An Open Letter to Funeral Services
Jay Stansfield
Creative Director | Award-winning Multi-Disciplinary Artist | Storyteller & Musician | Creator of The Squibbles? | Blending Art, Technology & Imagination for All Ages
Good morning,
My name's Jay and I recently worked with a lady called Joanne Bury on producing a song for her late mum Shirley. I offer personal songwriting services for the bereaved and also for those who may wish to leave something precious for their families when they're gone as a legacy. We sit down, have a conversation, listen to their life stories and I turn those words into a timeless song. This is then recorded and placed in a personal space on The Songwriting Company website for the family to listen to and visit whenever they choose, with photographs and lyrics. The song is also pressed to vinyl to pass down for generations.
The best and appropriate time for these songs is for the anniversary of someone's death, as a way of rekindling positive memories and creating an uplifting and emotional experience for everyone involved. A true celebration of their life. Also turning a Eulogy into a song is a beautiful way of capturing someone's life in a way nothing else can provide.
Joanne and her family will be having Shirley Sharp Eyes released on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon for people to buy, download and raise money for East Lancs Hospice. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the charity, for as long as people buy it, stream it and listen to it.
I worked on a charity commission for The Edward Dee Fund called 'A Song For Edward' which raised over ￡200 through downloads and streaming, reached Number 7 in the Amazon charts and gave some well-needed visibility for the cause. It will continue to generate revenue in perpetuity as long as people buy it, stream it and download it. It's a wonderful way to bring joy, comfort, celebrate someone's life and raise money all at the same time.
I'd love to know if this is a service you'd be able to offer families and individuals that you meet, with the intention of it being therapeutic and also a wonderful memory creation experience.
I really look forward to hearing from you and hope this is something you feel could be welcomed.
Warm Wishes,
Jay