true” /]   In 2011, the band released their (RED) EP featuring their yearly releases. The Killers collaborated with music legends Elton John and Neil Tennant, producing exceptional tracks such as “Joseph, Better You Than Me” as well as identifying the duo as advocates for (RED). The (RED) EP was not the only way in which The Killers have used their music abilities to spread a message. The band worked with UNICEF and USAID, to create a music video for ‘Goodnight, Travel Well’, from the band’s third album ‘Day & Age’. The video highlighted the dangers and damaging impacts of sex trafficking, with regards to young women and girls in particular. The deep-cutting message behind every one of The Killer’s songs reminds people that being unhappy or discontent with your life is perfectly normal and acceptable. Only once we identify the issues we face – be they AIDS, sex trafficking or simple daily issues – can we begin to eradicate them.  You can follow the progress (RED) has made towards an AIDS-free future on their Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and Facebook accounts. If you wish to donate to the very worthy cause, visit the (RED) webpage.