Hello, I'm Jill Dawson. I'm a singer/songwriter from Chicago, and this blog is to document how we can (and will!) impact our world positively through melody and collaboration.
With my recent return to the music scene after several years of hiatus, I've noticed a disturbing trend in the industry: An increase in the value of celebrity status and a signficant decline in the quality, and in turn, appreciation and value of original songs.
I'm not old enough to experience the folk revolution of the 60s, but I do know that music had a message that impacted a culture and created positive movement. With today's youth now being referred to as the "lost generation" I think it is time for that to be infused into the music industry again.
I believe the power of music is very strong, and can inject compassion and hope into our society. I have an idea for an endeavor called the Melody for Change Project. My vision for this endeavor is to fulfill two primary objectives:
The first is ...
(1) Have musicians come together to create songs for nonprofits that empower and uplift youth.
Let's write songs that can promote what they do, so their impact can be known and grow. We have seen musicians come together as a result of the Haiti earthquake, but I think we as songwriters need to focus more original songs on topics that help people deal with the realities of today's world. Let's write songs that provide reflections of how we can all come together to make tomorrow better. These songs can then be released in partnership with the nonprofits via viral videos, thereby giving them a much needed musical voice.
The second objective is to
(2) Teach songwriting skills to youth
There is too much focus on pursuing fame and not enough on self-development. We are all creators, and it is time we provide youth the skills to create their own masterpieces of beauty and inspiration. Let’s encourage them to replace their time spent absorbing shallow entertainment with time spent creating and sharing their passions. Let's help them shape positive visions for what the future holds for their generation, and place THAT in a song.
So, this is the vision, and this is just the beginning. I have completed several songs that can be the catalyst to move this forward, one called "WHEN I DREAM" for girls, encouraging them to be bold, unique and dream big. It was recently endorsed by the Global Ambassador for the Self-Esteem Fund, Jess Weiner, and the girl teeshirt company Pigtail Pals is using it to promote their wonderful designs with a similar message. I'll post the video to this blog.
I'm also writing a song for a nonprofit called LeaderSpark, whose objective is to partner with youth organizations and business to teach youth leadership skills. Hopefully a demo will be available by end of April.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
I think we can have a stronger impact if we show how people can work together for the common good.
Can you volunteer your time or your gift??
If you are a musician or songwriter, I'd love to have you contribute or collaborate on a song, and/or offer your talents on a recording.
If you are a studio owner, you could donate studio time. If you are a producer/recording engineer, donate your expertise in that area.
If you are a teacher of music or songwriter, I'd love your help with the songwriting curriculum.
Other helpful skills we could use are video editing, and web/graphic design.
If you just love the idea, but are not sure how to help, please volunteer to be part of an advisory board to help shape the programs and figure out how to fund the recording and release of the music.
The Melody for Change Project. Making Melodies that will Change tomorrow's world by impacting youth today. Ready to join the Movement??
No comments:
Post a Comment