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FOXY/SMASH, an arts based sexual and mental health program for youth that operates in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut, has released a single and music video created by young people that addresses the topics of gender-based violence and access to community supports.
Recorded in December 2021 at Monarch Studios in Vancouver, the original song was written by a group of youth from Kugluktuk, NU. The lead writer, vocalist and guitar player is a young man from Kugluktuk named Kendrick Bolt, who is also a travelling Peer Facilitator with the SMASH program (Strength, Masculinities and Sexual Health). Supporting musicians include Kenton Loewen on drums, Pete Schmitt on Bass and PIQSIQ sisters Tiffany Ayalik and Inuksuk Mackay providing backup vocals.“We wanted to write a song that talks about the effects of violence on us and our peers and ways to cope that are healthy and healing,” says Bolt.
“I think it's incredible when young people look out for other young people using art to compassionately support one another,'' says the song’s producer, Ruby Singh. “Working with Kendrick on this song was so good for the soul. Witnessing his heart for community care and commitment to his artistry was an absolute honour.”
Inuk director and producer Tiffany Ayalik (Copper Quartz Media) produced the accompanying music video. “It’s so amazing to help put something together for an artist from my home community,” says Ayalik. “Seeing young emerging Inuit artists be supported in putting their work out there, especially when it relates to community wellness, is reconciliation in action.”
“The experience was life changing,” says Bolt. “The whole team was so supportive of me and I got a lot of mentorship for my music. I can’t wait to record with them again.”
Editing, special effects and additional footage for the music video were provided by Reel Youth, a media empowerment project that delivers community development programming to youth and adults across Canada and internationally.
The project received funding from the department for Women and Gender Equality.
lyrics
The storms in our heads
We need to let it out
The pain deep inside
Feels like going to war
When the wave takes you under
Scared to lose control
Don’t know what way is up
Can’t see anything at all
Remember to breath
Feel what you feel
Talk it through with someone
Talk until you heal
You're not alone
You're not alone
We all struggle
You're not alone
Sometimes you see it
And sometimes you can't
Just take my hand
Together we’ll stand
How do we hurt
Without causing more pain
How do we heal
And break all the chains
We need to stop the cycles
From getting passed on
Being kind and gentle
Is how we are strong
Its not a bad life
Just a bad day
We can make it through anything
There’s always a way
There’s always a way
You’re not alone
You’re not alone
We all struggle
You’re not alone
Sometimes you feel it
And sometimes you can't
Just take my hand
And together we’ll stand
Just ride out the wave
And see the other side
Just focus on the moment
It will help you get by
There are so many ways
To get it all out
That don't use our fists
Or our voices to shout
Our ancestors are wise
They show us the way
They lived through so much
So we could be here today
You're not alone
You're not alone
We all struggle
You're not alone
Sometimes you see it
And sometimes you can't
Just take my hand
Together we’ll stand
You’re not alone
You’re not alone
We all struggle
You’re not alone
Sometimes you feel it
And sometimes you can't
Just take my hand
And together we’ll stand
credits
released March 28, 2022
“Not a Bad Life” Song Writers:
Roseanne Cash, Martha Redbone, & Esperanza Spaulding contribute to this gentle compilation benefiting KIND: Kids In Need of Defense. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 11, 2019
