Thankful, Grateful, and Ready to Rock!
For many the holiday season can be a lonely and cold time. With covid still present in our communities and seasonal depression being a very real and daunting struggle, it’s important to give thanks and be grateful whenever we can. We asked some of our favorite artists to reflect and share what they’re grateful for and what they’re looking forward to in hopes to spread some cheer and connect us all. Check out their answers below and spread a little love by following them and streaming their music.
Joy Ike
What are you thankful for?
“I am so thankful for my Philly family! It has been such a joy to have solid ground and a group of friends and family (framily?) to stay grounded with over these last 18 months! It has helped me maintain my sanity and remember what's most important!”
What are you looking forward to?
“I am most looking forward to getting better at making art and seeing how it evolves my artistic expression and how it connects with my songwriting, poetry, and how I think through making art a little more holistically!”
Nic Snow
What are you thankful for?
“This year I am thankful for life and the opportunities to share my gift. As restrictions on the pandemic began to ease up I was fortunate enough to be able to perform in safe settings. To be able to share what I love to do is a feeling like no other and I pray I can do it in a bigger capacity next year. I am also thankful to the musicians who have helped me make it possible. Josh, Andrew, Stan and Zeek have been instrumental in my growth as an artist and pushing me to deeper limits. I am also thankful to be able to hug my parents and my family safely and let them know I love them everyday.”
What are you looking forward to?
“I am looking forward to creating new bodies of work this year. I am hoping to collaborate with multiple artists, producers and other creatives to construct some meaningful work. I am also looking forward to a bigger year of live music. Being able to share my gift with others across the state and country has been overwhelming.”
(Photo Credit Nathalie Antonov)
The Honey Badgers
What are you thankful for?
“We are lucky to have so much to be thankful for this year. We’re so grateful for new fans and for old fans who have stuck with us over the past 20 months of pandemic weirdness. We also really appreciate the new opportunities that have come our way as the industry has shifted due to the pandemic. In terms of functional day to day gear, we got some super nice pro K&M mic stands that bring us immense joy at every gig. It’s the little things. ;) Oh, and we can’t forget to mention that we’re so thankful for our little rescue dog, who will be 16 years old in January. He reminds us to take lots of naps and to always get excited for adventures outside.”
What are you looking forward to?
“Although we won’t complain about being busy ever again, we’re really looking forward to taking some time off from gigging this upcoming winter. We can’t wait to rest our bodies and minds and have lots of time to dream up new songs and new plans. Hopefully we’ll emerge in the spring with plenty of new music.”
(Photo Credit Vanessa Halliday)
Lefty The Greatest
What are you thankful for?
“I am so thankful for my growth. I have a lot of love around me that helps sustain me on a daily basis. I'm thankful for my family and friends. I have friends I even consider my family because they are so loyal. I'm thankful for the Goddess above watching over me and having my back. I've been in situations I know I didn't get out of by myself, but made it because I had some help from the other side. I'm thankful for Music. Music lifts my spirit in every way when I'm going through hardships. Every day I wake up is a miracle I'm thankful for.”
What are you looking forward to?
“Well I have a nephew that will be born soon that I’m looking forward to meeting.I am looking forward to the next level in music and art. I have increased brand awareness of my music and audience since I dropped my most recent album. I'm looking forward to more shows to showcase that. I'm looking forward to getting closer in my relationships with the people I care about most. Looking forward to making new meaningful relationships . There is so much I look forward to, can't say all in one sitting, lol.”
Shane Palko
What are you thankful for?
“Life is full of so much, and I am very grateful. It is difficult to name and list out the things that bring me the most thankfulness. With the backdrop of being thankful for so many experiences both positive and difficult, which give opportunities to learn and grow, I’ll simply call out a few things that I’m thankful for in this moment: dogs, coffee, mulberries, clouds, prayer flags, fire, photosynthesis, lions mane, love, music and sunsets.”
What are you looking forward to?
“I’m excited to return to touring in a more thankful and sustainable way. I’ve spent a good portion of the last decade performing at many different concerts, events and festivals in more than twenty-five countries across six continents. Somewhere along the way, I became more goal-oriented than thankful for the privilege that surrounded my touring musical life. Now, after a couple years of pandemically imposed pause, I have had time to reflect and nourish a sense of thankful wonder. I look forward to appreciating each moment of future tours with the same gratefulness that has saturated these last couple of challenging years. “
(Photo by Evan Stout. Shane and Charboi working on a food forest at the Curry Farm)
