In the face of the question “What can I do?” former music therapist turned artist-activist Kyshona says, “Listen!” And that was the title of her 2020 album release, which resonated in all sorts of ways in those dark days. And arguably the dark days are back again – and so this release of a new acoustic recording of the closing song from that album couldn’t be more timely. It’s released today, in honour of Juneteenth, and resonates with themes addressed by Nashville-based Kyshona on her most recent album, “Legacy,” which itself drew on Kyshona’s family history. Prior to writing and releasing that album, she worked with a genealogist at the Robert Frederick Smith Explore Your Family History Center at The Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of African American History & Culture, tracing her family back as far as the oldest record, dating back to the 1860 US Census Slave Schedules. One hundred and sixty-five years ago – just five generations.
And what does this song say? The message is pretty clear: in the face of the feeling that “I can’t hear your heart over the screaming crowds / They say awful things“, Kyshona makes a bid for second chances, rethinking situations, building bridges and pulling down the walls of division. Yeah, why not?
