It’s impossible not to talk about COVID-19 with the pandemic keeping us indoors. News is almost inescapable but in the thick of the gloom, musicians do their best to heal with us. Instead of playing on stage, they serenade us from their living room couches or inside home studios. Most of the studio work were stripped away for intimate solos. Songwriters perform alone with their instruments, or are occasionally virtually joined by their bandmates. Either singing covers of familiar tunes, or writing about the human spirit, a slew of songs has gone out to ride the wave of interest.
In times of collective hurt, we turn to songs. We find comfort in music and lyrics, and the sense of belonging that they impart. Ironically, the lockdown has already produced countless moments of togetherness. Clips of people singing from balconies and windows have gone viral. Neighbors singing political anthems have also made the rounds. These communal efforts bear a primal purity, demonstrating the power of music to unify.
Hip hop and R&B singer Quest hopes to raise awareness with his latest track ‘Rise‘. “The idea was to do an on the spot song writing with my Team Quest during our fund-raising live stream to #FightCOVID19. We ended up creating an anthem. So, please sing with us. Words are powerful. We are powerful. Let’s all be beacons of hope during this season and let us all unite to rise to the occasion,” he shared in his Youtube link description. According to him, 100% of his royalty from ‘Rise’ will be given to PGH Medical Foundation.
Since the pandemic, artists have covered or written songs ranging from cautionary to uplifting. As the cultural sector struggle to adjust to the ‘new normal, our affinity to music proves unhampered. Songs and video clips continue to pour, constantly paying tribute to our front-liners. In our own little ways, we want to thank our medical professionals, sanitation workers, drivers, delivery guys, grocery employees, restaurant workers, and those in the forefront of keeping discipline. Thank you for your courage and dedication. Thank you for rising to the call of duty and selflessly working for the people.
Follow Quest:
advt.
