May Ling, Someday, And Songs With A Voice

Thursday, January 14, 2010

I got sent in some info from singer May Ling about the video/song "Someday", from the project Songs with a Voice and I definitely wanted to post it on up because it has a message we should all care about.



More information on the project

Someday” a music video addressing domestic violence has achieved recognition from the 15 Minutes of Fame Film Festival in the 1:00 seating in Palm Bay Florida.

Created in conjunction with the New York Asian Women's Center (NYAWC), “Someday” is a song that brings awareness to the complexities of domestic violence. Since its launch in October, it has been used both by domestic violence support groups and high school classrooms to invigorate discussion on the topic.

“Domestic violence is often hidden behind the closed doors of perfectly ordinary, middle-class American homes,” says director Scott Gabriel. “We want to bring the issue into the public forum and make sure that people are aware that resources exist to help. We were ecstatic at the support we’ve received by the NYAWC and the outreach that others have been able to accomplish since its first showing.”

“Music has the special ability to communicate issues that people normally do not want to discuss,” said singer/songwriter May Ling. “In the 70’s, many popular songs were about changing the world for the better. In the last three decades, popular musicians seem to be increasingly sticking to lighter topics. My hope is that ‘Someday’ will inspire social dialogue and positive change. ”

The music and clips from ‘Someday’ will be featured in a new public service announcement for NYAWC on NY 1. The group has also completed a Chinese PSA and is currently working to find a station interested in donating air time. They also hope to translate the PSA into other languages and make it available in other regions to help spread the word.

When asked about what is in store for the future, May Ling responded, “I am hoping to do more songs that will motivate public activism.” Other songs, in May Ling’s collaboration with Bennett Media Studios, deal with child trafficking, the Khmer Rouge, and victims of the Sichuan Earthquake.

During their life time one hundred thousand Asian women in New York City will be abused by their partner – emotionally, financially, physically, or sexually. NYAWC helps victims overcome violence and govern their own lives, free of abuse. The Center works to raise public awareness about domestic violence, advocates for the rights of battered women, and creates an agenda for social change. The group’s 24 hour, multi-lingual help line provides assistance in 11 different languages and can be reached at 1-888-888-7702. For more information on the NYAWC, visit www.nyawc.org.

Songs with a Voice is a collaboration of artists, who combine the mediums of film and music to reach those in need and inspire activism. For more information on Songs with a Voice, visit www.songswithavoice.com.

"15 MINUTES OF FAME" is a festival of independent films produced by filmmakers from across the U.S., and around the globe. Genres range from comedy and drama, to music videos and documentaries. The festival is sponsored by local husband-and-wife filmmakers Ray & Migdalia Etheridge. There festival will take place on Jan 15-16, 2010. For more information, visit their website at: http://15minutefilmfest.com/