A perpetual smile and welcoming relaxed attitude may be the status quo for the singer-songwriters of late. Collin Whelley enters this genre with a talent for songwriting with more than a melody, but also with a message.

In 2006, Collin Whelley headed to Bolivia shortly after graduation to work with the Centro de Desarrollo en Energía Solar (CEDESOL) organization and with Sobre la Roca, for the development and implementation of both the “Rocket Stove” and solar cooking technology for the people of rural Bolivia. The goal was to combat indoor air pollution (IAP), which, according to the World Health Organization, leads to 1.6 million premature deaths each year. While there, he help not only make great progress in establishing ‘The Bolivia Project’ as a globally recognized effort in combating IAP, but Collin also was greatly affected by the experience. He has given us Waiting In Bolivia to tell us of his experience.

Influenced by artists such as Nick Drake, Cat Stevens, Richie Havens, and Mason Jennings, Collin Whelley’s music is lyrically driven, where his vocal melodies mix with a range of musical moods throughout the album. The album, recorded at Easta Green’s The Dojo in September 2009, is a collection of Collin’s experiences, layered around folky, yet progressive music. It’s a statement of his times there, from 2 children who participated in the course (“I’ve Got The Wand And You’ve Got The Beat”), to war torn times in Rio di Janiero (“Gunner Boy”), to rehabilitated prisoners (“Augustine”). Even on the final track, “Waiting”, Collin leaves you knowing that his work is not yet done. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.