I am very interested in your plans for exploring the possibilities for music to advance an agenda of social change.  I have always been interested in music with a message, whether in my own songwriting or in someone else's music.  Wouldn't we all be better off if protest songs were as important today as they were in the 1960s? I look forward to hearing more about how and where all of this is going.

David Geyer

Judges PDF Print E-mail

pyarrow

Peter Yarrow

In this time of great possibility, that MTL is in a unique position to foster the creation songs of social awareness and concern that can help to inspire and activate people in their efforts to heal and build a more just and peaceful future.

Early on, music of social concern played a major role in the Civil Rights and Peace Movements. It gave its listeners an ongoing sense that they were not alone in their yearning for an end to injustice and war. Many say that music of conscience and commitment was the inspiration for their early social and political awareness, sparked their passion to become active in the struggle for fairness and equity, helped them to heal them in times of loss and painful setbacks, and provided the strength to carry on. For many, it became the soundtrack of much that they are proud of in their lives.

MTL is a call heard powerfully, resonating throughout the songwriting and performing communities, and touching all who hear the moving and inspiring songs, written by songwriters that MTL continues to encourage and honor. In these times of great possibility and hopefulness, the efforts of MTL are as wonderful as they are needed, as the songs that emerge from MTL bind our hearts in common purpose once again, helping us to restore our humanity and our compassion, and ignite our commitment to fostering justice for everyone, everywhere. Hats off to MTL!

 

tpaxton

Tom Paxton

Music does change the world. Think about our progress toward racial equality through songs like "We Shall Overcome". Sing us your cause -- we're listening!

 

 

 

 

bjay

Baby Jay

"My music is about making a difference in this world and about social change. The Music To Life songwriting Contest is a great opportunity for songwriters trying to make a difference and to be heard by the world. It's an honor for me to come aboard and join such an incredible organization! Peter, Paul & Mary are my friends for Life! God bless ya'll"

 

jwhitejr

Josh White, Jr.

I literally grew up hearing songs to life being sung by my father I knew early in life what the "strange fruit" was hanging from the tree. I saw the "hard time blues" my old man sang about when we went south in the 40's. I felt a sense of togetherness when we would sing "the house I live in, the same for black and white" what ever stage we were on we knew people were inspired to never stop working towards equalness and fairness for all. it's a way of life!

I am proud to join mtl and what they have been doing.helping to bring the songs people need to hear and the aspiring artists who sing the songs OF THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE THAT WE NOT PERISH FROM THIS EARTH. Music2Life rewards artists who live this way and I’m proud to be part of the effort.

 

bsainte-marie

Buffy Sainte-Marie

Really effective songs that reach across borders, generations and mind sets originate in real people emotion and are easy for anybody to understand. Although they feel simple, they’re skillfully built to be inclusive and impossible to forget. Music2Life moves us in this way.

 

 

 

kmattea

Kathy Mattea

“My experience is that music can glue people together, and multiply their energy, in a very efficient and concise way. It’s the best way to remember, in real time, that when we join together, we are more than the sum of our parts. Music2Life helps make this happen”

 

 

 

jcollins

Judy Collins

Music heals the heart and gives us courage, solace, energy and peace. The world is better for music and the heart is lighter, the mind more inspired. We love Music2Life - and what these writers bring into our world and our lives is ever inspiring.

 

 

 

pwinter

Paul Winter

"I have great optimism about music's ability to link us -- to each other, to the heritage of our culture, to the greater family of life, and ultimately to our own hearts. I dream of music that invites participation: singing and dancing in a spirit of community and respect. I am honored to be part of Music2Life’s mission."

 

 

 

lavin-2

Christine Lavin

In this digital cyberspace age, it's heartening that Music 2Life helps us all connect through our giving and music making...an effective vehicle for a growing community of concerned musicians.

 

 

acwebb

Amy Carol Webb