Help Amputee & Disabled Musicians

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Hey Everyone,

I'm Jason Barnes. You may know me as the drummer who faced a challenging turn in life and then went on to work with and help create some of the world's most advanced prosthetics. In 2012, I was working on the roof of a building when a power transformer exploded and sent a bolt of electricity into my body. In the hospital, the doctors had to amputate my right hand and forearm. It’s definitely a wild story. But more importantly, it's a story about not giving up on what you love. I was fortunate enough to be able to create my own drumming prosthetic, and then work with the incredible people at Georgia Tech and Google to help create some of the world's most advanced prosthetics for music and beyond, allowing me to continue my passion for drumming. It’s still mind-blowing to me what we, as humans, are capable of and I can’t thank the teams at GA Tech, Google, Hanger Clinic, and everyone associated with the Steps of Faith Foundation and Thundergong enough.

Today, I'm reaching out for your support- not just for me, but for a dream that extends beyond myself. Throughout my journey as an amputee and working with Georgia Tech and others, I always thought to myself how great it would be to extend this technology and research beyond myself, and to be able to help others in need. With this in mind, I started Cybernetic Sound, where I’m joined by an incredible team of like minded friends, musicians, and producers. This studio and production facility is envisioned as a creative haven, a place where technology meets the heart of music, supporting artists from all walks of life, especially those who have their unique challenges to overcome. It’s not just a recording studio, but a foundation for something bigger and better for creatives. It is a place where musicians with obstacles can receive help and support in creating and performing from people who understand the realities of living with a disability.

As we have invested tens of thousands out-of-pocket into construction, supplies, rent, utilities, and treatment, I am aiming to raise an additional $75,000.00 to make this dream a reality. Every bit of this amount has a purpose:

Creating the Studio:

Your donations will help further equip our space with the necessary instruments and technology, fund the rent and utilities, and cover the essential legal groundwork to safeguard our mission. Funds will also help cover necessary travel and living expenses as needed.
(A huge thank you to Barbara Dockett for leasing us a commercial space and believing in us. Barbara, you’re amazing and we love you.)

Accessible Music Making:

We're committed to offering free or discounted services to musicians facing disabilities, ensuring that financial hurdles don't mute talent.

Innovating for Amputee and Differently Abled Musicians:

Your contribution will further my passion of developing prosthetics that are tailored for musicians, turning impossibilities into realities. Over the last ten years I’ve dedicated my life to helping advance technology that helps differently abled musicians get back to doing what they love. Your support will contribute to the purchasing of tools, materials, and 3D printing tech to ensure as many musicians as possible will have the resources to continue to play.

Championing Mental Health:

As advocates for mental health, we recognize music's role in healing and support. We're devoted to launching initiatives that provide a haven for artists grappling with these challenges.

Empowering Hemophilia in Music:

With one of our team members having severe hemophilia, we plan on creating initiatives that provide support for musicians with bleeding disorders.

Supporting Our Community:

This is about building an inclusive haven for musicians with disabilities, offering a platform where their music resonates with strength and courage- where a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment is available to allow full artistic expression.

Beyond Just a Studio:

Our vision extends beyond a recording space. We envision an educational and supportive hub, fostering partnerships, and exploring prosthetics research, making music accessible to all. We also have plans to create and launch software, virtual instruments, and sound resources for artists.

Treats for the Studio Dogs:

Bigby, Stella, and Ruby will forever be thankful for your support and welcome you to friendly pets and bellyrubs anytime.

This idea is more than a personal goal; it's about creating a space where every artist feels they belong, and where challenges are viewed as pathways to innovation in music.

Your contribution, no matter the size, is an act of belief – in music, in overcoming challenges, and in the power of community. I'm not just asking for a donation; I'm inviting you to be a part of a story that could inspire many.

Thank you for reading and considering being a part of this journey. Your support, whether through donation or by sharing our vision, is invaluable and we cannot thank you enough. Let’s make 2024 an amazing year.

** If you cannot support monetarily, we ask that you share this page to help increase visibility to ensure this vision comes to life. We are also accepting donations in the forms of music and recording equipment- instruments, microphones, computers, interfaces, preamps, compressors, and other outboard gear. Please contact us for details on how you can donate items.