Keep Something Beautiful, Vanessa Contopulos

As a co-producer of The SongStream Project's show Voices of Autism, I was profoundly moved by the stories of all the families we interviewed. I wanted to create something in response to all they taught me. This song was written in response to all their stories. 
Recorded at Studio Studios by Alex Dausch 
Vocals and guitar- Vanessa Contopulos
Vocals and ukulele- Laura Anderson
Harp- Betsy Hartman 
Low Whistle- Michael Fryer 

Unexpected Ways

I wrote this song in response to hearing an interview on Bill Moyers with David and Francine Wheeler. Francine and David lost their beloved son Ben in the Sandy Hook shooting. Francine spoke of her own music and love of singing and how it is carrying her through the loss. I was so moved by their courage and kindness and wanted to write this song of resilience in honor of them. 

It's Love That Wins

You Changed Me

I lost my brother Nick to the disease of addiction in May 2010. This song was written in response to the 'My Last Photo' initiative begun by Gary Mendell and colleagues at Shatterproof. You can read more about it here:
http://www.shatterproof.org/mylastphoto

Written by: Vanessa Contopulos
Recorded at Studio Studios by: Alex Dausch
Guitar and vocals: Vanessa Contopulos
Bass, Drums and slide guitar: Alex Dausch
Fiddle: Dan Sankey



The Last Photo

This song was inspired by my work as a music therapist with a truly lovely couple. The husband had dementia and, while he was losing much of his memory, he could still sing many of the old country tunes they had cherished together as a couple. They had spent much of their marriage loving live music and country dancing. Their love and story acted as a catalyst for this song, imagining a couple who, thought all of life's ups and downs and challenges, were always brought back together by a simple song and a dance in 3/4 time.

When Stories Become Songs

3/4 Time (feat. Molly Jenson)

I wrote this song while I was working as a music therapist in the hospice setting. I was moved by a vibrant woman I worked with. She was in the end stages of cancer and yet absolutely full of life. She would always dye her hair a new crazy color and wear fun and wild make-up. She made me think a lot about hope, what it means to live in a hopeful way. Hope is a tiny word with so much meaning. I don't know if I will every fully understand it, but this song is a small exploration of this theme.

Hope Is

When I lived in downtown San Diego I used to walk miles every day. One day I passed a man who looked like he might be living outside. His clothes were torn and he looked as thought he was carrying many of his belongings with him. As we passed each other he made direct eye contact with me and tipped his hat in an almost military salute. I had recently been to a large, fancy event where those serving in the military were honored. I could not stop thinking about this man and what his story might have been. I will never know. This song is an exploration of the stark contrast that exists on the streets of our cities between those we honor and those we pass by and ignore.

The Hero and the Homeless

I wrote this song after sitting with my young daughter at a cafe in our town. We were sitting talking and playing when I noticed that every single person sitting at tables around us was looking at their phone. Of course we can all be guilty of this. It just made me sad and made me long for a time when we didn't have all these distractions. I started thinking of an old time country song that would sing to the simpler times gone by where people fell in love over letters.

Over Letters

I wrote this song right before the first Women's March on Washington. I was so inspired by the national and even international movement of women coming together crying for change. I have always loved the legacy of protest music and wanted to add my piece to that tradition.