YMCA to Release Original Song Featuring Artists from Africa, Europe and United States on September 21
Stars Come Together to Make the World “A Better Place”- new global project being released on International Day of Peace
Artists from around the world have collaborated to bring universal hope, unity and faith during times when it is most needed through an unlikely source -the YMCA.
Musicians, artists, recording studios and other Ys around the world have partnered with Central New York-based YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley to produce an original song entitled “A Better Place”.
“Music provides a universal language, and the song seemed the perfect way to connect people around the globe- especially during a difficult time. The project is the brainchild of YMCA CEO Hank Leo. It grew from a simple ‘We are the World”- type effort to engaging artists from around the world in a movement, but in a much different way. The education-based project, which also includes a children’s book series and curriculum, music videos, and two additional songs now features over 40 YMCAs, partners and collaborators who have contributed in one way or another,” explains creator Hank Leo, CEO of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley.
Leo asked Mathew Beadle, a music teacher at the Oneida branch of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, a small Y in Central New York to work on a song for a pen pal program between the Y and a music foundation in Uganda. When Covid-19 created significant barriers to its development, Leo began working on converting the song to help raise funds for the Y as it lost a considerable amount of funding due to the pandemic, but also to help the struggling music program in Uganda. Through Leo’s contacts, cold calls and partnerships with other national and international YMCAs, the creators gathered regional, national and international musicians and recording artists, all inspired to lend their unique talents to the project.
The song features Beadle on piano, regional and now California-based singer Zainep Abdelaal on lead vocals; South Africa’s 3-time Grammy Award winners The Soweto Gospel Choir; Uganda’s Watoto Children’s Choir and Hope Music Foundation; Norway’s Holmlia Tween Sing on backing vocals. Former Billy Joel band legendary drummer Liberty Devitto is on drums and New Orleans’ Mitchell Player is on upright bass. A special addition is Atlanta-based Christian spoken-word artist Gloria Umanah. Local guitarist Justin Smithson is on electric guitar along with cellist Jessica Talbott. There is a guest appearance from R&B legend Melba Moore, who recently had her star framed in Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
The song was recorded through the generous donation of Big Blue North Recording Studio in Utica, NY.
“We are forever grateful to Pam Jardieu and Jeff Aderman, not only for their contribution, but for their involvement from the beginning in helping to make the song the best it can be,” Leo said.
The song is being mixed in Atlanta by 7-time NAACP Image Award Winner and Grammy-nominated mixing engineer Jason Brown and mastered by Upstate NY engineer Ardian Carr.
“This project was born during a tumultuous time,” added Leo. “We were all trying to stay connected during a global pandemic. From that, the song reflects the timeless struggle between fear and hope, hatred and fellowship, ignorance and understanding. The song provides a universal message of hope and faith. Seeing and hearing friends and partners from around the world, especially our young people during wars and other life-threatening circumstances, sing this universally appealing song has been a blessing. To have three choirs joining together on the chorus is simply amazing,” he added.
Through the international language of music, the song aims to help heal racial divides, challenge pre-conceived opinions and question cultural judgements. And, it has spurred on much more than just a song. An entire multimedia effort is in the works, to be released this fall.
Rob Totaro, Director of Member Advancement of New York State Alliance of YMCAs, Inc. has been instrumental in building the “A Better Place” website, www.abetterplaceproject.org with links to all project collaborators, coming soon.
“From our small Central New York YMCA, the song attracted international artists and global ambassadors until it became the multi-media event it is today,” Leo added. “It is a shining star offering light and guidance to everyone, anywhere.”
“September will be an important month for the project,” Leo noted. “Mark your calendar for September 21st, the official release of the song and full music video on Play it Forward. “
To view the music video trailer, visit the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley’s YouTube channel @ymcaofthegreatertri-valley or Facebook page facebook/ymcagreatertrivalley to see the video trailer.
It is Leo’s hope that the project will continue to cultivate relationships globally with other Ys and creative partners.
For further information and interviews, please contact:
Stephanie Neff, Marketing Specialist
YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley
315.534.8815
About the Project:
“A Better Place” is a YMCA global project encompassing original music, a documentary, children’s books and curriculum designed to help spread joy and positivity during challenging times. Its mission is to teach kids and adults the value of understanding, accepting and loving the unique differences of others from all around the world through song, a film documentary, children’s books and corresponding curriculum.
About the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley
The YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley serves the greater Rome, Oneida and Whitesboro areas with programs and services for the whole family. We are a 501c3 charitable non-profit organization with two primary branches in Rome and Oneida and school-age childcare in the Whitesboro area. The Y’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
