It bothers me when people talk about “being a voice for the voiceless”. Though I can both understand and appreciate the sentiment behind it, it seems to still come from a more patriarchal, socially stratified mentality, rather than a recognition of human equality. We all have a voice. We all have a story. We all have a perspective. None of us will begin to see the ‘big picture’ without the perspective of others coming from various vantages of personality, geography, economy. Some voices have been marginalized, silenced and dishonored. This is a disgrace to the human race.

We believe that music and arts reach below the surface and often unearth emotions and thought, articulation and strength each one of us already possesses within ourselves. We hope the music we make and the work we do may be a part of surfacing the voices of those who are ignored – even to reaffirm that each one truly has a voice of their own, perhaps even play a role in some rediscovering and developing their own voice.

As we practice storydwelling in various communities around the country and the world, we seek to honor the voices of each and every person that we encounter by listening to their story with a kind curiosity, asking questions about their perspectives. As I share my story through my voice and music in concert, people have often come up to me following a show to share their story with me. I am honored by their openness.

I , in turn, with whatever platform I have. seek to amplify voices of hope, peace and equality. This needs little explanation. You can hear examples of what I mean in Jack Riddle, Be the Love, Put On Your Climbing Shoes, We Have A Dream and Modernity – all songs on the STORYDWELLING playlist.