During the COVID global pandemic, many of our students have been ‘pivoting’ to focus on efforts that help support communities through the crisis. One of our outstanding students, Xanthe Miller, has been turning to music to help build resilience, strength, and bring a voice to those who need it the most.
As an incredibly accomplished songwriter and singer (listen to one of her songs below!), Xanthe knows first-hand how hard artists have been hit during the crisis, but she also knows the power of music to heal and bring people together. Thus, Xanthe is launching her first global competition called “Songs Against Silence,” where high school and college students write songs to raise awareness about different causes. This first competition, which is themed “Mental Health”, will be judged by Sameer Gadhia (of “Young the Giant”), Stéphane Wrembel, Mickey Alexander and be steadwell.
High school and college students are all encouraged to apply by July 21. The competition will be held from July 26-August 9th, after which, they can submit their song for a chance to win one of many prizes.
Young people often don’t have the space to share their voice on important topics; however, their voices are loud and clear. Xanthe wants to give a platform to young people, as well as provide resources for important organizations doing essential work on social issues.
Xanthe recently wrote a song about the Black Lives Matter movement titled “White Lies”- listen here:
Learn more and sign up to participate at songsagainstsilence.org.
For more Spike Stories click here, to learn about out coaches click here (Ayna Agarwal is Xanthe’s coach) or to sign up for a free consultation with The Spike Lab click here.
