“As an artist I come to sing, but as a citizen, I will always speak for peace, and no one can silence me in this.” — Paul Robeson
Emma G - Vocal and Songwriting Coach, TEDx Speaker, Mentor
Helping high achieving teens and professionals find their voice through music and mindset coaching | Elite vocal and songwriting coach | TEDx Speaker | Musician
At a Glance:
Happy Monday, rockstars!
Over the summer, I found myself reflecting deeply on the power of music to bridge divides and inspire change. As you know, I spent July through to September 9 traveling the country in partnership with Hard Rock Cafe, and performing in a hugely diverse range of cities: from super progressive Atlanta and Chicago to more conservative [and outwardly "let's go Brandon"] cities like Orlando and Biloxi.
Well, if you've listened to my song "I Hope You Never" or watched the new lyric video on YouTube, you might have sensed a shift in my approach to addressing the... divisiveness that we seem to be face yet again this year.
If you missed it, here it is again:
As an artist, I've always seen myself as an "artivist"—someone who creates art not just for art's sake but to inspire action and advocate for positive change. In the tumultuous year of 2020, [and I'm sure you can relate], I experienced the strain of deep divisions. I lost connections with people close to me over differing opinions on crucial issues. It was a painful realization that sometimes, in our fervor to stand up for what we believe, we inadvertently widen the gaps between us.
This led me to a pivotal understanding: while it's important to stand firm in our convictions, the way we engage with those who hold different views is equally crucial. Fighting fire with fire only leaves everything burnt. Real, lasting change happens when we approach difficult conversations with empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to understand.
That's the essence behind "I Hope You Never." It's a song born from the recognition that in a world often intent on dividing us, we need to resist the urge to entrench ourselves further into our own perspectives. Instead, we should strive to look beyond our hurts and triggers, to see the humanity in others—even when we disagree. Only then can we hope for resolutions that lead to equity, understanding, and peace.
I won't pretend that this is easy. It's one thing to talk about compassion and empathy; it's another to practice them, especially when emotions run high. That's where music comes in for me. Songwriting has always been my way of capturing those "aha" moments—turning fleeting insights into lasting messages that I can return to time and again. Music helps us remember. It anchors us to the lessons we might otherwise forget when life's challenges cloud our perspective.
Every time I feel myself slipping back into frustration or misunderstanding, I revisit songs like "Superhero" and even "You Can't Control the Night." They remind me that radical empathy and love aren't just ideals—they're necessary paths forward.
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As we move closer to the upcoming election and navigate these complex times, I invite you all to join me in this journey of compassion. Let's challenge ourselves to listen more, to understand each other better, and to approach our differences not as insurmountable walls, but as opportunities for connection and growth.
I hope these songs resonate with you and perhaps offer a moment of reflection, as we move closer to November 5.
Which, incidentally, is just three days before my birthday. I'm giving you advance notice now: please keep November 10 free so that we can celebrate - both my birthday, AND the value of community, connection, and communication regardless of what side of the coin we land on.
Anyway; that's two months away.
We have a lot to do till then - especially when it comes to shifting our focus towards the character that we want to possess in the lead up to this year's election. How will you keep your eye focused on who you want to become this week, month or year? Might learning more about manifestation through music be something for you? If so; you know what to do - just click here to hop on a call with me to discuss your goals and how music can help!
Now let's go forth, and have an amazing day on purpose,
x
Emma G