BEFORE YOU WATCH THIS VIDEO, BE WARNED THAT THERE ARE IMAGES THAT MAY BE DISTURBING TO WATCH.

*UPDATE: I'VE DECIDED TO GIVE ALL OF THE PROCEEDS FROM Neda AND VOX TO UNITED FOR IRAN. TO Get VOX, NEDA AND TO SUPPORT PEACE AND LOVE IN IRAN: kawehi.bandcamp.com/album/vox

Wasabi!
First up off of VOX: NEDA. Neda Agha-Soltan was a 26 year old woman who died by a fatal shot to the chest by Iranian authorities during the 2009 election protests. Her death was captured on video by bystanders, put on the internet, and went viral around the world. Neda became the face of Iran's democracy movement - and the voice of women in Iran. An anonymous Kickstarter song pledger gave me free reigns to write about whatever I wanted - and after hours of research on NEDA, I didn't feel right about writing another silly love song. There are more important voices that need to be heard - and this time, I choose for it to belong to one woman: Neda.

Everything about this video and song were done by Paul and I. The entire track is all vocals - everything you hear was a sound made by me. I wanted VOX to be simple - one instrument, one me. And the video - was shot with no money, no crew - just Paul and his one camera. We did the best we could - with the little we had - and I'm pretty happy with the outcome. Who says you can't accomplish anything DIY?

I chose to include real footage in the video - and although it is very sensitive material, I thought it was important for everyone to witness. She is an inspiration to me and to us all as a human race.

As always, say Wasabi: facebook.com/iamkawehi
xo.
k.

UPDATE: A bunch of people asked for me to post the lyrics...here they are:

NEDA

You know you're screwed when you're walking on shells
and fire's burning like a demon from hell
In your lungs, to your tongue

When a teacher does his best to protect
but still a bullet finds its way to her chest
she said, "Burning, I'm burning!"

Feel the earth rumble no one's safe -
on the streets of Tehran

You can take my eyes
But leave your stones in your gardens
Your rivers, your roads
You can take my eyes
You can claim that the way I dress
is offensive to your God

They want you gone and silent,
declare you a martyr and let the streets run violent
Do your best to comply
a pension for your lies

They said,
"Neda, don't be afraid, don't be afraid"
"Neda, stay with me, stay!"

You can take my eyes
But leave your stones in your gardens
Your rivers, your roads
You can take my eyes
You can claim that the way I dress
is offensive to your God

I am responsible
I know that now
The laws are so simple;
you let what you allow
I know that now
A voice should be heard
You showed me why and how

"Neda, don't be afraid, don't be afraid"
"Neda, stay with me, stay!"

You can take my eyes
But leave your stones in your gardens
Your rivers, your roads
You can take my eyes
You can claim that the way I dress
is offensive to your God

peace and love to all of you.

Cast: Kawehi

Tags: kawehi, vox, kickstarter and NEDA