New York, NY (Top40 Charts) The Sony
Music subsidiary record label, OC Hit Factory, releases an empowering single, "
Born Free" this Friday, Feb. 17. The song voices the importance of unity and loving all types of people.
During an OCHF advanced songwriting camp in November 2016,
Jessica Cabral, an "American Idol" top finalist and OC Hit Factory master vocal instructor and songwriter, wrote the "
Born Free" lyrics to a piano track composed by
Thomas Barsoe and Magnus Funemyr. Cabral had just returned from a trip to the
Middle East to a country that was divided over the presidential elections. Many Americans were feeling hopeless and scared because of the color of their skin and religion. Inspired by all the racial issues rising to the surface, she felt compelled to create something that reflected and encompassed everything happening in our nation.
Cabral began the songwriting process by identifying the person who has had the most impact on the social justice movement,
Martin Luther King, Jr. The first line of the song echoes King's quote, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
From there, "
Born Free" evolves into a story about different types of people, who are experiencing inequality across the world. In a verse, she highlights the growing number of refugees that exist worldwide, 60 million. "It is very hard to sing about things that are frustrating to you without also sounding very frustrated about change," says Cabral.
"It comes from a frustrated, angry point of view but is still hopeful about what our generation and next generation can do it make it better," says Barsoe, Sony
Music executive producer, OCHF owner, and platinum recording artist.
"
Born Free" calls people to take action and responsibility for their part in loving all kinds of people. Instead of blaming people or making a political statement, it focuses on the duty of human beings to do the right thing and stand up for personal beliefs. Cabral adds, "I believe that we can do it if we put ourselves in each other's shoes. It starts right here with you and me."
Following the launch of OCHF's urban division last week, Barsoe and Paul Najera co-produced and mixed the song to have a fresh, urban sound. The single was mastered by Grammy winning producer and mastering engineer,
Lucas Pimentel. To fully embrace this message of unity, OCHF's top vocalists were chosen to be featured on the track:
Jessica Cabral, Adanna Duru, Carsia Zhavia, Robbie Dean Crebar, Cloi Crider, Jada Northington, Marcus Miles, and Jackie Hishmeh. While these artists have different backgrounds, religions, ages, and experiences, the music proves the power unity by coming together as one.
The next OCHF songwriting camp will be taking place 2493 Park Avenue inside of Union Market in the District at Tustin Legacy. The two-day event runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26. To participate in this exciting songwriting camp, contact
Angelica Henry via email
[email protected] or by calling (504) 296-8084.
OC Hit Factory, a subsidiary record label under Sony
Music Entertainment, offers record deals, recording studios, songwriting camps, vocal and instrument lessons, artist management and development, and a live music venue to elite and exceptionally talented aspiring artists. OCHF prides itself as the number one, innovative, pioneering music powerhouse in
Orange County.
