BWH Music Group Releases ‘On Peace Street, Vol. One,’ by Various Artists'
- by Adam Bailey
- in Featured
BWH Music Group’s ‘On Peace Street, Vol. One,’ by Various Artists, contains a collection of 19 original songs in various genres by today's best independent artists and songwriters.
Sharing songs about peace and social justice, the artist's songs will ultimately remind you of the importance of peace, fairness, love and unity. Filled with meaningful lyrics and exceptional music, this playlist is an example of how music can influence, and even change, people, movements, and society.
1. “I Wish I Was Wrong” - The Reverent
"I Wish I Was Wrong" highlights environmental and ecological disasters as well humanities impact on the world from a personal perspective. The Reverent are a new band on the festival scene from Somerset, UK with fresh sounding original songs. Lead singer, Eliezer, offers powerful and soulful vocals with guitar riffs that are hooks galore. Col Gray's haunting dark harmonies and groovy, grounding bass lines are integral to the 3-piece band and one will fall in love with the pulsing beats of the world class drummer who is The Jones with his intricate rhythms and techniques.
2. “Love Is Everywhere” - Stacy Jones
Stacy Jones wrote “Love Is Everywhere” in the wake of the Orlando nightclub massacre and before the annual Seattle Pride festival. The song is a declaration and tribute to the fallen and to those who stand up for human rights and the power of love. Stacy Jones has been nominated multiple times for “Best of the Blues” awards in songwriting, performance, harmonica, and guitar. She won the 2019 and 2018 Best Band Award, plus nine other Best of the Blues awards from the Washington Blues Society including: Best Female Vocalist, Best Blues Harmonica, Best Blues Songwriter, and the 2018 NW Recording of the Year. In 2017 she was accepted in the first round of Grammy Voting for “Best Contemporary Blues Album” and “Best Americana Song.” She has also charted on Roots Radio Report Top 40. Stacy has shared the stage with Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Lee Oskar, and many other legends.
3. Beautiful Heart” - Kala Farnham
Farnham knows firsthand how much it hurts to survive sexual trauma. In "Beautiful Heart," Farnham sings about the strength and resiliency that the human soul is capable of. Survivors are courageous, resilient women. Armed with a voice, an entourage of instruments, and faith in the power of story, songstress Kala Farnham set out into the world with one vision — to inspire through the power of musical storytelling. Farnham has garnered numerous awards and recognition. She is a 2019 Rose Garden Performing Songwriter Contest winner and she is an alumna of the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project. Farnham's recent album, 'Samadhi: Home Is Where You Are,' was nominated for RI's Motif Music Awards "Best Americana Album" and hailed by Bill Copeland Music News as "soulful Americana" in "one of New England’s best voices in one of this year’s best written and best recorded works."
4. “Pretty Words” – Sylvie’s Songs feat. Amanda Sullivan
Written by Sylvie Abate, "Pretty Words" is a song about the cycle of emotional abuse. The song explores the "honeymoon" period in an abusive relationship where the abuser shows a side of themselves that the victim may truly love, pushing them further into the relationship and the continuous cycle. Sylvie's Songs feat. Amanda Sullivan is a Global Music Awards "Gold Medal Winner" for Best Songwriter, Best Lyrics, and Best Female Vocals. Sylvie's Songs also won an Akademia Music Award for Best Folk EP. Sylvie holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in classical guitar performance from the New England Conservatory of Music. Sylvie's Songs has over 45,000 song plays on ReverbNation. Several songs have aired on college radio (70 stations) and on cable television (66 channels) across the United States. Pretty Words features vocalist Amanda Sullivan. Amanda has a degree from the Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford in classical guitar. Amanda Sullivan is also a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter.
5. Rise - Nicki Kris
"Rise" was originally written after the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. It is an empowerment song that encourages people, especially women, to speak out against injustice. It also calls for people to go out and vote, and to advocate for what is right. Nicki Kris is an award-winning singer-songwriter who has been on the official ballot for the Grammy Awards for the past seven years in numerous categories including: Song of The Year, Record of The Year, Pop Vocal Album, Pop Solo Performance, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Performance. Her songs have been featured in award-winning movies, television shows, and on radio stations worldwide. Nicki Kris has been recognized in several international songwriting competitions and her songs have over a 1.5 million streams.
6. “Our Little War” - Old Brave Souls
Old Brave Souls wrote "Our Little War" after the emotional impact they felt when they heard the news about the Parkland, FL shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the overwhelming number of shootings that plague our communities. The band was moved to write about what if feels like to be powerless and defenseless in your own backyard. Old Brave Souls is an indie rock band from Charleston, SC made up of brothers Nick and Luke Yoder. Originally from Cumberland, MD, Nick and Luke were both active in the Western Maryland music scene in the late 1990's and early 2000's. Nick was the drummer for Grill Body Five, a pop-punk band and Luke was a vocalist in Midnight:30 and Plan B, two hip hop groups. After exploring individual paths, they both moved back to the family farm in Charleston where they spend most of their time writing and recording songs in the old barn they converted to a studio. Old Brave Souls offers melodic, acoustic rock with thoughtful lyrics.
7. “We Shall Overcome” - Chakra Bleu
“We Shall Overcome” was first written to highlight the injustice in the Michael Brown shooting, along with many shootings that followed. The song, however, is not about hate - "We Shall Overcome" is a song of unity. The song calls upon humanity to unify in dignity, freedom, justice and equality. Chart- topping Nashville artist, Chakra Bleu, has been granted many awards throughout her career including the Arena Award. This award is granted to artists who have contributed an inspiring presence in their community. Her music captures a fusion between genres such as reggae, Americana, pop-rock and R&B. Chakra's songs have been played across the US and Europe on Top 40, Country, A/C and AAA radio. Chakra has released nine albums to date. All her albums have had enormous success. Off her 7th album, the single "All of Me" charted #2 on the Top 40 as well as #1 on the Indie Top 40, holding for five weeks then onto #7 on the Top 100. The second single, "The Shadow," went to #4 on NMW Top 40. Off her 6th CD ‘Souvenir,’ five singles simultaneously bedazzled the charts.
8. “Who Will Stop the Nuclear Clock?” - Léonie Gray ft. Matthew J. Bongiorno
“Who Will Stop the Nuclear Clock?" speaks about the increase of nuclear weapons in the world and how it is a threat to mankind. It was written by Bruno B. Vallelunga and recorded by Léonie Gray (on the melody in the chorus) and Matthew J. Bongiorno (as the narrator during the spoken word section). Léonie Gray is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter and producer from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She uses her songwriting to convey her emotions and discuss themes such as self-growth, mental health, relationships and feminism. In 2019, the song “Holiday Blues,” also written and produced by Vallelunga, got Gray the 2019 Silver Medal Award by the Global Music Awards. She has also played at the world-famous Festival International de Jazz de Montreal. “Who Will Stop the Nuclear Clock?” was featured by ICAN (The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons).
9. “All That Matters” – KatieBeth
KatieBeth was standing at the Nashville airport when a young woman pulled up alongside the road and got out of her car. The woman started to fidget with some items in her hand while anxiously looking at the arrivals screen and her watch. A couple minutes later, a soldier in camo greens came rushing out. He dropped his bag on the floor and they hugged like they hadn’t seen each other in ages. In that touching moment, KatieBeth witnessed “all that matters.” Since 2004, KatieBeth has been rocking it out in WI and TN. With a voice born in rock and roll and stained by whiskey, her powerful energy on stage and raw vocal talent is blazing a worldwide trail. Her voice is a blend of rock and country. Her style pulls equally from her Wisconsin roots and her Tennessee years. Her lyrics tell stories of heartbreak, redemption, and hope. With every verse and chorus, KatieBeth unleashes the raw, uncensored emotion of someone who has learned life's lessons the hard way. But behind her amazing vocal range, and beneath her "take-me-as-I-am attitude," lies an alluring vulnerability. KatieBeth is both soft and hard. She is just as willing to love as she is to kick ass. This contrast—this paradox—is who she is. And because of this, she connects with her audience.
10. Soldier's Song (4th Street Version) – Lakotah
Soldier's Song (4th Street Version) aims to create awareness for the need to do everything possible to help those torn apart from conflicts across our world, from the soldiers to the children. Soldier's Song (4th Street Version) will also be featured on the upcoming Refugee Relief Charity Album Project created by Kathleen Wirt. Lakotah is a Billboard charting recording artist based in Los Angeles California, whose alternative-electronic rock is taking the world by storm. As a prolific songwriter, her extensive song catalog includes over 250 compositions. Her songs have been used in motion pictures, television and video games. Lakotah plays the bass, guitar, drums, piano and the trumpet. Lakotah's EDM dance single "I Feel Your Body" (co-produced by Mickey Oliver and remixed by DJ Kool-A-Shay, reached #7 on the DJ Charts. This EDM pop song is still being played in clubs. Her first Billboard single "Falling" is also featured in the PBS Special “Baila” which aired nationally in the US.
11. “Karma” – Emily Cole
The song “Karma” explores the emotional and psychological pain caused by mean-spirited, bullying behaviors. The philosophy of “do unto others as you would want done to you,” and the ripple effect of our actions take center stage. Emily Cole is an award-winning alt-pop singer-songwriter. In 2019, she won the Josie Music Award for Pop/Contemporary Vocalist of the Year. The UK Songwriting Contest recently awarded Emily Cole a Semi Finalist Certificate for her single “Karma” and another Certificate for her single “Dead Feelings.” Emily Cole is a Music City SongStar contest semi-finalist for her singles “Unnerving” and “Haunting” (these singles have not been released to the public, yet). In 2019, Emily Cole won two World Songwriting Awards, Best Song/Young Adult Female for “Karma” and Best Alternative Song for “Dead Feelings.” In 2018, she won two Independent Tone Awards and was an Unsigned Only Music Competition Semi-Finalist. Emily has also been a two-time International Songwriting Competition Semi-Finalist. Emily is a Texas Native who has been in the music scene since the release of her debut album in 2015. For this album, she worked with Producer Eddie Ferguson of WALKONE Productions (Lucky Run Studio). Ferguson is known for his past work managing music projects alongside Matthew Knowles (father of music superstar, Beyonce) and Max Gousse of Def Jam Records. Emily Cole was recently recognized as a songwriter and an emerging artist, performing for the Muscle Shoals Songwriter Festival in Alabama and for the Mesa Music Festival in Arizona. Emily is an advocate for nonprofit organizations and performs for events and fundraisers to help those less fortunate.
12. “One” - Fareed El Boricua Arabe
One” was inspired by Fareed’s dream of a world without racism. The song calls upon humanity to create a unified world. Fareed was a founding member of the legendary Freestyle Group Spirit Matter. His successful career spans over 30 years as a recording artist, promoter, rapper, singer-songwriter and poet. Fareed started his music career as a member of the hip hop crew Future Force along with TKA/K7 at the world-famous Roxy Nite Club. Later, Fareed formed the hip hop group Death City Boyz and was signed to Snowflake/Prism Records. He released his first single "Bopsey Twins" which is now considered an electro hip hop classic. After DCB, Fareed and Andrew Welsh formed the freestyle group Spirit Matter. They co-wrote “Crimes of Passion” and were signed by Silvio PTancredi (former head of Atlantic Records Dance Music Division) to Tropical Heat Records. "Crimes of Passion" became an instant club hit in the New York City Latin hip hop club scene. The song charted on Power 96, Miami's top dance music radio station. "Crimes of Passion" charted at #3 in South Florida, giving Fareed the opportunity to perform all over New York City's top dance clubs. Spirit Matter's "Crimes of Passion" is considered a Freestyle Classic. “Betrayal” was also club hit in New York, Miami, Philadelphia and Chicago. Fareed and Producer Junior Galan released Fareed´s debut Latin album Love n Tears which spawned the now classic Merengue track "Bailando en La Playa" which became a YouTube international hit.
13. “Dueños de Aquí” – Labán
"Dueños de Aquí" is a protest song against corruption, impunity and extreme income inequality inspired by the current social and political climate in Mexico. Labán is a Mexican singer-songwriter who is based out of Tijuana in Mexico City. Labán credits his upbringing for his passion for humanism and social entrepreneurship; his parents, both social activists, instilled a sense of social responsibility early on. From the age of 3, Labán showed a great interest in music and began studying the violin. Today, he is a songwriter, musician and producer. Labán's first album Todos Somos Dueños de Aquí is soon to be released. The lyrical content includes songs that speak out against corruption, impunity, extreme income inequality and violence, and songs about frustration and existential crisis, love and friendship.
14. “Live Your Life” - Coast 2 Coast Feat. The Fantastic Gems
"Live Your Life" is an inspirational song about being brave, believing in yourself, and living your best life. “Live Your Life” was an international collaboration. It was written by Greek guitarist Vassilis "Blue" Sotiriou and Coast 2 Coast vocalist Robert Finney. Produced by Sotiriou and Coast 2 Coast, “Live Your Life” is performed by Finney and Morris Rocky Whitaker. Back in 1968, at Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, a music group called The Fantastic Gems was born. After graduation, the talented musicians went off to college, the military, and new careers. Years later, two of the original members reformed in Washington D.C. as "Coast 2 Coast" and began recording and performing from 1986 to 1990. In 2016, The Fantastic Gems got back together to fulfill a promise they made to each other when they were students. The result of their reunion was the release of The New Old Skool. The album is a tribute to their musical roots and was made in recognition of the community who encouraged, supported and shaped their musical spirit.
15. “Humanity” - Radio Drive
Humanity is a song about love and unity. The song caught the attention of producer Stuart Epps, who has worked with many notable musicians and bands in the past including Elton John, George Harrison, Oasis, and many more. For Epps, the fact that the song captured the same themes as The Beatles' song “All You Need Is Love” was the selling point for him to be the producer on the track. Radio Drive is Kevin Gullickson’s solo career. Gullickson wanted to create an uplifting message and sound in his songwriting and calls his genre “motivational rock.” Radio Drive has been played on indie, college, and online radio stations throughout the US, Canada and Europe. His music has also been the subject of many nominations including Best Alternative Song for his single “Never” by the Hollywood Music Awards. Gullickson has been noticed by many Grammy Award producers such as Robert L. Smith and Stuart Epps.
16. “Song for Peace” - Peter Unger
“Song for Peace” is a message to the world about unity. It is a call to be united, not against each other, but against war and hate. Pastor Peter Unger is an inspirational singer-songwriter. He grew up in Vermont and moved to Pennsylvania later in life. He writes songs for the churches that he has served, and to reach people looking for hope and inspiration. His songs are an extension of his ministry. A finalist in the USA International Songwriting Competition, his songs cross-over folk, country, Gospel and Celtic music. Common themes in his music include the healing love and Grace of God, and his lyrics explore faith, peace and hope.
17. “The Color Of” - R.W. Roldan
“The Color Of” is a song that shines some light on the ignorance and fear that contribute to racism and the judgement of others based on race, culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and more. Boasting an Americana flavor, "The Color Of" provides accessible music and melody to a difficult subject that needs to be discussed in our society. RW (Ray William) Roldan has been recording under various band monikers since emerging with his debut album In California Country in 2006. After years of leading the popular ensembles Swing Samurai and Broke Fence (and recording under those names), Roldan has just released his own album, Can You Feel This? Teaming with engineer/producer Max Allyn of The Outpost, 13 soulful tracks provide a deeply emotional experience. Roldan has recorded with famed musicians like Doug Pettibone (Lucinda Williams), John J.T. Thomas (Bruce Hornsby), Rick Shea (Dave Alvin, Rosie Perez), Bruce Watson (Rod Stewart), Chuck Kavoorus, Brad Cobb (Tori Amos), and David Chamberlain (Roy Buchanan, Manhattan Transfer). Ray's band also includes Mark Hayes (lead guitar) and Luke Hayes (drums).
18. “United (To Save The World)” - Kate Magdalena
"United (To Save the World)" is a song written for all who care about the future of our world. From clean air to clean water, to the right to natural foods and for all people to live in freedom, our world has challenges like never before. Deborah Whitman, environmental activist, wrote the lyrics, and Kate Magdalena set it to music. Kate Magdalena is a recording artist and songwriter from San Francisco. She grew up to the sounds of music on Broadway in New York City, during the 1970's exploding singer-songwriter, folk, rock, and psychedelic music scene. Kate was a child of the 60’s and today she writes “Timely Americana” with a lens on society's unique challenges and possibilities. Kate's current release, an 11-song album titled A Larger Dance, was recorded and produced by Grammy-nominated producer, Billy Smiley (Johnny Cash, Whiteheart, Clay Aikeen, and the Newsboys). The album features some of Nashville's finest musicians: Fred Eltringham (The Wallflowers and Sheryl Crow), Byron House (Robert Plant and the Band of Joy), Blair Masters (Garth Brooks) and Brennan Smiley (The Technicolors).
19. “Don't Worry” - Jamie Lynn Vessels
"Don’t Worry” is a roots-rock song about healing everyday problems by putting an optimistic spin on worries and anxiety. The popular song was written initially for the writer herself; however, Vessels hopes that others will find solace in her message and music. Vessels wrote "Don't Worry" to highlight her journey to live an optimistic life. Ultimately, the song aims to bring peace to the worried, preoccupied soul. Jamie Lynn Vessels has been nominated for numerous awards including Best Roots Rock Artist of 2018, Best Roots Rock Album of 2018 and Best Emerging Artist of 2015. She was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and initially studied criminal justice in college, obtaining both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. During her studies, she yearned to fully pursue her love of music and songwriting and eventually chose a career in music. The Jamie Lynn Vessels’ band features Vessels as singer-songwriter, Cranston Clements on guitar, David Brouillette on bass and Daniel Perez-Iriondo on drums. The band was formed after the North Carolina native decided to follow her calling and move to New Orleans.
About BWH Music Group
BWH Music Group works with today's best emerging independent artists to achieve common goals in sound and artist promotions offering Recording Services, Compilation Releases, Music Public Relations, and National Indie Radio. A sought-after post-production studio for independent artists, "BWH Music Group has become synonymous with hosting some of the biggest and brightest young stars on their roster."- (GasHouse Radio).
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