The ’80s was the golden age of charity records, when large groups of musicians would come together to record a song, each taking a small chunk and joining together for the uplifting chorus of “We Are the World” or “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” usually to feed hungry people somewhere in the world. Lots of groups, including local musicians, picked up on those star-studded efforts.
We haven’t heard one in a while, but that’s the model a group of Cleveland musicians are following for “When The Lights Come On Again,” a group effort of behalf of the local independent music venues where thy make their living.
The sparkplugs were violinist Ariel Karas of Classical Revolution and singer/songwriter/guitarist/promoter Brent Kirby. They worked their networks and found another 18 musicians to hop on board, many of whom have gotten grand from the Northeast Ohio Music Relief Fund grant through local nonprofit Cleveland Rocks: Past Present and Future.
So in the spirit of giving back, the musicians banded together to help keep these venues afloat until help comes via federal legislation or until they can reopen.
Kirby jumpstarted the process by putting out a call for potential song titles with “When The Lights Come On Again” the winner. He then asked for input on song part ideas which he wove together to create the basic structure. He then asked each musician to sing the chorus, a verse of their own crafting and then the chorus again.
Jim Stewart of Jim Stewart Studios put together all the pieces for the final result, a blending of musicians who play rock, folk, pop, zydeco, blues, reggae, hip hop, soul and classical music. Once the music track was complete, Ron Goldfarb and Tony Weber from Goldfarb Weber Creative Media got involved in the project. Vic DiAngelo, Senior Editor and COO at Goldfarb Weber created a video to go along with the song. You can watch and hear the song here, and hopefully be inspired to donate to help those venues where you heard so many of these great musicians.
Learn more and donate here.