Where'd you go, Bernadette?
This was supposed to be a monthly blog and here we are, five months later, finally getting back into the swing of things. Then again, isn’t that most of the quarantine experience? Thanks to a fantastic network of Chicago artists and managers who are also stuck at home, zooming every chance they get, I have a whole host of secret projects lined up! I may be living everyday in my quaint coffee shop but I haven’t been quiet. The best part is that each project will be donating money to a different charity. I feel overwhelmed by the amount of important causes that all deserve our attention this year. Like many of us, I’ve signed petitions, sent emails, and stayed informed. These projects mean so much to me because they are a personal way to give back and make a difference using a means close to my heart: music.
Revive Arts Collective
An original song and video competition through a new virtual artist platform dedicated to giving back. I’ll be premiering my first animated music video this November via their platform (more on that video later). For now, know that with a $1 a vote system, you’ll be giving to Black Lives Matter Chicago, the Revive Arts Collective, and participating independent artists. I’ve known Katie and Erica since Sophomore year when we were all in Make Me Bad the musical. When they reached out to me I leapt at another opportunity to connect, collaborate, and give back during these somewhat lonely and scary times.
Humanity is the Genre
Featuring all original songs from artists all over Chicago and Electric Train Records, this album will donate to Guitars Over Guns, an organizing providing music education in vulnerable communities. As this project is still in it’s creative phases, all I can share is that producer Greg Zola and I have made an 80’s inspired track with uplifting vibes.
PlayBackPlayFWD
This album started back in April if you can believe it! Now this Friday (Oct. 23rd) I am performing my original songs for the launch party in a Facebook Live Event! A little about the project taken right from the site: “a collaborative project that features Columbia College Chicago students and alum banding together to assist the COVID-19 Relief Fund through The Recording Academy and its affiliated charitable foundation, MusicCares.” My track “Ain’t We Got Fun” is produced in collaboration with Wesley Reno. This 20’s classic has been reimagined as an electro-swing dance song that’s designed to put a smile on your face and a skip in your step.
When I’m not writing…
I currently work in the cutest coffee shop across from a pond in-between two little towns. The word “quaint” is defined by this coffee shop. Our doors are covered in Halloween decorations and the barista-skeleton keeps me company on rainy days when customers are scarce. Over the past few months I’ve been Marie-Kondo-ing my bedroom and saying “thank you and goodbye” to the things of my childhood. It’s a slow and therapeutic process that I’ve never had the mental space for until now. Lastly, I’ve been enjoying the unexpected reality of being at home. Without travel or school plans for the first time since High School, I have been able to see my best friend and my brother more often. I’ve watched the New England foliage change colors. Despite all the exciting times I’ve had over the past four years, I’ve missed home. As hard as this time is, maybe it was meant for slowing down and digging into the things that really matter. Things such as making a better, safer, and happier country for the 21st century, and baking far too much Pumpkin Bread.
Bonus Points: If you got the reference from the title of this blog. ;)