NYS Music 202​0

Tag: Vote

  • Brooklyn Artist Katie Rush Urges America to Vote with “World Leader”

    Katie Rush, a Brooklyn singer/songwriter, is the latest artist to combine politics and music with the release of her latest single “World Leader.”  The song encourages the importance of voting and speaking up for what is right in all communities as the 2020 election approaches.  “World Leader” is a protest song that combines pop/dance music to address the troubles of the U.S. political climate and delivers a call to action for Americans to get out and vote.

    katie rush

    Rush released “World Leader” on October 27, which Sam Mehran produced and Vincent Cacchione mixed/mastered the track. Marissa Alper edited the music video. “World Leader” was one of the last songs where Rush worked with Sam Mehran. Mehran, who was an American-Australian musician/songwriter/producer that co-founded the punk band Test Icicles, died on July 29, 2018.

    Here is a look at the lyrics: 

    Never in my life
Have I seen a World Leader
Who could take us to the very edge
Never in my life have I seen a great pretender let me down
I still believe In the right for this land to be free
Oh, I embrace the people
Not the king
 
But we know with every leader
They will guide or we resist
And we will count on each other
Not to make the same mistake
And maybe down the line
To have support of our country
When we’re old or poor or sick
 
Never in my life have I seen a great destroyer who could tear apart our very land
Never in my life have I seen such a liar put us down
I still believe that we have the power
Won’t stand for this, can’t get us down
Still gonna win
 
We look to our future leaders
To guide the human race
And we still stand together
Despite our politics
And maybe down the line
We’ll place our faith in them
Something better will come of this
 

    Not only has Rush released a single just in time for the election but she also has Rush also released a special edition “zine” (short for magazine) to accompany her “Natural Mystics” song released on September 17. The “zine” is a 16-page story by Taraka Larson and Annabelle Weatherly created the art for the project. Rush describes “Natural Mystics” as an “Italo Disco inspired dance floor burner dedicated to all of the visitors from other stars.”

     “I am frustrated but I am hopeful. I know a lot of us are. Let’s talk about the troubles in our current political climate. There are so many disservices in the world right now but there are also so many strong individuals challenging what is happening and leading us into the future. My new single “World Leader” expresses just how I am feeling. One of the final works I made with Sam Mehran this is probably the most personal and politically charged song I have ever released. Encompassing all my love and passion, I present “World Leader.”

    Katie Rush said in a Facebook post

    Watch the music video for “World Leader.” down below.

  • Top 10 Finalists Announced for Songs For Good 2020 Songwriting Challenge

    The Songs For Good 2020 Challenge, a competition presented by the nonprofit Social Good Fund, announces the Top 10 finalist songs in search of a new soundtrack for democracy as the 2020 election approaches.  

    Songs For Good

    The goal of the Songs For Good 2020 Challenge is to inspire a new generation of voters with the help of artists to create purpose-driven music that inspires and energizes crowds. Songs For Good hopes to boost participation among their partner organizations and encourage people to vote in the 2020 election.  Activism organizations including March For Our Lives, RepresentUS, Zero Hour, National Children’s Campaign, Sunrise Bay Area, and Bridge USA intend to promote the top five songs from the Songs For Good Challenge at their events leading up to Election Day.

    “Music has been absolutely integral to the March For Our Lives movement and culture since its inception. Artivism — the intersection of art and activism — is an extremely powerful tool for inspiring and connecting with others, yet its potential reach remains largely untapped. That’s why March For Our Lives is thrilled to partner with Songs For Good for the 2020 Challenge. Together, we’re encouraging our network to use their voices in more ways than one!” -Brendan Duff (March for Our Lives, Co-Founder)

    The Top 10 Finalists for the Songs For Good 2020 Challenge are:

    Divinity Roxx is a Grammy-nominated artist from West New York, NJ, and the current bass player for Black Girls Rock Orchestra. She has worked with artists including Jay-Z, Beyonce̕, Nona Hendryx, Patti Labelle, and Gladys Knight.

    Voting is open to the public from Tuesday, Sept 8 through Sunday, Sept 20, 2020. The top songs will be announced on National Voter Registration Day on September 22.  Click here to vote. The winner will receive $5,000, song production from featuring artist Madame Gandhi, and a music video. The four runners-up will receive $1,000.

    What excites me about Songs For Good is knowing that some of the biggest revolutions in history have happened because of the musicians of the time. Music has always been one of the most powerful forms of art because it caters to the emotions and fosters a sense of empathy and motivation in the listener. It gives me great joy to lend my voice to an organization that seeks to use songwriting as a political tool to inspire change. It could not be a better partnership.

    Madame Gandhi (Music Producer, Artist)

    (Update Sept 29) Rachael Major was announced as the winning songwriter of the 2020 Songwriting Challenge with her song, “New Day.” The song was voted number one by the public in the crowdsourcing campaign in search of anthems for the 2020 election. Rachael Major is an Indianapolis native who is only 16-year-old. She was awarded $5,000 for winning first place for the Songs For Good 2020 Songwriting Challenge as well as her song “New Day” being professionally recorded. The Song will feature artist Madame Gandhi. A music video will be produced as well for the award winning song. “New Day” will further be heard at forthcoming 2020 election events hosted by Songs For Good partner organizations such as March For Our Lives, RepresentUs, Zero Hour, National Children’s Campaign, Sunrise Bay Area, Access the Polls, and Bridge USA.