Yesterday was kind of bizarre. Kat Davis, our manager hit me up earlier this week and asked if I could spare some time Wednesday night to pull away from the studio for a couple of hours to lend my voice and represent FE for a recording that many Nashville artists were coming together to record to benefit relief efforts in Haiti. She had been asked by “Smitty” to bring her roster of artists and we happen to be in town finishing up our new EP. Ocean Way Studio, musicians, engineers, producers, and now singers were donating their time to come put together a sort of “We-Are-the-World-gone-Nashville” track titled Come Together Now. The song was written by gospel music veterans Michael W. Smith, David Mullen and Cindy Morgan. It was a really wild collection of Nashville folks. If you know Nashville music at all, then you know that means lots of country and gospel artists. In this case, up-and-coming artists, veterans, and even legends all checked their status at the door and all jumped right in. The room was full of energy. Everyone was excited to be a part of the project and stand with other talented musicians and sing their hearts out for Haiti. It was a really funny experience, one I’m glad to have had the privilege of participate in. Surely with the names and “star power” represented in the room, this track will sell hundreds of thousands of downloads and raise a ton of money for the relief efforts in Haiti. You’re certainly invited to do your part. Be on the lookout for the release of the track in the coming weeks on iTunes and buy it: Come Together Now by Michael W. Smith. Drop .99 for Haiti and see if you can pick out my voice in the choir.
To be honest, I didn’t recognize half the people in the room, but among the artists I got to meet (and/or appearing on the recording):
Country artists: Wynonna Judd, the Oak Ridge Boys and Vince Gill.
Gospel artists: Michael W. Smith, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Matt Maher, members of dc Talk, Casting Crowns and the Newsboys, Selah, Margaret Becker, the Katinas, Point of Grace, John Schlitt and Nicole C. Mullin (Nicole and I stood together in the choir and had a really fun time goofing around when we were supposed to be learning the song. She’s awesome.).
American Idol notables: Mandisa, Phil Stacey and Chris Sligh.
Some other big-time producers, composers and such were there as well.
Lots of local and national media were there as well. Check out some additional coverage of the event:
View the Nashville Channel 5 story HERE.
View photos on Michael W. Smith’s website HERE.
CBN ran this story:
What a privilege. I am proud that you got included in such a noteworthy event and noble cause.
You guys need to jump on the Newsboys/ Fundamental Elements World Tour!
Chris…did you really say Newsboys & Fundamental Elements? Not exactly the combo that I would have picked! But whatever.
Russ…I am so proud of you and glad that you had the opportunity to be a part of something that will make such a difference in so many people’s lives. Glad that I can say I am not only your sister but your friend. Sorry for the SAPPINESS!!!!
That is quite cool! I bet that was quite an experience. Did they give you a solo? Cause that would be SWEET!
good work rockstar!!!
Congrats Russ! That is sooo cool and such a neat experience!!
Heather (& Lance :)
Awesome!!! What a great opportunity!!
Wow, that’s awesome! You were in the right place at the right time – how cool is that! Will be looking for the song…
Thanks for participating in this project. I’ve mentioned your involvement on Sun-Times Media’s What Do We Believe? blog.