Unity Song Mix Debut Brings Democracy to Music Creation
YEAH! (Youth Empowerment through Arts & Humanities) is proud to announce the debut of the Unity Song Mix, a collaborative music project that celebrates inclusivity, creativity, and the transformative power of community. The track, engineered by experimental musician Linda Heck at Electric Arcadia in Sewanee, Tennessee, will be released on YEAH’s brand-new Bandcamp page on December 31, 2024.
The Unity Song Mix is a sonic experiment in democracy and collaboration. Five unique tracks submitted by community members of all ages and backgrounds were seamlessly woven together by Linda Heck to create a unified musical experience. This project highlights YEAH’s core belief that "the art of rock is democratic" and that music has the power to elevate every voice, regardless of hierarchy or experience.
This innovative project ties into YEAH’s mission to empower youth and communities through arts and humanities. The Unity Song Mix showcases how music can be a force for collective expression, celebrating diversity and fostering connections. It also serves as a call to action to support YEAH’s ongoing work in music education and community arts.
From Heath Webb aka the void inclusive, a former camp volunteer: “I used to volunteer with YEAH! and love the organization so much. While I was helping to manage bands and make photos and videos during camps and performances, I got to see young people becoming inspired, excited, and empowered by music and community. Music is a home and a nurturing space, no matter what you may be going through. It is there for you and there for us as a whole. It is the space where we come together and celebrate and mourn and everything in between.
When I was invited by Linda Heck to contribute to this project, I knew I had to do it. She and YEAH have both been so important in bringing different people together for the purposes of community and creativity. I love that Linda is collaging our works in a way that mirrors the collage of personalities we see at Rock Camp and in our daily lives. We are all contributing to the tapestry of our communities, even if our communities are small or we can only interact with them online.
When thinking about what to contribute, I immediately thought of this pretty piece of arpeggiated synth music I made recently. It seems to be simultaneously uplifting and melancholy. And as the extra layers of sound emerge, I become flooded with colors of emotion. Of remembering and honoring. The song seems to sing like a mantra, our unity, our unity. There is nothing stronger. At our deepest level, we are one. And whatever reminds you of that fact is a good reminder.”
The Art of Collaboration
Tracks were submitted by participants across a spectrum of ages and musical styles: Sean & Marina McDevitt, Linwood Regensburg, Chris Rueger, Gray Worry, and the void inclusive.
Linda Heck’s engineering process at Electric Arcadia unified these individual contributions into one cohesive piece.
Visual art and contributions from the community further enrich the project, including a special art response from Olasubomi Nurudeen Aka-Bashorun.
Launch Details: The Unity Song Mix will be available for streaming and download on Bandcamp starting December 31, 2024. The release will coincide with a year-end fundraising campaign to support YEAH’s programs, ensuring future opportunities for youth and community engagement through music.
How to Support
Listen to the Unity Song Mix on Bandcamp: yeahrocks.bandcamp.com
Donate to YEAH to help keep projects like this alive: Visit yeah.kindful.com
Share the track and spread the word on social media using #UnitySongMix and #YEAHRocks.