Perry Hall Rocker Records 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'

It was a minor change in the song's lyrics, but it held major significance to Perry Hall musician Greg Marsh.

In Marsh's new cover of Band Aid's 1984 hit, "Do They Know It's Christmas?," the end lyrics are adjusted from "feed the world" to "free the world." All proceeds from digital downloads of the song will be donated to partners of The CNN Freedom Project, Marsh told Patch in a recent interview.

In addition to leading his band, The New Romance, Marsh is president of Marsh Ins & Financial Inc. He is also an active board member of the planning committee. 

Marsh answered some of Patch's questions about his recording of "Free The World! Do They Know it's Christmas?" by email last week.

Check out the media gallery for video and photos from the recording.

Patch: How did you get involved in this project and what was your role in it?
Marsh: My brother, Tim Marsh, and I have always talked about working together on a music venture. Since his band, The VIPs, and my band, The New Romance, have heavy schedules, we have never been able to really find a balance. Last month, we entertained the idea of finding a producer who would be interested in working with us. I contacted Planet Studios in Montreal, Canada and explained the project. Daniel Cinelli, the engineer and producer, and Sebastian Perry, the assistant Engineer, agreed to work with us. Daniel has worked with several popular artists, including Prince, Lauryn Hill and Rihanna, just to name a few. We flew into Montreal and recorded the music and vocals over three days last week.

Patch: This song was significant back in the 80s as a Christmas-themed social commentary. Is it even more significant today? How does the song relate to today's world events?
Marsh: In many ways, yes. "Do They Know It's Christmas" has many meanings to me personally. The concept and idea behind covering this song was to bring attention to many of the same problems that exist currently. It seems as though every time you turn on TV, radio or news, it's more bad news. The end lyric, "feed the world," was very significant when the song was released in 1984. Today, "free the world" seems more appropriate now. That was why we updated the last line to "free the world."

Patch: Does this project have any personal significance for you?
Marsh: Having the opportunity to work with Daniel and Sebastian of Planet Studios was a great experience. Flying to Montreal over three days with my brother and recording with a world renowned producer were great highlights. We are working on distribution on iTunes, which will be finalized at the end of the month. After that, 100 percent of proceeds from digital downloads will be donated to partners of The CNN Freedom Project.

Patch: Do you have a personal philosophy as a musician?
Marsh: Music is about having fun. It's passion. It's emotion. I enjoy performing and the production aspect of it. To anyone who is interested in becoming a musician, practice as much as possible and support other local musicians! Most important, just have fun!

Patch: You wear several hats, working in insurance, juggling your music and your family, in addition to volunteering in community organizations. Could you sum up your involvement in the Perry Hall community?
Marsh: I have worked on the board of the for past three years. I help plan the yearly event as well as plan the day's entertainment. I volunteer for the , as well as Achievement Counts, as a motivational speaker at local high schools.

What do you think of the new recording? Tell us in the comments.