Music releases and their influence

CURRENT PROJECT

“WE PERFORM AND PROCLAIM THE MUSIC, CULTURE AND HISTORY OF AFRICAN ­AMERICANS TO AUDIENCES ALL OVER THE WORLD.”  

 “Juneteenth Celebration,” is a sprawling gust of fresh air spirited passionately by The Sounds of Blackness–an all-black choir of accomplished singers. Penned and produced by their esteemed music director, Gary Hines, their latest single welcomes the community to celebrate Black cutlure for this historic holiday.  Juneteenth is a holiday dedicated to the anniversary of the emancipation of African American slaves in 1865. A three-time Grammy Award winning ensemble, The Sounds of Blackness is renowned for its full, robust sound.  “Juneteenth Celebration,” delivers a powerhouse of uplifting, unapologetic Black joy, and is intended to offer healing and a sense of pride to the Black community. The track was recorded at Atomic K Studios and Winterland Studios in Minneapolis.  

CURRENT PROJECT

On Steps, Cassandra Cole offers an unapologetic exploration into the ethos of the anxious mind.  The result of which is a set of finely crafted indie-pop songs that tackle the subtleties of the heart.  Fans of modern era vanguards like Sharon Van Etten, Lissie, Soccer Mommy, or Lucy Dacus will be ever captivated by Cassandra’s effervescent pop-punk edge.  

“Upside Down,” is a rumbustious track about emotionally falling apart, with a soundscape that matches its theme—the organized chaos of a mental breakdown.  Cassandra’s bright, honeyed vocals undulate masterfully over this explosive, coursing track.  

“Steps,” is the title track off Cole’s upcoming debut album.  Cole bares all, as she navigates one foot in front of the other out of darkness—which can often feel like being stuck in mud when fighting against the numbness of depression. 

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The Three-Time Grammy Award-Winning Sounds of Blackness is back with a groundbreaking new single - “TIME FOR REPARATIONS”

Inspired by 400 years of Systemic Injustice, Inequality, and Inhumanity, Sounds of Blackness Singers & Band express the perpetual pain and rage of Black People, who never received “40 Acres And A Mule,” despite the Centuries of free labor, exploitation, brutality, and dehumanization.

For more information about Sounds of  Blackness, visit their WEBSITE!

CURRENT PROJECT

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Jamecia Bennett's latest single, “To the Sky,” is an anthem of positivity, featuring substantial vocal prowess, and a pulsating deep house beat sound. In the face of yet another dark year of isolation, this song rolls in like a confetti bomb.

Featuring the 3 Time Grammy Award-Winning Sounds of Blackness, the song evokes an atmosphere reminiscent of house legends Chaka Khan, Basement Jaxx, Dee-lite, and early Kelis.   

Featured in Rolling Stone, Bonnie Raitt and the Indigo Girls are among the many voices featured on, No More Pipeline Blues (On this Land Where We Belong).  

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The track supports the ongoing fight against Minnesota’s “Line 3,” tar sands oil pipeline, which cuts through more than 200 bodies of water, including the Mississippi River. The resistance is heavily led by indigenous women, including activist Winona LaDuke.

In addition to Raitt, the Indigo Girls, and LaDuke, the song also features the first Native American poet laureate, Joy Harjo, as well as Waubanewquay, Day Sisters, Mumu Fresh, Pura Fe, Soni Moreno, and Jennifer Kreisberg. It was produced and composed by Larry Long

A dynamic collaboration betw. HSRA, the Grammy award-winning Sounds of Blackness, and blues legend Wee Willy Walker, based on a song by iconic MN iron range singer Paul Metsa. 

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 The track has been showcased by the Woody Guthrie Center, and Ani Di Franco’s radio show, Righteous Babe Radio. 

 Proceeds benefit 

High School for Recording Arts

Kevin Bowe & Mark Boone Jr.- 

 Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)

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Boone’s cover of the Sonny Bono-penned classic, “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” featuring producer/singer/songwriter Kevin Bowe, came out on iTunes on Sept. 9th, 2015.  

Net proceeds of the song went to benefit Rock the Cause, which has raised more than a million dollars for various charities, to help support the organization’s internal operating expenses

Lydia Liza & Josiah Lemanski-  

Baby it’s Cold Outside

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"Baby It's Cold Outside," written in 1944 by Frank Loesser, has developed a creepy vibe over the years. Songwriters Lydia Liza and Josiah Lemanski revised the lyrics to emphasize the importance of consent in sexual relationships.  Per the artist’s request, a portion of the net proceeds have been donated to benefit the Sexual Violence Center of MN and other causes that work to provide support, safety and healing to victims of sexual violence. To date donated proceeds total over $12,000. 

Gazing with Tranquility- 

A Tribute to Donnovan

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 Rock the Cause and a bouquet of talented artists have teamed up to re-contextualize Donovan's (already timeless) tracks into modern day indie marvels.  The album features contributions from Sharon Van Etten, Lissie, Brett Dennen, The Flaming Lips, and more!  Featured in Rolling Stone, NPR First Listen, Pitchfork, & and is currently available worldwide.  Proceeds benefit Rock the Cause and Huntingtons Hope.

Kendrick Evans feat. Bebe Winans-

 I Talked it Over

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Evans, a 24-year-old singer from Tallahassee, Fla, was given 3 years to live after being diagnosed with a rare form of sleep apnea. Evans immediately set out to share a musical message of love and hope with the world. 

BeBe Winans Joins Forces with Kendrick Evans to record a powerful gospel duet.

Kendrick Evans' inspirational story premiered as part of a 3-night television event, “My Last Days,” that aired on the CW August 17- 19, 2016.