Songs
A documentary song comes from a person’s actual, lived experience. DocSongs document the emotions of that experience through music and share it with the world.
Documentary songwriting is a powerful vehicle for telling women’s stories. It turns difficult experiences into beautiful music, and through collaboration it creates lasting bonds between participants. These real, truthful stories can help connect even more people.
SELECTED SONGS
A number of our story sources and creative partners struggle with a mix or change of self-identity. They may hide away a part of themselves – the part that doesn’t fit or cannot adjust – to be accepted. This part of one’s self has a voice that deserves to be heard.
PROJECT PROFILE
Identities Project
From Melodi Var Öngel and Malcolm Brooks: "We have met a number of people who struggle with a mix or a change of self-identity. In some instances, the struggle arises from upbringing. One of their parents may be from one culture and the other parent from another, quite different culture.
In other instances, the struggle arises from a foundational change in their life. A loved one dies, and the world may expect them to act in a different way.
To be accepted in their own culture, they may hide away a part of themselves – the part that doesn’t fit or cannot adjust. Yet this part of one’s identity has a voice. It, too, deserves to be heard.
We began collaborating with people who have experienced this inner conflict. The songs in this project come from people from contrasting cultures, such as Québec, Iraq, the United Kingdom, and the Côte d’Ivoire. What the songs reveal, at least to us, is grace and strength. Each song feels like an unanticipated treasure."
SELECTED SONGS
Documentary songwriting can also be a potent humanitarian tool. From those who have found new homes, reflecting on journeys both intimate and international, these personal peace stories from cultures in conflict serve as the basis for powerful original songs.
