TORONTO, ON -- (Marketwired) -- 05/06/15 -- Former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford recently recorded vocals for "Not My Time" -- a song in support of the fight against cancer. Joining Ford on this recording are 11 indie singers from Spectra Talent Contest -- a multicultural and LGBTA inclusive showcase, and a division of the Rainbow Association of Canadian Artists (RACA).
"Two years ago, my mother was diagnosed with cancer and given a 30% to 50% chance of surviving. Even though her surgery was extremely aggressive, she fought for her life and beat the odds," says Ralph Hamelmann, RACA Executive Director and song co-writer. "I wanted to write a song that would inspire others in her situation and put RACA's indie singers in the spotlight. Given Rob Ford's current bout with the disease, his celebrity status, and his previous work with Canadian musicians, he was an obvious choice for this project."
Hamelmann co-wrote "Not My Time" with record producer Mark Zubek and Gemini Award winner Paul Bellini. Last year, the same songwriting trio penned "Without Words," a RACA recording in support of the Ontario SPCA that reached #1 on the iTunes Canada Easy Listening Chart. In 2013, Hamelmann and Bellini partnered with Juno Award winning producer Gavin Bradley on "If You're Not Here At Christmas," a RACA holiday song that was certified gold by Music Canada.
Even though Ford won't be quitting his day job any time soon, he's confident "Not My Time" will become a hit. "Given RACA's past hit singles and the catchiness of this song, 'Not My Time' should do very well. I'd ask everyone to put their politics aside and stand behind the causes this song represents," says Rob Ford.
An estimated two in five Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. Seeing how far-reaching this disease is, Hamelmann is surprised a song has never charted in North America that speaks directly to those who are experiencing cancer or their loved ones.
"I'm hoping our song will become a much-needed anthem of hope," says Hamelmann.
"Not My Time" will be released on June 22. The official music video (featuring Rob Ford) can be viewed at notmytime.ca. On the same website, pre-orders of the multi-track single are also available for $3.49 USD. The multi-track single includes three versions of "Not My Time": the Radio Edit (featuring Ford), the Spectra Mix (without Ford), and the Backing Track. Those who pre-order the single will be emailed a free psychic reading (value $25) from the Psychic Brunch -- a group of Canadian psychics that have been raising money for the non-profit sector since 2003.
100% of net proceeds from digital sales of this recording will benefit RACA and the Canadian Cancer Society.
RACA is a registered non-profit organization that offers songwriting clinics, workshops, and recording opportunities to singers of all walks in Toronto and surrounding area. For more information about RACA, please visit raca.ca.
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national, community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is to eradicate cancer and enhance the quality of life of people living with cancer. Thanks to donors and volunteers, the Society has the most impact, against the most cancers, in the most communities in Canada. Building on this progress, the Society is working with Canadians to change cancer forever. For more information, visit cancer.ca or call the toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1-888-939-3333 (TTY) 1-866-786-3934.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Ralph Hamelmann
RACA Executive Director
producer[at]spectrashowcase.com
To arrange a live studio performance of "Not My Time", please contact lindsay[at]raca.ca.
