UPDATE 2023: It seems like Nate is no longer using his Patreon to grow a forest. Still, it was cool while it lasted!
Hey Superpeeps! Today’s #superheroalert celebrates the little steps we can take, one by one, that eventually lead up to true heroism…like the seeds that grow into a tree.
(See how I did that topical transition, there? That’s what they pay me the writer dollaz* for)
So say hi to Nate Maingard, Superpeeps! (He says hi back.) While Nate’s not dying for a cause in spandex, I do think a shout-out to him can help us on our #BecomingHero journey because he’s doing something above and beyond what most other musicians do when they ask for money: he’s giving it back! For every $10 donated to his Patreon, he’s helping a little tree out there somewhere find its roots. That sounded pretty cool to me, so I decided to ask him some questions about how that works.
So Nate, can you talk a little bit about how your “plant a tree” initiative fits in with the theme of your album?
Nate: I just love the idea of songs and trees growing together. I’m constantly thinking about how my music positively affects peoples’ hearts and I figured there must be a way to positively impact the earth at the same time!
Jen: What kind of good to you hope to accomplish via your music, in general?
Nate: Just to assist people in the fine art of being human.
Jen: On a practical note, how are you getting the trees to plant, and do you have recommendations to others for planting trees?
Nate: I’m using the non profit, onetreeplanted.org. They work with NGOs in many parts of the world, and have a great way of tracking all trees planted to make sure they do well!
Jen: What are some other simple ways we can come together to do good?
Nate: Practice right speech, right action, right thought. Forgive, ourselves and others. Have fun. Don’t take life too personally, it happens to everyone.
Jen: And last, what’s the most important sound in the world to you?
Nate: Silence.
I think that’s my cue to stop asking questions. = P Thanks for the interview, Nate!
So Superpeeps, what do you think? When you’re fundraising for your next project, how can you give a little love on the side? Let’s brainstorm ways we can take those superhero steps.
See you soon!
~Jen
*(This is why they take them away again)
