This current crisis has been difficult for a lot of musical artists, because by their very nature they want to be out there on the stage singing, or playing in a rehearsal room with friends, or meeting their fans. It’s not stopped the majority being creative though, and people like V. Contreras have kept right on making songs, including her latest single and video, ‘If I Could’, which has been composed and recorded while all the musicians have been at home in isolation.
Contreras has made her name singing the National Anthem at Marinas and Sounders games, as well as fronting the Seattle Rock Orchestra, and opening for Collective Soul. Her voice is such that her fame should quickly spread around the world, with ‘If I Could’ a showcase of her magnificent sound, filled with emotion, and bracing. Although those accompanying her are not in the same room as she is, they’re no less committed, and together the track, arranged by Andrew Joslyn) is a warm bath of piano and strings, along with vibrant chords.
‘If I Could’ was composed back when the residents of Washington State was first ordered to stay at home. V. Contreras wrote the music along with Andrew Joslyn, who has written and arranged music for the likes of Macklemore, Kesha, and Leslie Odem Jr, while the lyrics were written by both and additionally Madison Joslyn. The song reflects the instability and anxiety through the early stages of the crisis, with compassion, concern, faith, and determination all ringing through the track. It’s a perfect picture of what life was like emotionally in the early days of isolation.
The music video takes advantage of the technology of Zoom and the like, with V. Contreras taking centre frame, while her friends, in their own separate squares, are once again with her through the uniting power of music. Living rooms and home studios become the focus of the clip; we recognise that we all share the same struggles. Lyrics such as, “we stand apart but we stand as one” have a deep meaning we can all relate to.
You can find out more about V. Contreras from her official website. Watch the video for ‘If I Could’ below.
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