SESSIONS: Where Music & Mental Health Collide
NEW: watch EPISODE 4 FEATURINg KATY VERNON!
WATCH Episode 3 FEATURING NUR-D
WATCH EPISODE 2 FEATURING CHASTITY BROWN
Watch Episode 1 FEATURINg Charlie Parr
Part therapy session, part recording session, each episode of the new “Dissonance Sessions” video series takes a deep dive into the story of one artist, giving listeners the unique opportunity to get to know the person and music in more intimate ways. In episode 4, Katy Vernon talks about growing up “weird,” surviving tragedy, avoiding “mommy wine culture,” discovering her voice, volunteering, learning to feel content, and facing the future by embracing the present. She also performs the new song Over and Over as well as Shine, a song she wrote for a Minneapolis #MeToo benefit. We are thrilled to share this conversation digging into the backstory and inspired songwriting of our very own board member.
In episode 3, Twin Cities rap star Nur-D discusses mental health, racism, and how making a life in music helps him make sense of so many parts of his life. He performs songs along with DJ Hayes in the studio at Mid City Studio, Minneapolis. In Episode 2, Minneapolis singer-songwriter Chastity Brown discusses her musical roots, surviving the isolation of the pandemic, witnessing the global racial reckoning that manifested itself mere blocks from her home, and embracing hope, connection and love even amid sorrow. She also performs songs from her amazing album, Sing to the Walls. In Episode 1, Minnesota folk music legend Charlie Parr discusses his experiences with depression, grief, anxiety, and family dynamics while delivering intimate performances of songs from his album, Last of the Better Days Ahead.
“There’s a lot of bravery and vulnerability that goes into songwriting,” said Sessions host and Dissonance co-founder Sarah Souder Johnson. “Sessions enables artists to open up in another way, inviting them to explore difficult topics and how music serves them, while providing viewers with a deeper look into the person and meaning behind the songs. Through these conversations, we like to show that it’s OK to talk about struggling with mental health or addiction, and that it’s also OK, and very possible, to pursue greater well-being and recovery.”
Dissonance Sessions is the brainchild of singer/songwriter and ambient music producer Jason Chaffee, who understands the healing power of music in his own life. “Struggling is a shared experience, and healing is too,” Chaffee said. “Not only do I want to hear about the tribulations behind the songs, but I want to hear about resilience and triumphs as well — how artists overcame or are working to overcome the challenges of life.”
Each Sessions episode is produced and directed by Chaffee and recorded at regional studios such as the Kill Room, Mid City Studio, Chubby Mammal, and Drum Farm Studio. The series is made possible by sponsor Audioquip, a St. Paul rental shop for pro audio equipment, and several generous donors. We are so grateful to each and every one of them.
HOW TO Support SessiONS
We first forecast the plan for Sessions in this video produced for Give to the Max Day 2021. You can still support the project and be part of our mission to cultivate mental health and recovery in and through the arts by donating any amount to Dissonance. Thanks for watching and considering — we appreciate you!