On October 28, 2012 Hurricane Sandy hit the US northeast
causing billions of dollars in damage and altering the lives of millions of people.
About a month and a half later on December 12, 2012 The Robin Hood Foundation had a relief concert for Hurricane Sandy victims
that raised $50 million towards the relief effort. Congress can learn a little
bit from the 19 million Americans who watched the concert, those of them who
donated money and the artists who participated which revealed what it takes to
get things done and act fast to help people in need.
David Saltzman- The Robin Hood Foundation Executive Director
Over the past months we have talked about aspects of how to
make and market music, artists and songwriters but we never talked about the
power of music and how it can bring people together from all walks of life to
help people around the world. The 12.12.12 Concert is an example of that power.
The concert was star studded with performances from Bruce
Springsteen, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, The Rolling
Stones and others. These artists came together from different walks of life and
musical genres to draw the attention of millions to do something good for people
in need. This is the positive side of
the power of music, songwriters and artists.
What we do as musicians has power to influence. The reason
the concert can draw so many is because they are connected to the artist that
influences them. The artist influences through the songs they write and/or perform.
In an article from io9.com called “What
happens to your brain under the influence of music” the author Alasdair
Wilkins says that, “A good song can trigger a cascade of secondary responses,
often involuntarily.” There is a neuroscience perspective to music.
Our work is important too.
A good song, a good musician, a good vocalist, a good manager and a good
producer can give music the power to influence millions and create the impact
shown in The Concert for Sandy. This may be a little far fetched but next
time we want congress to act fast for people in need maybe they should attend a
concert.
Resources:
Charles:
ReplyDeleteThis post is very dynamic and heartfelt. The irony in this post is that while reading it I can sense your mood which made me feel like I was sitting in the studio with you listening to you record a new track. I always wonder how it is so easy for our own government to forget about the people that elected them into office and gave them a job. I can appreciate how you incorporated the importance of immediate government action and the healing power of music. It's like singing to a baby to soothe them from crying. Music is more powerful than people realize. There may be songs out today that aren't relative to anything, but many artist such as Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys and Anthony David release tracks with words to soothe the soul. I think it's important for people, especially new comers to the entertainment industry, to understand the power that music holds. Who hasn't bumped some slow jams after a break-up or to set the mood for a romantic evening? I know I have and I'm certain I'm not the only one. Thank you for your words of artistry in an effort to help us remember what music really is.
- Mz. Poetic