SFU fine arts faculty member Jim Donovan – the former drummer of the multi-platinum touring band Rusted Root – has returned to the studio after 14 years and is releasing a new album.

The album, Sun King Warriors, is a mix of groove-rock and Americana with “two tons of drums.” It will be released in March of 2016.

The album also comes with a mission. Not only does Donovan want his music and his musical experience to create positive energy and a good time, but he also wants it to “do good.”

Profits from the Sun King Warriors will support a wide range of charitable organizations, including local food pantries, the Healing Patch, Sage’s Army and the Mankind Project.

Donovan is looking to raise $60,000 through crowd funding to get word of his latest music venture out to as many people as possible. As of Dec. 1, the venture has raised almost $18,000.

He said that if he can reach his goal, this will allow the “Warriors” – other musicians are teaming up with Donovan on the record – to act as their own label and avoid having to hire a publicist, who they will then have to sell the rights to the album in exchange for promotion and publicity.

“Bringing a meaningful vision to life requires the focus, energy and love of many people,” said Donovan. “By pre-ordering, you become a key part of helping us share the music and our mission to the world.”

Donovan’s crowd-funding project ends Dec. 15. He is hoping to raise enough money to fund a nine-month album campaign/tour.

When touring with Rusted Root, Donovan said the band would coordinate food drives. Members of the group encouraged fans to bring food to concerts that then went to needy families. He said this inspired him in his current crowd-funding project.

“He always brought a lot of energy and obvious passion to our class sessions,” said Diana Hassan, one of Donovan’s former African drumming students.

“His music is electric and pulse-raising, and the mission behind his music is powerful and something you don’t hear other artists focusing on.”

Donovan said he wants to harness the energy and attention created through music and put it toward service organizations that are working toward the greater good.

While the album won’t be officially released until March 2016, individuals supporting his campaign will get access to the music this month.

Depending on how much you donate, you could also land a house party with the band or a personal creative consultation call with Donovan.

Donovan is encouraging the Saint Francis community to share his Indiegogo page with as many people as they can.

To find out more or to pre-order the album, click here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/preorder-help-launch-jim-donovan-s-new-album#/.