Hilary Roberts has unveiled her empowering anthem of female solidarity, ‘Woman To Woman’, honouring International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. The artist shared the inspiring journey behind the song, the importance of sisterhood, and how her devoted friendship with Modern Family actress Brandy Ledford shaped the heartfelt new music video…
Congratulations on the release of your empowering new single ‘Woman To Woman.’ Can you share the story behind it?
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, I battled addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine, weighed just 93 pounds, and bore the visible scars of a life consumed by pain. Trust was nearly impossible due to early childhood trauma and being trafficked at 16 years old. But then came Angie Thomas Brown—a woman of integrity, love, and strength—who took me in, nurtured me, and taught me what it meant to truly love one’s self. She loved me until I could love myself. She was like a mother, like a big sister. She never backstabbed or gossiped about another woman. She simply led by example. Years later, in 2004, Polly Pistole became another guiding light, further shaping my understanding of love and self-respect. Through Polly and her husband Dave’s beautiful marriage, I learned what it meant to be cherished by a kind and respectful partner. Polly stood by me through heartbreak, reminding me, “You are worth more than this.” Polly’s unwavering support helped me break free from the cycle of toxic, narcissistic abuse. Today, I have a safe group of women who I can lean on, and they can lean on me.
The release is timely arriving on International Women’s Day. Why do you think it’s important to shed light on this global event, and how does this reflect the song’s meaning?
The theme for international women’s month is, “Moving Forward Together”, which is exactly how we can make changes for a better future for all of us. International Women’s Day theme this year is, “Accelerate Action”. On internationalwomensday.com it says, “A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world where difference is valued and celebrated”. It is my hope that this song is an example of what we are meant to be what we can be, together. Lifting each other up, celebrating our achievements, being safe and honest with one another.
How do you plan on spending Women’s History Month?
I will be celebrating the release of our song! Also, I will be calling women that have made an impact in my life!
The accompanying music video for ‘Woman To Woman’ is deeply uplifting, featuring women from all walks of life. What message do you hope it will put across?
Regardless where we come from, whatever our skin color, whatever our religion or non religion, we all deserve love. Let us be and live that love!
Your close friend, Brandy Ledford, cameos in this video. What does her role represent, and how does it resonate with your connection with one another?
From the moment I met Brandy Ledford, it was like we had known each other forever. We’re the same age, born just three weeks apart in the same hospital, but beyond that, she feels like the sister I never had. Brandy has always been a safe space for me—a place where I can share my fears, pain, achievements, and joy, knowing we can be completely ourselves with each other. The trust we share is sacred; she knows I would never harm her, and I know the same about her. True friendships like this are rare, and I treasure ours deeply. I asked her to be in this video because she is pure love. Her eyes show her love. She walks the walk. I knew I was going to get vulnerable in the video by going to the dark places that I had actually lived and I wanted someone safe and loving.
Do you think unifying women and encouraging them to support and stand by one another will always remain relevant?
Absolutely! Together we are so much stronger! WE stands for women empowerment. It means I don’t have do it alone. I can become part of the WE.
As a devoted campaigner for women’s empowerment, is this a very meaningful release for you?
It is such a meaningful release for me. I didn’t trust women for a long time. When I finally let someone in, someone safe and really told the truth about myself, my life began to change. I know what it’s like to receive and feel that kind of love. I also know I’ve been given the opportunity many times to pay it forward.
You founded the Red Songbird Foundation in 2009, a committed cause very close to your heart. Drawing from your own experience, the charity helps adults navigate unresolved trauma with therapy, education, training and resources. How does this connect to the meaning of ‘Woman To Woman?’
Many times, people act out of their own wounding. Hurt people hurt people. As people heal, they can help heal others. How can we become the best version of ourselves? By facing the darkness of our past and healing so we can have freedom from viewing the world through painful discolored glasses.
If listeners could learn one significant lesson from the song, what would it be?
You are valuable.
Following the release of ‘Woman To Woman,’ what are your hopes and aspirations for 2025? Any future releases on the horizon?
We are releasing a song for the summer called, ”Never Too Late”, which is an upbeat song written with Grammy songwriter of the year nominee Justin Tranter. It’s about making the rest of your life the best of your life! Then, in September for my wedding anniversary, I am releasing a sexy song dedicated to my husband. Other than that, I’m slowly working on my book, which I hope to be released next year. I look forward to spending time with my husband and our fur babies and doing some traveling singing and speaking.
