“I NEED AIR” NATURALLY 7 IN SUPPORT OF BLM

“I NEED AIR” OUT NOW FROM NATURALLY 7

SONG AND VIDEO RELEASED IN SUPPORT OF BLM

Michael Hepworth

HOLLYWOOD (Perfect MusicToday) 6/12/20/–Naturally 7 is releasing a new video for their song, “I Need Air.” The song and video come as a response to the issue of racially targeted police brutality and widespread systemic racism that has come to a head in the wake of George Floyd’s murder.

Link to “I Need Air” video: https://youtu.be/zUqN1kC22h8

Roger Thomas, the group’s founding member, commented, “The song is called ‘I Need Air’ and based on the fact that air is essential and non-negotiable for life. If we struggle to breathe, we struggle to live and is something all people can relate to. This is why the world has taken to the streets after hearing George Floyd utter the words ‘I can’t breathe.’ The reality usually only visible to Black America is now on center stage for all to see ‘what evil lurks in the hearts of men,’ so to speak.”

The video conveys images of peaceful protest and the inspiring words of hope from the civil rights movement juxtaposed with the violent reality that has plagued the black community throughout the history of the United States. The group has been actively engaging their fans in conversation on this topic over social media. The release of “I Need Air” serves as an emotional plea to the world that they, and the entire black community, “need air” both metaphorically and literally.

“Being a conscious band of musicians,” Thomas continues, “We know that music is the soundtrack of most people’s lives and have long believed that ‘music is the key.’ It’s the only language we all speak and, as such, can heal deep wounds when words are insufficient, when our leaders and politicians have failed to unite us and when apologies have arrived too late.”

Thomas took to social media himself to discuss the importance of saying, “Black Lives Matter,” providing an eloquent and thought-provoking monologue that has inspired progressive conversation regarding change with the abiding hope that the conversation will continue on even larger scale.

“This moment in history demarcates a shift, it’s a time of enlightenment and a time when the nation and the world is coming comes together to understand that not until ‘Black Lives Matter‘ will ‘All Lives Matter.’ It’s clear that laws don’t change hearts, but we are optimistic that this time, hearts might change laws.”

Roger Thomas discusses Black Lives Matters (link): https://youtu.be/n8GcUbONxyk

Naturally 7 formed in New York in 1999 with Quincy Jones naming them “the greatest vocal group in the world.” The term a cappella vastly underplays that which they create on stage causing them to coin the phrase “vocal play” to more accurately describe what they do. Naturally 7 is more than a tightly orchestrated collection of great singers. They transform their voices into actual human instruments and seem effortlessly to produce music of any genre. They are a vocal group that is, in effect, their own backing band.

Other members of Naturally 7 have also commented on the situation:

“Using my voice will not silence yours.” – Warren Thomas

“We stand on the shoulders of those who fought in the past for our rights and equality. The time is now to finish what they have started.” – Dwight Stewart

“For over 400 years, we’ve told black lives matter…Less! We are well overdue to embrace a new message.” – Rod Eldridge

“Racism may always exist, but it doesn’t have to exist in you!” – Kelvin “Kelz” Mitchell

“Sometimes heat is the energy that is necessary to change the nature of things. If we focus the heat, there will be light.” – Ricky Cort

“Silence is golden, but not when it has lost its worth.” – Sean Simmonds

“I Need Air” written by Roger Thomas; produced by Scott Jacoby; released by BMG Rights Management GmbH

Video directed by Bastien Francois

“I Need Air” lyrics:

I’ve seen the light

That shines from the Son

You’re the moon in the night

Of Life

Without you near me