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GRAMMYs

Jon Batiste

GRAMMY nomiated artist Jon Batitste performs for health care workers outside NYU Langone Hosipital during Black Lives Matter rall on June 13, 2020.
Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images

News
Pulling Back The Curtain On Music's Power To Heal pulling-back-curtain-musics-magical-power-heal

Pulling Back The Curtain On Music's Magical Power To Heal

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From the Philadelphia Orchestra piping its performances into hospitals to treating Alzheimer's and dementia patients with familiar songs, here's how – and why – music is the universal healer
Andy Meek
MusiCares
Jun 30, 2020 - 9:36 am

Throughout the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there’s a simple reason your social media feed has been filled by your favorite musicians, broadcasting themselves playing everything from ad-hoc concerts from home to massive organized online music festivals: Music heals.

You can see this universal truth in action at hospitals like Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. As patients lie in bed, waiting, recovering, they can click on their TV and change it to a special channel and be treated to the sights and sounds of the Philadelphia Orchestra, which has made archived performances available to them including everything from Haydn’s Symphony No. 100 and Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 to a recording of Beethoven’s Symphonies Nos. 5 and 6.

The latter pieces were played during the orchestra’s final public performance back on March 12 -- to an empty Verizon Hall, the orchestra’s 2,500-seat home venue in the city -- which marked the end of its live performances in the wake of the pandemic’s arrival.

“I’m incredibly proud of this work, which grows directly out of one of our programs called HEAR that stands for Health, Education, Access and Research,” explained the orchestra’s president and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky. “And the health aspect is very, very important. That’s what this is about.

“It’s the playing of the Philadelphia Orchestra, shared with people when they’re probably at one of the lowest points of their lives, when they’re in the hospital," Tarnopolsky explained. "It can have such a positive effect - a positive, beneficial effect on the physical and psychological health."

Those effects are also quite beneficial for the hospital staff at Penn Medicine, too. Whenever the doctors and nurses have a moment to catch their breath from making their rounds, coping with the demands of emergency care or fighting the life-and-death battle to stabilize and save COVID-19 patients, you might find them huddled around a tablet or gazing up at one of the hospital TVs, still masked and in scrubs. Music can shift energies not only for those in need of healing, but also for the healing professionals.

How does this work? The answer arrives on many levels, body, mind and soul.

“We don't ever talk about what music does to our brain and body, we always think about what it does to our emotions and our spirit,” explains Tim Ringgold, an Orange County, CA-based board-certified music therapist. “We intuitively know that music helps us perform better as humans. What we may not realize, however, is that our connection to music is directly tied to rhythm. Rhythm is the organizing principle of the body, so we are wired to be musical because we are organized by rhythm.”

Rhythm is so inherent for musicians, it's often felt more than heard. But it's not just rhythm that provides musical healing.

"Melody, harmony, and rhythm stimulate the senses, which affects our breathing, heart rate, and other bodily functions. Music can promote a sense of tranquility—or it can rev you up," digital health, wellness, and lifestyle strategist, Karina Margit Erdelyi writes. "Music therapy, particularly when combined with talk therapy, boosts levels of the “feel-good hormone” dopamine. Associated with feelings of euphoria, motivation, bliss, and concentration, music can play a part in improving a number of symptoms, notably depression." 

As musicians of all genres have taken to streaming from home during, partially out of necessity as touring has come to a halt, but also because they realize the healing power of their work, they instinctively know they're doing good for their listeners, even if they don't get the instant gratification of an audience's applause.

Take Miley Cyrus for example, who recently performed at Global Citizen’s “Global Goal: Unite for Our Future” livestream event from an empty Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. Cyrus tweeted that her cover of the Beatles’ “Help” was dedicated to, “Everyone who is working tirelessly for testing, treatments and vaccines so all of us can come together in places like this empty stadium.”

https://twitter.com/MileyCyrus/status/1276984133533696001

I dedicated this performance to everyone who is working tirelessly for testing, treatments and vaccines so all of us can come together in places like this empty stadium.... I can’t wait to be together again 💛 https://t.co/05zMGnZazZ #GlobalGoalUnite

— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) June 27, 2020

The power of music takes on a new superhero role within the context of a pandemic that’s now killed more than half a million people around the globe. As information and treatment approaches vary, music remains an aural elixir that ignores borders.

“The biggest barrier the world experiences is language,” rapper Duckwrth, who’s releasing his new album SuperGood in August, told us. “But one universal language the whole world speaks, is music... It’s a reason why choirs are the focal points of church services. Music holds an energy that, for some reason, heals. Could be a language of God, or maybe the bass just feels good when it slaps in the car. At the end of the day, music literally is the healer.”

No surprise, then, that hospitals and health care-related organizations have incorporated music more deeply into their work as the pandemic has lingered. It can range from using music for celebratory moments, such as all the times that hospital staff at Long Island’s Mount Sinai South Nassau have been playing “Here Comes the Sun” on the PA system whenever a coronavirus patient is discharged.

For more deep-seeded, memory-related ailments, music can serve as a great way to engage patients with familiar music from their lives.

“Music has the potential to create powerful connections for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia,” said Kate Meyer, vice president, global communications at the Alzheimer’s Association. “For some of these individuals, a recognizable song can evoke joy and engagement that transcends memory loss which may be occurring. As Alzheimer’s and dementia progresses, it is important for families to find ways to connect with loved ones experiencing cognitive decline, and for some, music offers that important opportunity.”

The Alzheimer’s Association has taken this connection through music one step further with their Music Moments campaign featuring artists such as The Head And The Heart, honoring friends and family impacted by the disease, and the recently released The Longest Day fundraising album. These projects provide new ways to engage artists and the public while advancing the cause and tapping into the connectivity and storytelling of music.

https://twitter.com/headandtheheart/status/1274460509727682560

Shining a light on the fight to end Alzheimer's today on @alzassociation’s The Longest Day. Both myself & Jon have had close family members impacted by the disease and want to encourage you all to share your story as well using #TheLongestDay & #ENDALZ 🙏 https://t.co/oR8FPpSFAo pic.twitter.com/OTWVJz9Srq

— The Head & The Heart (@headandtheheart) June 20, 2020

“Music also has the power to fuel conversations on important issues and in this case inspire people to learn more about Alzheimer’s, which is critical to reducing stigma and raising awareness," Meyer added.

Musicians on Call is another initiative that’s built an entire charity model around the idea that music can lift spirits and reduce stress. Through this program, which has been going for more than 20 years now, volunteer musicians have signed up to visit hospitals and give impromptu concerts for patients. And because of the social distancing requirements that the coronavirus pandemic has forced on us, a digital-focused spin-off effort has emerged called #MOCHeals, whereby musicians have been contributing performances to a master playlist that can be shared with participating hospitals.

The musicians include Philadelphia folk-rock artists Matthew Gordon and Sarah Napolitan, who contributed a cover of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” as well as Jeiris Cook, who performed a cover of Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and Rufus Wainwright, who performed his own song “The Maker Makes.”

About his own orchestra’s music that’s now accessible in hospitals around Philadelphia, Tarnopolsky added that classical music is especially suited to this kind of uplift of people right now. “Listening to an orchestra, a large group of string players and wind players — all of them together as one, it can be among the most powerful and I would even say transformative experiences. It just really touches the soul.”

Learn more about how you can donate to or apply for assistance via the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Learn more about the financial, medical and personal emergencies services and resources offered by the Recording Academy and MusiCares.

'Why? Because It's Christmas' album cover

Why? Because It's Christmas Album Cover

Photo Courtesy of Artists

 
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Tony Lucca On Mickey Mouse Club Alumni Holiday LP 90s-mickey-mouse-club-members-reunite-holiday-album-why-because-its-christmas

'90s "Mickey Mouse Club" Members Reunite For Holiday Album, 'Why? Because It's Christmas'

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Featuring more than a dozen former Mouseketeers, the 17-track holiday album will benefit MusiCares and other charitable organizations
Ana Monroy Yglesias
MusiCares
Dec 8, 2020 - 10:12 am

Disney Channel's "The All-New Mickey Mouse Club," which ran from 1989-1996, is forever cemented in pop culture psyche as the kid's variety show that launched the careers of Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Ryan Gosling. Yet they weren't the only talented, charismatic young people in the show's cast to continue on to careers in film and music.

Always In The Club, a group composed of former cast members from "The All-New Mickey Mouse Club" across the years, brings together the show's alumni to keep spreading joy and to fundraise for important causes. On Why? Because It's Christmas, more than a dozen former Mouseketeers reunited virtually to create a 17-track holiday album, released Nov. 27, that delivers cheer and financial support to those directly impacted by COVID-19. Proceeds from the album will be donated to MusiCares, the Brave Of Heart Fund and Cast Member Pantry.

GRAMMY.com checked in with singer/songwriter/producer and "Mickey Mouse Club" alum Tony Lucca, a performer and co-producer on the album, who spoke about Why? Because It's Christmas, his time on the iconic show and the vital connection between art and service.

What sparked the idea for the Why? Because It's Christmas benefit album? What does it mean to you to be able to give back to those impacted by COVID-19?

It stemmed from the fun and excitement we, the cast of the "Mouse Club," shared during our MMC30 reunion in Orlando last year. Our castmate, Tasha Danner, had casually suggested we do a cast holiday record together, and the wheels got turning instantly. Fortunately, it was Dale Godboldo, along with Chasen Hampton and Always In The Club president, Lisa Cannata, who were doing the turning.

Always In The Club is an organization that serves as a philanthropic conduit for various charitable organizations year-round, pandemic or not. Having them as the driving engine of this collaboration provided for a very clear intention for us to get behind creatively. As for the three organizations that we chose to [donate to], I simply can't imagine any other causes that could possibly be more near and dear to our hearts as a team: those within the music industry, those on the frontline of this horrendous pandemic and our fellow Disney cast members.  

"I've always maintained the belief that empathy lies at the heart of creativity."

What does the connection between art and service look like to you?

I've always maintained the belief that empathy lies at the heart of creativity. It's why so many artists, musicians, songwriters, actors, painters and authors tend to ally themselves with noble causes throughout their careers. No one's ever obligated to serve or "give back" as they find success in their line of work, but it's no surprise to me that artists tend to be the ones that do.

Related: MusiCares Launches "Help For The Holidays" Initiative On Giving Tuesday 2020

What did it feel like to virtually reunite and collaborate with your fellow "Mickey Mouse Club" alumni on a Christmas album during a year that's felt very isolating and dividing?

From the very first Zoom conference we had, seeing each other "face-to-face," sharing in the enthusiasm this project was no doubt going to require, I can't tell you how much fun it was and a rather welcomed distraction! As a producer on the record, having a front-row seat to each and every performance, I would just sit there and radiate pride and appreciation for just how much talent exists amongst this group. It was great to see how much growth and maturity has taken place and wonderful to hear these endearing and familiar voices again. It truly was a pleasure. 

What is your favorite song from the project? Who decided which Christmas classics to include?

Well, I think "Go Tell It On The Mountain" is one of the best group songs "The Mickey Mouse Club" has ever presented. It's just so much fun and came out so timelessly wonderful. I love that it starts off the record and really sets the tone.

Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't admit that I'm also really proud of "Auld Lang Syne." [Editor's Note: Lucca performs this song on the album.] I've always been a fan of that song and kind of always saw it as the holiday season "bonus track." I'm also a fan of "firsts" when I make records, and this recording marks the first time I ever recorded myself playing slide guitar. I thought the "Amazing Grace" melody laid real nicely over the "Auld Lang Syne" progression, and the slide seemed like the best way to do that.  

What was the biggest thing you learned during your time in the "Mickey Mouse Club"? If you could give that younger version of yourself any advice, what would it be?

I learned the beauty and value [of] the art of collaboration, of taking pride in your role, your work, your contribution to the bigger picture. I learned how to show up and take chances. Looking back, I'd say I could've savored so much more of it at the time. Granted, we were kids, teenagers. It's not really in our nature to savor too much at that age. But yeah, I'd probably have quite a few more stand-out memories had I had realized how quickly and easily it can and will eventually all go away.  

To learn more about MusiCares and how you can support music professionals in need, visit musicares.org.

MusiCares & ELMA Honor Hugh Masekela With Matching Fund

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Liz Brasher

Photo: Jarrod Anthonee

News
Liz Brasher On Memphis, "Sad Girl Status" & More liz-brasher-opens-about-memphis-mental-health-her-new-sad-girl-status-video

Liz Brasher Opens Up About Memphis, Mental Health & Her New "Sad Girl Status" Video

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The tough and talented emerging artist talks candidly about her career journey, how Memphis' "grit and hustle" inspires her, and what went into her powerful and personal new video
Robert Ham
MusiCares
Jun 23, 2020 - 10:19 am

Singer/songwriter Liz Brasher definitely took the backroads to discover and develop her distinctive style of Southern music. Influenced by everything from the spirituals of Mahalia Jackson to the crafty harmonies of the Beatles, Brasher honed her self-described mix of "garage rock meets the Delta blues meets gospel meets soul," along the winding personal and musical journey from her hometown of Matthews, NC, through Chicago and Atlanta. 

The backroads eventually led her to the home of legendary labels Stax and Sun Records, Memphis, Tenn., where she began her career in earnest and found her new creative home.

"It’s a really healthy place to write and to exist as an artist. There’s no feeling of industry or competition here," she says. "I came to Memphis to record an album and hopefully get signed. And literally the first weekend I was here, those things happened for me."

Fast success awaited Brasher in Memphis. She was snapped up by Fat Possum Records and soon found herself on the road, opening for the Zombies and the Psychedelic Furs, and making her highly acclaimed first appearance at SXSW in 2018. She released her debut album Painted Image in early 2019 and even earned a place in the hallowed halls of the Stax Museum, with one of her stage outfits and guitars on display, further celebrating and cementing her connection to the "Home of the Blues." 

But soon, Liz started to see her promising young career stall out just as the lights were turning green. 

“You’re promised that things are going to go one way,” she remembers, “then you see yourself fall to the wayside because... things aren't the way you were told they would be.” 

Instead of succumbing to adversity, Brasher poured her disappointment into her music. She sat down at her piano one day and out came a heartfelt ballad called “Sad Girl Status.” The song is a powerful expression of personal anguish and fiery determination written with ample room for her wall-shaking vocals to boom out. Appropriately, it’s matched up with a video featuring the wildly talented artist walking with purpose through Memphis—both guided tour and a reminder of her place in the musical history of this legendary city.  

While she waits for the quarantine to lift and for her touring life to begin again, Brasher spoke with the Recording Academy about the hard times that led to the creation of “Sad Girl Status,” inheriting her work ethic from her immigrant mom, and what her adopted hometown of Memphis means to her. 

Let’s start off by talking about your new single “Sad Girl Status.” In the notes for the song, you talk about how it was born from a really low point in your career and your life. What was going on at that time? 

We had just released my debut album Painted Image. Everything in my whole life had been leading up to this moment. Like, it’s your first record. You really want it to do well. I had just come off a really good previous year of touring. Then suddenly I watched everything fall into this stalemate. It didn’t matter how many songs I was writing. It didn’t matter what I was doing to get better, I couldn’t propel anything forward. That was just so frustrating because I’m not a person who sits still very well at all. That’s what I was now forced to do for almost a year. I found myself in this cycle of frustration. I knew what my potential was, but I couldn’t get myself to where I wanted to go. So, in that really low state, I sat down at the piano, and in a few minutes, the song completely came out of me. It was really melancholy, but I thought it was beautiful at the same time. I think it was really what I needed to make this mental switch. It was the catalyst for me to be able to make changes that needed to be made in my career. 

What changes did you make to help you move forward? 

I took my career into my own hands. As an artist it’s easy to feel like a lot is out of your control. You write the music, perform it, record it, but you can feel so disconnected to everything from the business side – like it’s something that’s happening to you. Some artists are okay with being hands off, with just getting informed as things happen, but I realized that’s not what I wanted. That forced me to take a step back and see that, while I have help with my career, I ultimately needed to own the fact that it’s up to me to make sure it’s driving forward in the way I want it to go.

Is it normal for you to start with the piano to write a song? A lot of the material on Painted Image is very guitar-forward. 

Aside from singing, piano was my first instrument. My mom started me on piano lessons when I was four. When I began to join bands, I would just sing. Later on, I picked up the guitar and that kind of overtook everything for me. It’s so much easier to lead a band as a guitar player. I’ve got some songs that are more piano-based but not like this. Not stripped down—just vocals and piano. 

Your hometown of Memphis is such a huge part of the video for “Sad Girl Status.” What does the city mean to you? 

The thing that attracted me most is that Memphis refuses to conform. There’s this very unique grit and hustle to this city. This constant mindset that Memphis is going to do whatever it wants to do. It’s a really healthy place to write and to exist as an artist. There’s no feeling of industry or competition here. I came to Memphis to record an album and hopefully get signed. And literally the first weekend I was here, those things happened for me. I don’t know if I’ll be in Memphis forever, but it’s always going to be the place where my career began. 

GRAMMYs

Liz Brasher's stage outfit and guitar on display at the Stax Museum in Memphis
Photo: Shane Trulin

Was it easy for you to get into the grind and hustle of the city? 

That’s something that was ingrained in me from childhood because my mom is an immigrant. She had to work her ass off to support me, including having multiple jobs so that I could take piano lessons. She’s one of nine siblings that came from the Dominican Republic where they all lived in a one room shack with dirt floors. My family came here seeking a better life. I grew up seeing how many things they had to balance and struggle with just to make ends meet. For me, it was like, how could I not work as hard as my mom?

How has your family responded to your music and your career? 

They just kind of stay out of it. Some will ask or keep up with how things are going, but most just act like it doesn’t exist. I have a very strict religious family. I grew up singing in the church and I wasn’t allowed to listen to secular music. I had to sneak out to go to concerts and had friends burn me CDs so I could hear what was going on. I had to literally hide in my closet with my radio because I was so addicted to music and wasn’t allowed to hear it. I grew up singing and was always playing some instrument, so it really shouldn’t be a shock that I turned out to be a musician. It can be an issue of contention because a prevalent thought within my family is that any time music is used outside of the church it’s automatically evil or negative. I think it’s a cultural and age difference, more than anything. My mom had me at 40, so that’s a huge age gap. You combine that with a different mentality from a different country and a legalistic view on faith, it just makes for a melting pot of misunderstanding. But I think all artists feel that way to a degree. My family’s response actually drives me. I want to be even more successful because I want them to see that this is a valid career and way of life. 

Do you have any ideas about what comes next for you – once you can get back on the road and onstage? 

I'm going to take over the world. I’ve written so much, even from the time of my first record. I’ve got multiple albums just waiting to be recorded right now. We’re having the conversations and discussing what the best options are. Is it building our own team independently or is it working with a label that’s going to be fully on board? Right now, we’re sorting through all of our options. I want to ensure we avoid repeating what I just went through. We’re just taking it one song at a time right now.   

Learn more about how you can donate to or apply for assistance via the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Learn more about the financial, medical and personal emergencies services and resources offered by the Recording Academy and MusiCares.

GRAMMYs

D Smoke 

Photo: Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

News
D Smoke's Family Story Of Music Over Panic d-smokes-family-story-music-over-panic-pandemic

D Smoke's Family Story Of Music Over Panic In A Pandemic

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How the COVID-19 crisis and death of George Floyd brought the acclaimed artist and his mother together to deepen their family's generational connection through music
Keith Nelson Jr
MusiCares
Jun 8, 2020 - 4:56 pm

This isn’t scientifically confirmed, but Rhythm + Flow winner D Smoke, 34, probably has a few music notes in his genetic code. His mother Jackie Gouché, affectionately known as Ms. Jackie, was a background singer for greats like Michael Jackson and she sang at her church Bible Enrichment Fellowship in Inglewood, Calif. Her mother before her sang in her church and toured the world as a background vocalist as well. Her mother’s mother was a beautiful soprano singer who spent her whole life singing in church. Even with a pandemic pausing the world, Smoke and his mother’s bond has kept moving as usual, in part, thanks to music.

It’s May 18th and D Smoke, Daniel to his mom Ms. Jackie, is sitting a few feet from his mother at their family home, as they do once a week. Outside their doors, more than 13,000 Americans would die from COVID19-related complications that day, while their home state of California would see its most COVID-19 deaths in a single day. “When we get together, sometimes we talk about how things outside of the family have adjusted. But, to allow it to adjust or change our dynamic as a family is criminal,” Smoke asserted.

The severity of the pandemic isn’t lost on the family. They’ve found their deep connection to music ensures as much. Smoke had a nationwide tour set along with dates in Europe, South America, and Australia before COVID-19 essentially shut down music touring. Ms. Jackie, the minister of music for her longtime church, “had to make a major mental adjustment” after church services stopped after the week of March 15th. For her son, music has helped him reject the current state of affairs as a “new normal.”

“Personally, I don’t use the phrase ‘new normal,’ but I had to slow things down around late March. But, that happened naturally because I have ‘seasons,’ creative seasons. Right now, I’m creating another album, so I think [quarantine] just mirrored that process altogether,” Smoke clarified.

Smoke and his mother don’t fear COVID-19 because they have faith. They don’t let the outside world’s anxiety seep into the fabric of their family because they’re each woven tightly into each other’s lives forming a bond so inextricable that when one member is hurting they all feel it and help. And music is often their love language.

Ms. Jackie’s 57th birthday was March 27, eight days after the California governor ordered all Californians to stay home unless for essential work. For Smoke, family and music are essential. Roughly a week after his mother had to spend her birthday under quarantine, Smoke and his two brothers gifted their mother with a pristine Yamaha C3 Grand Piano. Speaking with her, you could hear the joy emanating from her face through the phone when she describes the piano as the “Rolls Royce of pianos, and it’s a dream I’ve had for the last 40 years.”

The piano has been a haven for the family to sit down and exchange little chords and lessons during the pandemic.

Before Smoke was born, his musical fate was being written by his mother. Ms. Jackie started learning the piano when she was the tender age of 14-years-old. “I felt I was late in the game at 14, so I decided then, when I was a teenager, that when I had kids, I was going to teach them as early as I possibly could.”

GRAMMYs
D Smoke Family Photos - click above for more

As soon as her three sons were toddlers and could reach the keys, she stood them around the piano and taught them the chords, how to play a C-major scale, finger alignment on the piano, and basics skills people go to school to learn. Over the years, the lessons would become more complex and the memories would be indelibly embedded in both Smoke’s music and mind.

“For so many years, she instilled so much in us musically. We literally sat around a piano of kids and got instructed on music theory, harmonies, chord progression, intervals, and stuff like that right in the house, but it was from whatever piano we had. We had the upright that had been passed down three generations, pawned, picked back up and keys were replaced,” Smoke said.

When Smoke and his brothers were kids, their father spent six-and-a-half years in prison.

Smoke was fighting all the time in school while his father was incarcerated. For many, losing their father to prison would make them detach from the world. Thanks in part to music, Smoke attributes his father’s incarceration for why he’s able to connect with the world now.

“If he never went to prison, I never would’ve been a rapper. I would’ve probably been a classical pianist. That’s the x-factor that allows me to speak to a whole different set of people that may actually need music. I think there are people who enjoy and there are people who live by it.”

“If [my father] never went to prison, I never would’ve been a rapper. I would’ve probably been a classical pianist. That’s the x-factor that allows me to speak to a whole different set of people that may actually need music." -D Smoke

So, it’s no wonder that when he received his $250,000 in prize money for winning Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow competition, he made sure part of the money went to pay his mother and father back for their help. It’s also no wonder his mother is in the process of writing a book entitled Raising Men about how raising three young men as a single mother for years helped shape who she is as a person.

Smoke and his mother hadn't recorded any music when we spoke, but Smoke said it was possible it’d happen that same day. If they do decide to work on some tunes, a global pandemic won’t be an issue. “I have all of the same equipment you would find at a major studio at my house,” Smoke said proudly.

That home studio became a pulpit for Smoke after former Minnesota Police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on the neck of George Floyd before Floyd died. On that day, Smoke wrote the song, “Let Go,” a somber incendiary diatribe about police brutality and Black oppression. Four days later, he released the song featuring soulful singing from his brother Sir. You may hear “Let Go” as two artists putting out a song about the times. Smoke, his mother, and probably his entire family, know what they’re hearing is more than music.

“Music is as core to us as eating, breathing, moving, water.” Smoke said.

Learn more about how you can donate to or apply for assistance via the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund.

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Johanna Söderberg of First Aid Kit

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Musicians Reveal The Songs That Comfort & Heal songs-support-11-musicians-reveal-music-heals-them

Songs Of Support: 11 Musicians Reveal The Music That Heals Them

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We checked in with artists across a variety of genres to ask what they're listening to during these trying times
Andy Meek
MusiCares
Jun 5, 2020 - 4:13 pm

During this time of pandemic and societal unrest especially in the U.S., people turn to music for a light in the darkness, as events have taken both a physical and mental toll. But musicians are like everyone else, in that they, too, need music to turn to right now, for some comfort and reassurance of their own.

As one half of the Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit, Johanna Söderberg has a very specific, tried-and-true antidote she turns to when confronted with bad news and hard times. It involves the 29-year-old musician and songwriter pulling out her copies of albums like GP and Grievous Angel by Gram Parsons and singing every line she knows by heart while the music blasts throughout her apartment. Sort of her mental equivalent of tapping the “Home” button on the iPhone, it’s a quick reset by returning to the old favorites she’s loved for most of her life when things start to get too crazy outside — a practice that’s proven especially useful during the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdowns that have interrupted the lives of so many musicians like her.

“When times are difficult, I tend to rely on my musical equivalent of comfort food,” Söderberg tells MusiCares. “For example, ‘Diamond Day’ by Vashti Bunyan is such a song. It fills me with calm and an appreciation for the slow and mundane aspects of everyday life.” The songs on those Gram Parsons albums, Söderberg continues, “bring back so many memories from my life on the road. They give me hope that soon I’ll be back on that stage performing again.”

Along the same lines as Söderberg’s go-to tunes, we asked 10 more musicians across a spectrum of genres to tell us what they’re listening to right now — and, specifically, what songs give them hope and comfort — as many of these artists have been forced to scuttle tours and shows and are quarantining around the world, unsure of what the future holds.

Ruth B.

Ruth Berhe, known by her stage name of Ruth B., is a singer-songwriter from Edmonton, Alberta, whose debut album Safe Haven was released in 2017.

“To Zion” by Lauryn Hill — Music has always been my go-to during any times of trial and tribulation, whether that’s writing my own stuff or listening. I think, for me, an artist/album I always find myself going to during these times is The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, by Lauryn Hill. Especially right now, I just think -- I respect her so much as an artist, as a woman, as a black woman, for the music she made. Her songs, for a young woman to listen to, they just always resonate with me. There’s a song for kind of every feeling and mood. And I feel like some of the issues and battles she faced are still relevant today. And I can still relate to it, even though it came out so many years ago.

My favorite song on there is “To Zion.” It’s very much a story. It kind of touches on a bunch of the issues she faced and problems she had to overcome. But she does it in such a beautiful way by telling this story. Music can really make people feel understood. Even though you don’t know exactly what she was going through, and she doesn’t know exactly what I'm going through, a song can connect you with one another.

Alex Bleeker, Real Estate

Alex Bleeker is the bassist for the band Real Estate, which released its new album The Main Thing at the end of February, right as the coronavirus pandemic was arriving in the US.

“Let's Make a Deal” by Linda "Babe" Majika — Back in March when the lockdown began, my friends and I started a radio show called Quarantine Dreams. It keeps me actively searching for new music, and for some upbeat dance jams to keep the vibrations high. I stumbled upon this tune a few days ago and I can't stop listening. Instant Boogie.

“Whole Wide World” by Wreckless Eric — This early power pop classic has been hitting home in a new way these days. I'm supposed to be on tour, but instead I'm grounded at home .... I'm longing to be traveling "the whole wide world"....

“Hello Take Me Anywhere” by Night Shop — My old buddy Justin Sullivan, best known for his drumming stints in some notable groups (Flat Worms, The Babies, Kevin Morby’s band) is really coming into his own as a songwriter. He just put out this new tune and it's getting to me in all the right ways - clever lyrics and classic melodies. His wistful, homespun, nostalgic video for this tune brought a tear to my eye.

Bethany Cosentino, Best Coast

Bethany Cosentino is a guitarist and the lead singer for Best Coast, for which she’s one-half of the rock duo along with multi-instrumentalist Bobb Bruno. The band released its latest album Always Tomorrow on February 21.

“Only Over You” by Fleetwood Mac — In hard times, I don’t particularly turn to “joyful” or upbeat music. I gravitate to music that makes me really feel something, and this song makes me feel everything. The lyrics are just real and raw and relatable. I think we can all relate to just feeling crazy and obsessive over things in our lives, and sometimes it just helps to have those feelings mirrored back at you by someone else. Fleetwood Mac is my favorite band of all time, and I feel like they just do that so well — mirror my feelings back at me. This song in particular just has an easiness about it, the background vocals especially feel very relaxing and they are easy to focus on and kind of zone out to. The whole back half of this song in general, the guitar solo, the background vocals, the steady drum beat, it just helps you tune out the work and kind of drift away into the song.

Ivan Barias

Ivan Barias is an award winning and multi GRAMMY-nominated producer and songwriter. Barias serves on the Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees and also co-chairs the Producers & Engineers Wing Steering Committee.

“Higher Ground” Stevie Wonder — To me this is the song that embodies perseverance and never quitting despite the many obstacles life and tough times may bring. It’s about being deliberate in what you were put here to do and and to never let the circumstances deviate us from the journey of peace and love for everyone.

“Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield — Another uplifting song that uplifts not only because of the infectious groove but because of the feeling that it instills in you. That feeling is that anything is possible despite what life keeps throwing at us. The lyrics “Just move on up for peace you'll find. Into the steeple of beautiful people where there's only one kind” sounds like pie in the sky but it’s still encouraging nonetheless.

“Las Caras Lindas” by Ismael Rivera — A classic Salsa song that celebrated what it was like to be a Black Latino in the 70’s. Ismael Rivera sang about feeling proud to be black and how beautiful the faces of Black people looked while dealing with the many difficulties of the time. The song translates to “The Beautiful Faces” in the English language. I think aside from the beautiful lyrics it illustrates that despite all of the pain Black people have been through they still manage to smile and give their love to the world. When I listen to this song as a Black Latinx man in America, despite the pain I see I still feel that love is what’s going to save us all and allow us to heal in the end.

Nora En Pure

South African-Swiss DJ Daniela Di Lillo​, better known by her stage name of Nora En Pure, hasn’t been able to perform in front of a live audience in months, since clubs and concert venues around the world remain closed. In the meantime, she’s been streaming regular shows to Internet audiences - and she’s planning to release a new track every month through the end of the year. Her first new track during the lockdown is “All I Need.”

During the last few months, I’ve enjoyed some classic tracks that always lift my spirits and some others that I was working with for my record label, Purified Records.

“Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin — This is probably my number one feel-content song. I have always loved this song and often whistle it even without noticing, and suddenly I feel happier. Even my dog responds to it by now. It has this genuine lightness that you don't get in many songs nowadays.

Greatest Hits by Pink Floyd — Having so much time at home, we listened to some playlists of Pink Floyd and thoroughly enjoyed their greatest hits while cooking or dancing around a little in our living room. Their music takes your mind off current things quite easily.

“Moonlight” by Alex Breitling — I signed this track (to Purified Records) shortly before the lockdown and managed to play it out during some sets before all the events got cancelled. It's such a soothing track and with these memories in mind it holds a special place and the longing to get back out there to play and connect with people again.

“For Every Forever” by Mathame — I closed my first livestream during the lockdown with this track when the situation was still very fresh. It was a Beatport stream with donations for the Covid-19 relief fund, and a lot of interaction was going on. I wanted to close with this track as the vocals and the theme seemed very fitting to the current situation, giving hope and assurance. Since playing it there, this track has become very emotional for me and will always remind me of this time.

Seth Avett, The Avett Brothers

Seth Avett is a multi-instrumentalist as well as one of the singers and founding members of the folk rock band The Avett Brothers. The band’s latest album is Closer Than Together.

“That’s How Strong My Love Is” by Otis Redding — From the opening chords of “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” we’re all invited into such a deep, universal groove … and then, immediately, Otis Redding’s voice connects us even further. His voice is so wonderfully full of soul and power and the lyrics are so simple and bold. The song reminds me of my own strength of heart and it reminds me of the love of God.

“Get By” by Talib Kweli — For me, “Get By” by Talib Kweli is possibly the greatest example of positivity ever recorded in song form. The words are uplifting. The sample is intoxicating. The delivery is perfect. The vibe is absolutely unstoppable. And if the rhythm of it doesn’t move you, you oughta check your pulse.

“Own Light” by Brother Ali — Brother Ali’s “Own Light” is a beautiful reminder of what, how, and why we feel so deeply. He is one of America’s greatest living poets to my mind, constantly weaving words to celebrate the complexity, diversity, and above all, compassion of the human experience.

Sarah Jarosz

Sarah Jarosz’s music blends folk, Americana, and roots traditions, and she’s a multi-instrumentalist who plays the mandolin, guitar, and banjo. Her new record, World on the Ground, will be released on June 5.

“Lovers In A Dangerous Time” by Bruce Cockburn — I’ve loved this song for many years, but I rediscovered it recently when Shawn Colvin covered it on her IGTV. It’s taken on a new meaning during a global pandemic. "Nothing worth having comes without some kind of fight / You’ve got to kick at the darkness ‘til it bleeds daylight." That’s songwriting at its best right there, and a mantra for the present day.

“Cattails” by Big Thief — Big Thief have been making some of my favorite new music in recent years. The melodies and lyrics are equally enriching. This is a warm hug of a song - like a painting that’s been on your wall for years but you just remembered to really take another look at it.

Marco Pave

Marco Pave is a hip-hop artist and rapper who released his debut album “Welcome to Grc Lnd” in 2017.

The Recession by Jeezy — An album I would say helps me a lot in dark times, I go to The Recession by Jeezy. Which is impactful, very impactful to me in a way, because I came of age during the Great Recession. Growing up in the shadow of that, that was an album and that was an artist literally speaking about it as it was happening. It did two things. It gave a light to what was happening, but it also gave hope to what was happening. Because at the same time, he was still growing a successful career as an artist. And it was, like, this is the reality now, and this is how we adjust to it.

“In a Sentimental Mood” by John Coltrane and Duke Ellington — I would say a song I go to often is John Coltrane’s “In a Sentimental Mood.” Just to pop out and get out of any kind of negative mood.

Damian Kulash, Ok Go

Damian Kulash is the lead singer for the rock band Ok Go. The band’s newest song, the just-released “All Together Now,” was inspired in part by Kulash’s own bout with the coronavirus.

“Post-War” by M. Ward — It’s on the album “Post-War,” and it’s just a quiet, beautiful, honest … it’s like a salve on my soul, you know?

“Lay Down” by Son Little — He’s got some more upbeat, bluesy things, but this is, like, a really beautiful, quiet, soul song.

A lot of what we’ve been listening to is ’60s soul, dance music, because my two twins - we need a soundtrack to their lives. We do some “Wheels on the Bus” and so forth, but music that they want to just get up and jump around to. It’s been really fun to go - oh, right, Sam & Dave! Or, The Monkees. I don’t know if in other times I would have wanted to play them more contemporary music and this is just a desire to bridge with the past or something, but it feels like what we want is to be, like, here’s what goes in the time capsule, kids. Let me play Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band for you, you know?

John Carter Cash

John Carter Cash is a singer-songwriter who’s also the son of June and Johnny Cash. His new album The Cash Collective: Hey Crow! will be released on June 19.

“Helplessly Hoping” by Crosby, Stills & Nash — This is a love song, and communicates the desperation and sadness associated with a love that never will be. But its honesty opens the heart, and the pure emotional expression heals.

“Pancho and Lefty” by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard — This tale may be a work of fantasy, but being lost in a story brings us to a different place, and in doing so, perhaps our own struggles don’t seem so important.

“Paranoid” by Black Sabbath — Pure rock and roll angst. Get the wiggles out.

“Whispering Shifting Sands, Parts I and II” by Johnny Cash — My father Johnny Cash invented the concept album. These two songs of cinematic vision recall a time in the American West when all was new and unknown. The haunting melody creates a vision better than the movies.

“Let the Lower Lights be Burning” by Tennessee Ernie Ford — This is a gospel song but written by a captain of a ship who prays that “the lower lights be burning,” those of the lighthouse on the shore. It is a song of hope and lends a recognition for the need for guidance, both spiritual and realistically.

“Winter” by Tori Amos — Tori Amos is a master. Her music has literally saved my life on at least three occasions. To me, “Winter” is the most important song on Little Earthquakes.

Learn more about how you can donate to or apply for assistance via the Recording Academy's and MusiCares' COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Learn more about the financial, medical and personal emergencies services and resources offered by the Recording Academy and MusiCares. 

 

 

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