I’ve had so many influences from both current artists as well as ones who have passed on. I’m drawing from strong African American female dancers, singers, composers who have taught me what I know about performing and art. In a world that while wonderful and full of beauty also at times difficult to find a safe place to create and express oneself, I’m looking to break a mold within myself through these series of performances. Blues, Soul and Gospel are the genres I find my sound to be most rooted in but this piece may represent other influences I have such as electronic music, hip hop, and more experimental types of music.

In My Heart (To The Moon)

My Grandpa Charles "Chuck" Bouwsma nurtured and encouraged three generations of family, friends, and students to truly experience music. He was a passionate music teacher and lover of nature and creativity. He generously donated his energy to play at church, school, and beyond simply for the joy of it. He played his grand piano with intensity and precision and I remember vividly that he made a very serious face while deep in to a piece that he was mastering. His love was classical music, but later in life I introduced him to Sam Cooke’s Portrait of a Legend, which I think describes both figures perfectly: legendary. This song is played on his concert grand Steinway piano that he would teach many on and captures the world of music that he loved as well as what I introduced him to. Kindness (441 Cass) is dedicated in memory of my Grandfather, the example he lived of a life encompassed my kindness, humility, and compassion, and the absolute love of music that he instilled in me.

Kindness (441 Cass)

Music, Lyrics, and Produced by Molly Bouwsma-Schultz 
Recorded and Mixed by Tommy Schichtel at Goon Lagoon in Grand Rapids, MI USA 
Mastered by Jim Diamond in Paris, France
lyrics
There’s a light that shines on everybody 
Shining brighter than the morning sun 

Sometimes you feel like it’s all over 
And then you realize that it’s all just begun 

And you shine 
You ain’t afraid of nothing 
And You’re brave 
And you shine 
Your glow's never gonna dim 
You’re never gonna cave 

I was hoping you might wanna know that 
You’re on my mind’s center stage 
I hope you accept this fondness that I got for you 
I hope you have a good time acting your age 

Cause it's the sight of you 
Reminds me life's too short to behave 
When you realize love's all you need 
Then you’re floating free from your cage 

It’s a lasting and pure connection 
Energizing to my soul 

Sweet like all of my recollections 
Of you never letting go 

Don’t let go 

There’s a light that shines on everybody 
Shining brighter than the morning sun 

Sometimes you feel like it’s all over 
And then you realize that it’s all just begun 

And you shine 
Like the stars above 
That fill up the sky 
And I shine cause 
I’m so happy you’re mine
credits
released January 28, 2018 
Instrumentation by Molly Bouwsma Schultz and Scott Schultz
license
all rights reserved

Shine

Molly is a musician, songwriter, and performing artist with a history of numerous projects and collaborations. Her unique past and desire for absolute freedom not only inform her emotive style of singing but also narrate her thought-provoking lyrics, making for a moody, eclectic, joyous, and colorful mixture of soulful expression.