It's no surprise that the youth of today will grow into the leaders of tomorrow. But what happens when our youth is corrupted and tainted by negative influences in pop culture that they become obsessed with false affirmations and Instagram followers? The world is in need of positivity and artists who aspire to send out the right message to our future. I attended two festivals during this beautifully sunny month of August, Bridging Gaps and Skate4Africa, and these events are perfect examples of the kind of performers, music, and messages this world needs.
The Bridging Gaps Festival is a free two-day family event hosted at the Salem Willows in Salem, Massachusetts. It features over 40 different performers that include rappers, Dj's, poets, vocalists, musicians, and even showcases live art. I spoke with Michelle "La Poetica" and she put it perfectly, "When the families are here, it's about the music and what’s going on, on stage. When it’s not about that, it’s about the ocean view and the beautiful sky, the beautiful sunset." She pointed out to the skyline you see past the stage, which is truly a hidden treasure in Salem. "This is where people come together without a care in the world about what social media wants us to believe...That we can’t vibe out together, that we can’t have fun together, that we can’t sit together and just enjoy a beautiful afternoon." This festival aims to bring people together from different communities, from different upbringings, from different circumstances of life; just to share moments full of music, love, comfort, art, and positivity with one another.
She then asked me to look around me so I could physically see the families, sitting with one another soaking in the atmosphere. I saw little boys riding their bikes, friends gathered around grills, mothers talking with each other, artists empowering other artists within the crowd, and upon every single face I saw a smile.
The artists at this festival were of all ages, and of all backgrounds. Nick Shea, 19, brought his own special brand of funky hip-hop as well as his infectious positive vibe to the stage. I spoke with him and asked him why he thought that Bridging Gaps was important to our communities and he responded “Because they’re not so promoted or pushed, you’ll hear about concerts on the radio and ‘you gotta be there! You can’t miss it!’ and then the tickets will be $70 dollars, and what I find is that their messages aren’t inspiring. Here, (at bridging gaps) the music is easily accessible and people are coming out to share what they love.” Shea has been writing music since he was 12 years old, and he strives to send out a positive message. “Ultimately I want people to smile, have good times, and I try to keep it all positive. Instead of using my music as a diary where I’m just talking about ‘this day was so bad’ I focus on the good stuff…I’ve been to rap shows where people fight, they get mad and angry, see I don’t want that. I want people to have fun at shows," he said.
Uncle Sam, 28, was one of the artists that really stuck out from the Bridging Gaps Festival. He strives to send out a message that reflects his own New Hampshire inspired mantra “live free or die” and moreover he wants to give back hope. “I’m just trying to figure out life as a millennial and what the rules of being a millennial are…I want to tell my story in hopes of connecting with whoever is listening.” What really struck me about Uncle Sam was how he was distributing his music. Instead of a traditional demo or mixtape, he gives you a small package. Inside this package is a download card where you can electronically download his music and seeds. Yes, seeds! The Ballad of Johnny Appleseed comes with 6 sings and a different type of seed so we can all be a part of the change and start to rebuild our earth. Isn't that such a cool idea?
The Skate4Africa mission statement reads:
Create skate parks in developing countries in order to foster perseverance, independence, and creativity.
The festival was a 100% non-profit fundraising event that gave to causes such as BBYO, Revolution of Hope, Build On, and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. David Kobrosky, CEO, has been a passionate skater his entire life. He’s always found skating to be a positive outlet that fosters independence, creativity, and community. His aim was to create the same positive experience for the unprivileged youth in Uganda and around the world. Three incredible acts (Josh Lekas, Nick Cincotta, and Token) were booked and I had the opportunity to speak with them.
Josh Lekas, 19, has made his way into the music world through Elephant Runs and Riptides. He began making music at the age of 16, and has been giving his all ever since. Pop based and RnB influenced, his songs carry insight into a lot of real life situations. “I love making records that are very real and straightforward about what situation I may be in. Those are the type of songs that can connect with people the most.”
Lekas, humble and wise beyond his years, believes in the power music has over people. He began to tell me about how he believes more funding should be given to the art programs within schools. Reflecting back on his high school days, he says music is such a bigger concept now and a powerful outlet for people to express themselves. “Nowadays, music is huge and I think everyone needs a form of expression. I wish when I was in high school I had more resources to learn to play guitar or sing or things like that.” He hopes to make a positive change for people with his music. .
Nick Cincotta, 20, of North Andover is storming the country. He began playing the piano at age 7 and his love for music and performing has only grown. With five music projects circulating, his name has become one of the more recognizable among the Boston music scene. With artists like Coldplay, Billy Joel, Drake, G-Easy being big influences in his music, he strives to make music that connects with his fans and to promote a lifestyle of being positive and doing what you love. His most recent project “Breakthrough” features tracks like No Idea and Dan Bilzerian (feat. Matt Rapta) and is readily available to download on his website.
Cincotta believes that concerts targeting younger crowds are important because they have the power to affect the younger generation so heavily. “Those are the kids coming up that, one of them is going to be the president. One of them is going to be a doctor and save people’s lives, and to positively influence those people it just creates a wave of positivity,” and he’s right. The positive influence of one person, with the right message, can shift the world on its heels.
Token, 17, has been storming the internet. Best known for his lyricism and fast paced raps, he brings high energy and passion to every show. Tupac being one of his biggest influences, left a lasting impression on Token especially early on in his music career. He commented that "(Tupac) put the mindset in me of 'I can make this happen.' especially coming from where he did." As living proof that music influences us to follow certain paths, Token was featured on the Sway in the Morning radio show, where he left the world speechless through his eight-minute freestyle. Focusing on personal triumphs and struggles, he has made music that has internationally been welcomed with open arms.
Like a breath of fresh air in a smokey room, Token continues to prove that he brings something to the table that other artists just can't quite seem to. Saying his stage presence is an understatement. With a hunger to succeed, Token understands the importance of channeling into the younger generations with music. "The show, it's not just watching a rapper on stage; it's being part of it. It's a performance, I look at it more like a play rather than a rap performance. When people are with people they know, or people their age, they come out of their shell more. Inevitable they enjoy the show more."
Youth and family targeted festivals are so important to this generation. We are becoming so desensitized to genuine talents and positive messages because of social media's ability to share concerts, performances, and shows. Instead of going out to local shows or supporting the community people will stay home and scroll through videos on their timelines. The experience of physically connecting with people who share a love for a certain artist, genre, or association is so far beyond the experience of laying down on a couch, with a stiff neck, and a dying battery.
These two festivals aim to promote music and art exposure/development in the youth. Bridging Gaps was started by Wreckshop Movement's own Justice Born and has been going strong for 5 years. Wreckshop hosts various other events that target youth creativity and nurture it through positive examples. Friday's they hold a youth open mic in Lynn and every Sunday there is a subway cipher held in downtown crossing where anyone is invited to join in. The overall message Wreckshop aims to promote is to be a good person, to love your fellow humans, to support one another, and above all to work together for a brighter future through hip-hop and the arts.
The biggest commonality for these artists is that music connects us. Whether you're into country, hip hop, rap, techno, soul, jazz, or whatever genre speaks to you, it makes it possible to understand one another. Think about multi-national pop stars, they reach various countries with different native languages but their message always comes through. Imagine if we had artists all over the world who promoted positive messages, artists who performed at community driven events, and above all artists who truly exemplified all the things our generation needs more of. We would have generations cultivating ideas with one another instead of hoarding them away for individualized glory. The greatest thing we leave behind is our legacies and the children of tomorrow. The change begins with the communities all around us. It begins with the very cities and towns we all reside in. We can all be the change; it can all begin with one song.
