About this Project
I was in the audience at the 2014 Grammys and I saw a powerful video PSA (part of the White House's It's On Us campaign), where Obama called on musicians to use their power to bring awareness to rape and domestic violence against women, Here's and excerpt from Obama's Speech.
"Tonight, we celebrate artists whose music message helps shape our culture and together, we can change our culture for the better by ending violence against women and girls. Right now, nearly one in five women in America has been a victim of rape or attempted rape. And more than one in four women has experienced some form of domestic violence. It's not okay. And it has to stop. Artists have a unique power to change minds and attitudes and get us thinking and talking about what matters. And all of us, in our own lives, have the power to set an example.
This message really struck home for me. I decided that night to really try to do something about this problem. I have been a victim of rape and domestic violence and I have never really spoken out about it much before. I was asked a few years ago by the Women Helping Women Organization here on Maui to talk about the experiences with Domestic Violence I encountered when I was young. I thought I was completely healed and over those traumatic experiences but when I began to speak I broke down in tears. It's taken a long time to realize that I needed to really address these issues and speak about what had happened to me to be healed.
When I reached out to artists who I had met that night at the Grammys and others in the industry, I was surprised to find so many had also gone through issues with domestic violence and abuse. This project was a team effort created by of very talented and dedicated artists who donated countless hours of their time and expertise to make this CD possible. We all joined together in an effort to help bring awareness to the fact that millions of people have suffered by this terrible problem of abuse that exists today.
We are speaking our truth on these issues in hope others find the courage they need to speak out and get help.
I was in the audience at the 2014 Grammys and I saw a powerful video PSA (part of the White House's It's On Us campaign), where Obama called on musicians to use their power to bring awareness to rape and domestic violence against women, Here's and excerpt from Obama's Speech.
"Tonight, we celebrate artists whose music message helps shape our culture and together, we can change our culture for the better by ending violence against women and girls. Right now, nearly one in five women in America has been a victim of rape or attempted rape. And more than one in four women has experienced some form of domestic violence. It's not okay. And it has to stop. Artists have a unique power to change minds and attitudes and get us thinking and talking about what matters. And all of us, in our own lives, have the power to set an example.
This message really struck home for me. I decided that night to really try to do something about this problem. I have been a victim of rape and domestic violence and I have never really spoken out about it much before. I was asked a few years ago by the Women Helping Women Organization here on Maui to talk about the experiences with Domestic Violence I encountered when I was young. I thought I was completely healed and over those traumatic experiences but when I began to speak I broke down in tears. It's taken a long time to realize that I needed to really address these issues and speak about what had happened to me to be healed.
When I reached out to artists who I had met that night at the Grammys and others in the industry, I was surprised to find so many had also gone through issues with domestic violence and abuse. This project was a team effort created by of very talented and dedicated artists who donated countless hours of their time and expertise to make this CD possible. We all joined together in an effort to help bring awareness to the fact that millions of people have suffered by this terrible problem of abuse that exists today.
We are speaking our truth on these issues in hope others find the courage they need to speak out and get help.
TESTIMONIALS
I just finished listening - here's what I felt. ARISE ABOVE ABUSE is both a moving and uplifting body of work. The message is combined through spoken word, music and song makes for a powerful listening experience - each like an individual prayer that comes straight from the heart and is received as a blessing. The different viewpoints and experiences bring the message completely and utterly to the fore in a most compelling global way - the feeling of connection through those who have experienced this themselves, alongside those who stand as angels of advocacy for all victims. That we are all responsible for how we treat each other and indeed how we care and love each other in this life. Our singular experience of this in turn adds to the collective one and thus, change can occur at the very root of our being. Whilst experiences of such feminine abuse are revealed, the continuing thread of the message also offers a tremendous pathway through to a new way of being, through forgiveness, self-worth and empowerment but, above all LOVE.
Each story and song with their rich musical accompaniments brings with it an opportunity to hear and understand how someone just like you or me feels, whether victim, observer or uplifter. With messages expressed in so many different ways it means that there's a voice that will resonate with each and every one of us. It certainly was that way for me.
Dorie Pride
Hey Cindy, I just finished listening to ARISE ABOVE ABUSE and was completely taken in by the emotional content backed by some appropriately beautiful music. This is an important recording. Inspiring, nurturing, and , I'm sure, deeply therapeutic for those in need of being embraced and supported in their hardships. Bravo and thank you for offering this up in the mix. Congratulations.
Sarah Partridge
love your album!! What a MASSIVELY important message for the world! I will proudly support your album and hope that it reaches millions. Abuse is a rampant cancer in our society. I pray this brings hope and light to many!! BRAVO!!!!! ROCK ON COURAGEOUSLY!!!
Jared Schwartz
I finally had the opportunity to listen to the body of inspiration and love pouring out of your ARISE ABOVE ABUSE CD! It was such a beautiful heartfelt labor of love! Every song spoke to my heart. The stories told by the various artists and musicians poured love out unto the listener in ways that exceed the listening ear because it went straight to the heart... mending broken pieces of broken spirits. A balm of mercy and grace was released in song and stories told by the eclectic group of musicians blessed this project to be a blessing for those who are broken. So many beautiful, beautiful songs! Their voices rang out into the heavenly realm of light where healing begins. I have truly enjoyed listening and knowing that many people will benefit from all the hard work, passion, gifts and talents flowing through each track. Beautifully produced, mixed, mastered... Great sound quality...musicianship phenomenal! I have so many favorites....May the blessings of GOD reach far and wide blessing each and every contributor in ways that make their souls happy! Bless you for the vision Cindy! Great Production: Cindy Paulos, Kenya Autie, Oscar Autie, Jacqueline Piazza, Kevin Mackie, Songwriter Shane, and EVERY singer, musician, any and everyone connected to this project. :-) ♥
Aeone Watson
I received your incredible CD "Arise Above Abuse" in the mail this week and I have had it in my car all week... I am so glad I got a chance to hear your CD this year. Such an important topic! In addition to being a musician I am a full-time practicing family doctor in Arkansas. So many of my patients have been scarred but various types of abuse. It is great when music and talented songwriters can positively impact a widespread social problem
Each story and song with their rich musical accompaniments brings with it an opportunity to hear and understand how someone just like you or me feels, whether victim, observer or uplifter. With messages expressed in so many different ways it means that there's a voice that will resonate with each and every one of us. It certainly was that way for me.
Dorie Pride
Hey Cindy, I just finished listening to ARISE ABOVE ABUSE and was completely taken in by the emotional content backed by some appropriately beautiful music. This is an important recording. Inspiring, nurturing, and , I'm sure, deeply therapeutic for those in need of being embraced and supported in their hardships. Bravo and thank you for offering this up in the mix. Congratulations.
Sarah Partridge
love your album!! What a MASSIVELY important message for the world! I will proudly support your album and hope that it reaches millions. Abuse is a rampant cancer in our society. I pray this brings hope and light to many!! BRAVO!!!!! ROCK ON COURAGEOUSLY!!!
Jared Schwartz
I finally had the opportunity to listen to the body of inspiration and love pouring out of your ARISE ABOVE ABUSE CD! It was such a beautiful heartfelt labor of love! Every song spoke to my heart. The stories told by the various artists and musicians poured love out unto the listener in ways that exceed the listening ear because it went straight to the heart... mending broken pieces of broken spirits. A balm of mercy and grace was released in song and stories told by the eclectic group of musicians blessed this project to be a blessing for those who are broken. So many beautiful, beautiful songs! Their voices rang out into the heavenly realm of light where healing begins. I have truly enjoyed listening and knowing that many people will benefit from all the hard work, passion, gifts and talents flowing through each track. Beautifully produced, mixed, mastered... Great sound quality...musicianship phenomenal! I have so many favorites....May the blessings of GOD reach far and wide blessing each and every contributor in ways that make their souls happy! Bless you for the vision Cindy! Great Production: Cindy Paulos, Kenya Autie, Oscar Autie, Jacqueline Piazza, Kevin Mackie, Songwriter Shane, and EVERY singer, musician, any and everyone connected to this project. :-) ♥
Aeone Watson
I received your incredible CD "Arise Above Abuse" in the mail this week and I have had it in my car all week... I am so glad I got a chance to hear your CD this year. Such an important topic! In addition to being a musician I am a full-time practicing family doctor in Arkansas. So many of my patients have been scarred but various types of abuse. It is great when music and talented songwriters can positively impact a widespread social problem