Singer, songwriter and young activist Kashish is inspiring unity with her new single and stunning music video for “Stronger Together.” Having performed recently at the Women’s March in New York City and with all proceeds from the song going to the ACLU, Kashish is certainly putting her money where her mouth is. Most importantly, “Stronger Together” is less of a protest song and more of a call for forgiveness, understanding and strength during dark times. The video, which speaks specifically to female empowerment and togetherness, can be seen below.
With plans to record and release new music and music videos, as well as a goal to play as many rallies and venues as possible, Kashish is finding light in the darkness this year, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
Interview by Shannon Shumaker
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for any readers who might not be familiar?
Hi, thank you so much for having me. I am Kashish, I am a Pop/ R&B singer-songwriter from New York City. I have a single called “Stronger Together,” out on iTunes, Spotify, & Bandcamp, and all the proceeds are going to the ACLU.
What or who first inspired you to get involved with music? When was it that you knew it was something you wanted to pursue?
From a very early age I had a deep connection with music. I would dance and sing for hours. One of my favorite songs was “Earth Song,” by Michael Jackson. I remember dancing in the mirror and turning to my mother and saying, “I want to be a singer.” I think I was 3 years old when I made that decision, and I have been pursuing music ever since.
Back in February, you released the music video for your powerful single, “Stronger Together.” Considering everything going on in the world right now, “Stronger Together” is a song that people need to hear, but what was it that first inspired you to write it?
It all started the day after the Presidential election. I was devastated, and I made the mistake of going on social media. I saw people on both sides saying really nasty things about each other, and it made me sick. I wanted everyone to realize that we need to keep things in perspective, and that ostracizing and isolating people is what causes things like this to happen. The only way I could really express this idea was through music, and that’s how “Stronger Together,” was born.
It’s also a very different take on other protest songs, as “Stronger Together” promotes a very strong sense of unity, rather than anger or chaos. Why is important to take that route in times like this?
Hate never wins. Anger never wins. It is as simple as that. Hate & anger sometimes look like they are winning battles, but they never truly win the war. People always forget that because it is so much easier for them to go to an angry negative space, rather than a loving place. We ignored a group of people’s issues and called them names, and at the end they got this man elected. We have to learn to forgive, but that doesn’t mean we forget what happening. It just means we can move passed it, and start making real effective change in this country. The more people learn to forgive and love, the more progress we can make, and that’s why I chose this route for, “Stronger Together.”
You also got the chance to perform the song at the Women’s March in New York earlier this year. What was it like being able to be part of such an important day, especially in your own city?
I truly was humbled to see how many people came out to the NYC Women’s March. It was an indescribable feeling seeing all the support people were giving each other that day. It was a really profound moment for New York City, and I am so happy I got to be a part of it.
For any listeners who want to get involved with local charities, organizations or protests, but don’t know where to start, what would you recommend?
All the protests and marches that I have been involved in have been through organizers who have put together events on Facebook. So I suggest people find a cause that they love and just type in the name on their Facebook search bar and see if there are any events nearby. I would also follow any well-known organizations like the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, etc. on social media to see what they post on their pages because often they will repost events that support their causes. Social media has really made it that easy to get the word out to people, and it has been one of the most effective ways of marketing for these rallies.
With “Stronger Together” out now, do you have any plans to release any more new music in the coming months?
Yes I do, I am actually in the process of recording a single called, “Cycles,” we plan to shoot a music video in the upcoming months as well, so keep an eye out for that!
What is the rest of 2017 looking like for you?
2017 is all about performing in as many rallies and venues as possible, creating more creative content, and making some more music. I am feeling energetic creatively, so I really want to make the most out of this year!
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for having me, I had a great time! If any of you guys want to keep up with my performances, and new releases feel free to follow me on my social media. All my handles are @kashishmusic. All the proceeds for my single, “Stronger Together,” are going to the ACLU, so please keep listening!
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