Ethnically and Culturally Inspired Music
It was the 90s when I first set foot in New York, with a guitar and a dream to become a singer-songwriter. The vibrant streets of the Village became my stage, and songwriting was my craft. Over time, my life however, took a spiritual turn. Even though I wasn't performing much then, I never stopped writing music. It wasn't until 2018 that I recorded my first set of songs, an EP titled "Man of Faith." I waited a long time before I recorded my music. It wasn't because I didn't want to. I just wasn't sure how I wanted my songs to sound, and I didn't have the money to experiment. I wanted my songs to have the right layers and be just right before I began recording them.
Why I Started my Non-profit 'A New Song USA'?
I noticed something important. The movies we watch and the music we listen to really shape what we strive for and who we dream of becoming. We often want to be like the stars we see on screen, thinking that will make us happy. However, chasing these dreams can lead us to forget who we really are. Some people even spend years chasing a dream that isn't right for them, which can lead to a lot of sadness. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to write songs that had a positive message. I began to write songs that could help people find their true selves. That is why I started a non-profit called "A New Song USA." The goal was to share these songs and encourage other artists to create art that makes a positive impact on people.
My First Prison Visit
One day, a chaplain from a prison in Pennsylvania heard my music. He invited me to come and play for the inmates in the facility he worked in. It was a new experience for me. Walking through the prison halls to each of the locked doors, waiting for it to open and hearing the steel locks open and close was intense. I wasn't allowed to bring my own equipment into this prison and had to use and the equipment they had. It was a bit tricky getting used to it at first but once I started to play and sing it all came together. As I looked around the room, I could see that the inmates appreciated it. They were smiling and moving a bit to the groove of the songs. Some of them asked questions about the songs and they all thanked me for coming and even gave me blessings.
The Impact of Music in Prison
Reflecting on my first prison performance I realized something interesting, I felt that my songs were really being listened to and that the words were appreciated. Being in prison seemed to give the inmates a chance to think about their lives without distractions like the internet or cell phones (I'm not saying that everyone should have this experience). I felt that my music gave them comfort with its hopeful messages. Maybe it will even help them change for the better. That is when I decided to keep visiting prisons.
Mission of My Non-Profit
The mission of my non-profit was always about bringing people together through music. So, playing in prisons felt like a natural step. I started looking for more prisons to visit and began to learn the ropes. I began to contact prisons all around the country and talk to the people in charge of volunteers or the chaplains. Sometimes they saw my concerts as a religious event, but I always made it clear that my music is for everyone. I write songs that anyone can relate to, no matter their background or beliefs. I am hoping to visit more prisons and that the word will get out. My music is about helping and supporting each other. I believe that when we all share what we have, there's enough for everyone to have what they need. That is one of the messages I'm hoping to bring out with A New Song USA.
