‘Why Wait’, from Brad Wolfe & The Moon, from the upcoming EP, ‘Vol 1. Loss’, is the first in a series of upcoming singles, all of which form an essential part of this movement. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the present and live fully. because even in loss, there is light.
Brad Wolfe is a musician and founder of a non-profit organisation, and he’s of the opinion that there’s no such thing as a pain that’s too great to put to good use. A lifelong creative, he developed a deep interest in the intersection of art and death when his dear friend, Sara L, had a rare form of pediatric cancer. Performing bedside concerts for Sara gave him a ringside view of the comfort and relief that art can bring during the hardest of life’s battles. When she died, at the very young age of 21, Brad took the grief he was experiencing and channelled it into action, by co-founding the Sunbeam Foundation to support pediatric cancer research. Additionally, he launched a new musical collective, that was dedicated to shining a ray of hope for other young people facing terminal cancer.
That collective has since shared stages with the likes of Sara Bareilles, the Gin Blossoms, DISPATCH, and many more, and today they are just one aspect of a vision that is ever-broadening: by harnessing the power of music, alongside other arts, design, medicine, and spirituality, they’re helping to transform cultural attitudes toward death, grief, and adversity, guided by the belief that “everyone deserves access to free and engaging community support in the face of suffering”. That foundation, Reimagine, supports individuals and communities alike, and produce over 500 events every year, as well as developing a one-of-a-kind Growth Journey platform.
Brad’s grandmother, Sally, was one of the last living survivors of Auschwitz, and a daily inspiration to him. Despite the unbelievable suffering she’d endured, she lived each day to the fullest, right up until she died at the age of 102.
Brad was surrounded his whole life by Sally’s honesty, selflessness, resilience, and joy, and without him even realising, she was quietly laying the foundation for his greater mission. When he rediscovered decades-old archival footage of an interview she recorded for the USC Shoah Foundation, he was able to hear her perspective, in her own words. Asked to share a piece of wisdom for future generations, she urged people to “be tolerant…because we are here for a short while only”. Simple yet touching, that sentiment became the seed for his life’s work, of helping others find their way through challenges of all kinds.
The song, ‘Why Wait’, takes a look at the sheer weight of mortality and loss, and meets it not with just urgency, but also a sense of excitement – that death’s inevitability exists right alongside the certainty of life. As if reaching out with his hand of friendship, Wolfe gives a voice to the conviction many of us share, that tomorrow isn’t promised, so what matters is today.
With an easygoing, anthemic chant, alongside a warm banjo melody, ‘Why Wait’ feels like a warm, lingering hug from a close friend. While there are still breaths to be taken, there’s no reason to wait. Always, “love is the answer”.
The remarkable story of Sally Wolfe gives resonance to the idea that the greatest challenges of life can always be met with “love, purpose, and urgency”. She was a shining beacon of tenacity and encouragement for Brad, and in taking up her mantle he now passes that light on to those who need it most. The music video for ‘Why Wait’ takes home videos and photos and weave them together in a way to both honour and celebrate the Sally’s unshakeable spirit. Additionally, the clip includes shots of people writing their deepest struggles and hopes on stones, paying tribute to those who transform pain into purpose every day. Finally, a backyard concert becomes a celebration of community. and of life itself. With acceptance, resolve, and someone to help light the way, a full and meaningful life remains within reach.
Be moved by the incredible music video for ‘Why Wait’ below, and find out more about Brad Wolfe & The Moon and their music online on their official website, and YouTube.
