Song of the Day: Andra Day “Rise Up”

Three years ago I was brainstorming names for a party I was starting- I wanted something that relayed the message: if you come to this event, you will be inspired, you will want to rise up and make some good change. I decided on the name “RISE!!” I listen for songs that inspire me, and I’d like to share this one with you in hopes it has the effect! Andra Day‘s “Rise Up,” is an inspirational anthem that reminds me to keep going, rising up a thousand times and more- whatever it takes.

“Rise Up” is a ballad; it’s a soulful, R&B tune, with pop features, driven by Andra’s powerhouse vocals. “Rise Up” was nominated for Best R&B Performance during the 2016 GRAMMYs. The music video, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, depicts a heart-breaking love story. In it, the man is paralyzed from war and Andra cares for him tenderly and lovingly. And yet we feel the struggle, pain, and difficulty in the reality of their lives.

According to Rolling Stone Magazine, Day grew up singing in her church, an influence that is revealed through her style. Her big break came when Stevie Wonder came upon a live performance and connected her with the production company, Buskin. At that time, Day released a series of Youtube soul covers, which got the attention of Warner Bros. Records. We’ve had our share of soulful ballads in the past few years, Adele’s “Hello” being the obvious one, but what makes “Rise Up” stand out is the way the song moves you from a place of despair to a place of hope, which we all need a dose of at times.