Nirvana Smith sang Gospel music in churches as a soloist since she was a pre-schooler and has masterfully covered hits by the Supremes, Carole King, John Legend, Sam Smith and much more in live concerts. "I Have a Dream" was written by singer-songwriter Hannah Reimann aka Hāna in 2008 for a pre-election Obama fundraiser. Nirvana has sung it publicly since she was nine years old. She has accompanied herself at the piano since she was 11. Hāna has lovingly helped Nirvana with her career in her teaching studio for more than a decade and is thrilled to share their collaboration of the grown-up Nirvana in the 2016 recording on the Women of Substance Music with Conscience series for one of its Black Lives Matter segments. This video was made in 2012 when Nirvana was a teen. She sings alone in a church at the grand piano eerily reflecting the 2020 pandemic and our collective solitude and introspection.
Today's Video Share: "Just Believe" by Lisa Stephens
“I wrote this Song to Glorify God and encourage others who are waiting on God. I believe everyone is waiting on something, especially now in our world, we are all waiting for this Covid 19 to go away. I’ve been singing professionally for years and the last almost 3 yrs singing mainly originals. Please enjoy and be blessed by it. Thank you.” — Lisa Stephens
Twitter Handle: lisastephens721
Today's Video Share: "Sirens" by From Venus
From Venus is a new project from musician and creator Abi Crista D’Arcy (Vocals, Ukulele, Synth, beats).
An ethereal singer-songwriter; From Venus features lo-fi beats and synth tinged Folk, Trip-pop, that is layered with catchy and emotive lyrics.
Promising a journey of discovery, contemplation and rejuvenation for the listener, From Venus produces sincere soundscapes that capture the essence of hope and change. With an ethos that is centred on principles of love, equality, awakening, belonging, and unity, From Venus leans on a diverse and eclectic palate of earthly musical genres delineated as Folk, Electronica, Rhythm, Blues, Soul and Pop.
This is a homemade video to accompany latest release ‘Sirens’, released June 26th 2020 features the lyric - ‘There's a Siren in the dark it calls out to all of us’ evoking themes of global awakening and change forming from the current global crisis.
Twitter Handle: fromvenusmusic
Today's Video Share: "Corona Persona" written by Sonja Garlick
This is a song of hope about defeating the Corona virus by working together, not because of our politics, our wealth, our culture, but because of our health.
Sonja Garlick is a songwriter from Huntsville, Ontario, Canada.
Twitter Handle: sonjagarlick
Today's VIdeo Share: "Gelato" by SH3
No stranger to the struggles women face as they break into the music industry, it is no coincidence that, phonetically, her name is the female pronoun. (Notions like ‘music can heal the world,’ and ‘music is the universal language’ have resonated with SH3 so deeply, she decided to name herself after such beliefs; SH3 is an acronym for ‘sound healer’ followed by her favourite number, set with the intention of embedding the healing properties of sound in her music.) Not only a vocalist and songwriter, SH3 is a producer and engineer in a field that is heavily male dominated. “Representation is imperative in the pursuit of equality,” SH3 says. “I hope that making my presence known as a woman fulfilling these roles, other young girls can be inspired to do the same.”
Twitter Handle: sh3official
Today's Video Share: "You're More Than a Disease Vector" by Katie Sontag
You're More Than A Disease Vector: Written in April 2020, based on experiences of social distancing.
Katie Sontag writes songs that are honest and vulnerable for her own healing and transformation and seeks to inspire the same in others. Based in Eugene, OR but working on touring the world, Katie's songs will touch your heart and leave you feeling better then when you came. Listening to her music has been described as receiving "a big hug". She is also the lead vocalist and songwriter for her band, "Katie Sontag and the Love Notes" and half of the duo, "smalltime". She is a group song leader and aspiring choral director. Her songs have been adapted for choirs in Portland, Boulder, Austin, and Big Sur.
Today's Video Share: "Eager" by Laura Mustard
Laura Mustard is releasing a music video for her latest single, “Eager,” off of her upcoming Treehouse EP project. This colorful video was filmed in Laura’s home in Nashville, TN. Laura shared that she came up with the idea for the video on a dog walk and grabbed her computer as soon as she got home to write out the full treatment herself.
This video takes viewers through a tour of Mustard’s home as she dances and acts out the lyrics of her song, “Eager.” The music video, which features lyrics about pining over a potential fella and hoping he will “be the time that I get it right." The music video for “Eager” feels playful and upbeat. Laura explains “I don't think this video takes itself too seriously. By acting out the lyrics in this video, it plays with the joke of the song and really shows how to laugh at yourself…in vibrant color! Rejection can feel so serious and important if you let it. It's okay to be ‘eager’ and easily excited all about someone new in your life. This video is a celebration of that idea.”
Twitter Handle: mustardlaura
Today's Video Share: "Traveler" by Mary Taylor
Mary Taylor is a singer-songwriter from NY state residing in NJ. This song is about taking one step at a time during trying times and trusting the little bit of light that you have to see. This song is about the journey, not the arrival. Each town is an adventure of trust.
Today's Video Share: "LIAR (Teaser)" by Nathalie Gower and The Buzz
Led by the hypnotic Nathalie Gower on vocals, she brings a particular flair to each song, creating electricity and intrigue that matches her personality. Nathalie brings years of family experience to bear in creative song writing.
Samuel Haberle (sometimes an architect but generally just a deal junkie) matches Nathalie’s vibe with his bass playing energy, lighting up every song. Drums are punched out by Daimon Shelton (Shelby), car tinkerer by day and wields his stick magic by night, making the drums serve the band in powerful, heart-beating ways. Clint Baker, passionate guitarist and all-round cutie with a trail of admirers after every gig.
Fun facts:
- The day Nathalie was born, her dad couldn’t be there as he was performing on Top of The Pops, he was number 1 & 2 in the charts in several countries
-King Willy, who mastered Gotye's smash hit 'somebody' also masters The buzz’s tracks
- Darren Percival (the voice 2019, who specialises in focusing on female artists) - production
- Model in Music vid beauty icon of the world 2019 and world teen supermodel 2019
- Nathalie is actively involved in the Women in Music movement and engaging closely with APRA AMCOS and AIR and women in music mentors
Twitter Handle: g9NhSWsMFcvLZXA
Today's Video Share: "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by Deb Cavanaugh
Having grown up with The Beatles, this was one of Deb's favorite songs. She covers this on electrified mountain dulcimer, a traditional American instrument. Deb is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and memoirist. In the 70s and early 80s, she traveled the US via thumb and VW Bus, eventually settling in upstate NY. Her partner, Joel Patterson is the videographer.
Today's Video Share: "Big Love" by Lauren Monroe
"Big Love" is about the potential in all of us. We all differ by gender, by sexual orientation, the color of our skin, and by our individual ideology, ethnicity and spiritual guidance. We are, however, a singular humanity. We truly are: BIG LOVE.
Directed by Shaun Monson, "Big Love" is a song I felt I had to write and record. It’s my anthem and I trust it. The album breaks on July 10th 2020 and is available for pre-order today. It represents my heart and my soul, and defines this moment in time. Hopeful. Strong. Healing.
Twitter Handle: IamLaurenMonroe
Today's Video Share: "Ni Una Más" by Hannah Schzde
Hannah Schzde is an antifolk musician from Mexico City currently based in Boston, MA. Delivered through latin beats and colorful imagery, her protest music video “Ni Una Más” stands up against gender-based violence across the world. Hannah is currently recording her debut EP set to be released in the fall of 2020.
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hannah.schzde
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hannah.schzde
Today's Video Share: "You Are Not Alone" by Katie Sontag
About the artist: Katie Sontag writes songs that are honest and vulnerable for her own healing and transformation and seeks to inspire the same in others. Based in Eugene, OR but working on touring the world, Katie's songs will touch your heart and leave you feeling better than when you came.
About the Song: Now more than ever, we must remember, we are not alone. This song reminds us of our fundamental togetherness, while acknowledging our longing to be physically together and the impossible reality of that. Creativity offers us a healing balm, a "song will rise" as a way for us to make sense of ourselves and away to express bring us out of loneliness and back into connection. As all of us face a new heightened level of uncertainty in our lives, please remember that you are not alone.
Today's Video Share: "Rise" By Isolde Fair
“Rise” focuses on using one’s voice for positive change, and the power that each person possesses to allow our voices to be heard against injustice—the unstoppable drive to never give up. It’s a message for people of all ages, but especially speaks to youth.
Isolde Fair is a 16-year-old singer-composer-musician from LA, who first gained recognition at age 13 with her composition and recording “To All The Little Girls.”
Twitter Handle: FairIsolde
Today's Video Share: "Canyons" by Xs & ARROWs
Xs & ARROWs is a trio of native Los Angelenos bound by teenage friendship, a love of Irish rock, and commitment to artistic creation.
The group began as rock n' roll quartet EXIT, playing high-profile clubs such as The Whisky and The Viper Room. In their incarnations with various singers, they have had some truly noteworthy experiences: playing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, touring the Balkans, even joining U2 on stage at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for a performance of the legendary band's "Out of Control."
Today Xs & ARROWs have found their identity fronted by guitarist Courtney Lavender, favoring an acoustic vibe with warm, vulnerable vocals.
Courtney recently moved to the San Gabriel Mountains in LA, and has been deeply inspired by their power and presence. This song, "Canyons," is a tribute to their history and to their current magic.
Today's Video Share: "Dream Catcher" by Mandy McMillan
Canadian country-pop artist Mandy McMillan is thrilled to release of the official music video for her newest single, “Dream Catcher”.
“After a decade of dreaming, chasing, embracing, and growing, ‘Dream Catcher’ defines my sound and my life. Today – as an artist and as a person – I am exactly where I want to be,” says McMillan.
Co-written in Nashville by McMillan and Andrew Beason and produced by Simon Gugala, “Dream Catcher” is an honest reflection of her unwavering belief in the cultivation and manifestation of goals and a compelling snapshot of her journey towards fulfillment. Jenny Marvin directed the music video.
A performer since age 5, the Edmonton-born McMillan left her day job in Stony Plain, Alberta to move to Nashville after winning a 2008 Country Music Television Canada contest. This has led to an array of moments, like opening for Trisha Yearwood and Blake Shelton, showcasing at 2018's Diamonds in the Rough series during Canadian Country Music Week, making the Top 10 of ole’s “Play for Publisher” for her 2018 single “Chasin’ the Ace” and showcasing at Whiskey Jam.
Mandy McMillan’s “Dream Catcher” adventure will continue with the fall release of the album of the same name.
Twitter Handle: mandymcmillan
Today's Video Share: "When I Found You (The Adoption Song)" by Jayne Olderman
“I wrote my love song "When I Found You (The Adoption Song)" for my adopted German Shepherd, Lakota. But, it is also dedicated to anyone who has adopted, rescued and loved an animal (or person). And, good news, it's not like the commercials that are so sad you want to hide under the bed while watching. Instead, this video celebrates people and their beloved rescued animal companions. (I also volunteer at a horse rescue and included some horses as well.) The animal shelter where I found Lakota allowed me to film and recreate the experience of meeting him for the first time which you'll see at the beginning of the video. Again, thank you to all who have rescued your animals! ♥️ — Jayne https://www.facebook.com/jodyoradio; jayneolderman.com
Twitter Handle: PopTrashUsa
Today's Video Share: "Sudan Sun" by Teena Gowdy
“Sudan Sun — you can actually put any country in the third world as a title. This is just an expression from my heart of the atrocities that go on in a Third World country. But when I found these children dancing and smiling in their impoverished state, it warmed my heart knowing that this organization is allowing kids to smile and dance! Thank you for dancing to my song." — Teena Gowdy
Twitter Handle: teenagowdy
Today's Video Share: "She's King of the World" by Grace Mauk
"She's the King of the World" is a Women Empowerment song. It was inspired by the MeToo movement of 2019. The song is a celebration of strength and bravery. The video is a collage of strong women of all ages from around the world. In the video, there are girls from The Philippines, England, California, Florida, and everywhere in between.
Today's Video Share: "Free" by Elyse Saunders
Canada's Elyse Saunders is celebrating the digital release of her new country-pop fusion, “Free”.
Co-written by Saunders and Shawn Moore – "Free" is her debut collaboration with producer Dan Swinimer (Madeline Merlo). An upbeat country song that blends electronic-pop elements and an acoustically driven rhythm with soaring vocals, the summertime story at the heart of the song carries a deeper message for the Peterborough, Ontario native.
“I believe there's something really beautiful about celebrating life and just taking in the moment. ‘Free’ takes me back to simpler times when I was younger and there were less responsibilities. It’s when a day at the beach enjoying the sunset and watching fireworks was really important to me. I’ve come to learn that it’s these experiences with the people in my life that matter. It’s important to slow down and soak in these quality moments. We need to make time to be free and this single is a reminder of that,” says Saunders.
“Free” is the first in a wave of new music as part of her planned album – also called “Free” – which will capture her artistic freedom and authentic ability to explore different sectors of the commercial country universe.
Twitter Handle: Elyse_Saunders
