Every man is born equal, and for every talented man, there is also an equally talented woman. On October 6, a stylish jazz-pop singer from the West Coast and a designer/stylist and rapper joined forces for a common cause, creating the sort of art that becomes memorable due to the message within. Shannon Gibbons and Josh Cary (JAC), dropped their newest collaboration called "Where Is The Love."
Shannon is a singer/songwriter from Bellport, New York, who entrances her fans with an angelical voice and heartfelt lyrics. As a performer she loved to sing in church, stating that: “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God." She feels lucky to have grown in a little village, saying that she enjoyed having a big family and a small-town vibe
Shannon gained recognition when she auditioned for American Idol Season 3. Her voice made fans fall in love with her, even after she got disqualified, which many fans criticized the judges for such a decision, stating that they “made a huge mistake by sending her home”.
Josh Cary is a multi-faceted artist. He is a singer, stylist, designer, and founder of the clothing company YSM Clothing. According to him, this brand is a result of his struggle with mental health and his journey, aiming to encourage people to open up". Needless to say, he is a person who stays busy with a clear goal in mind. In addition to this, he is a promoter of mental health and self-love; a person who cares for his people and is not afraid to show it. This feeling can be heard throughout his lyrics:
"Why does freedom always gotta come with a condition?
It's about time we change our tradition, see?"
Shannon and Josh met when he saw her on American Idol. He had not watched the show in years but his dad convinced him to watch a certain season where people were sharing their stories in regards to mental health. Upon learning Shannon's story, he sent her a heartfelt handwritten note in the mail.
Shannon and Josh mentioned that therapy helps so much when referencing mental health. Shannon describes her own experience with therapy when she was younger, and how it completely changed her outlook on life for the better.
These two noble and hardworking stars came together to pay homage to the lives lost the past few years due to injustices from the corporations and organizations that made such events happen. They want to show their followers that they are not alone and that we are all together in this struggle to have a better quality of life. The song was "a response to the systemic racism in America, and a beckoning for peace and love for the people around us."
And here is, "Where Is the Love", by Shannon Gibbons and JAC, in its entirety:
Shannon's track "Change," shares many similar elements to "Where Is The Love," like the hopeful lyrics and commentary regarding fears of occurring events. If you are interested in hearing more from Shannon Gibbons, check out her cover of Kodaline's "All I Want", which she performed during her first week in American Idol. Shannon discussed how this song is also one of her favorites, and she has felt emotionally connected to it for a while. She talks about the emotional connection you can hear in somebody’s voice when they are singing and can be able to understand on a certain level what that person is experiencing.
For more music industry advice, follow us on social media!
Instagram: @3300Climbing
Facebook: @3300Climbing
Twitter:@3300Climbing