For me, this past week of our nation’s history has been deeply painful, paralyzing. There isn’t really anything for me to say about it. Echo what’s been said by others more qualified and elegant than me? I do not want to contribute noise. I want harmony. I want peace.
To me, it was no mistake that two of the most positive, bright beacons of pop caught my ear. On their own these songs fill me with hope and strength. On their own they give us a community to belong to. Playing with these songs together, getting them to find a new story, I was able to find the peace and harmony I was looking for. Being surrounded by Ed Sheeran’s voice, and Lizzo’s brass and beat was like walking on sunshine. These mashups to me are not an escape, however, as much as they are a way for me to recharge. In this place I can control the harmonics. I can control the tempo. I get to arrange the pieces. And the lesson I walk away with is, “wow, any thing is possible, things work best when they work together.” (That’s what I want to say?)
My wish for you is to find the same freedom somewhere, so you have a place where you can rekindle your flame. And if you haven’t such a place, know you are always welcome to play here.
Acapella: Ed Sheeran – Beautiful People
Instrumental: Lizzo – Good As Hell