“We are Listening”: UK activist-rock band The Tenmours release single with message of peace and community.
Previously named ‘Ukraine Song’, ‘We are Listening’ is a warm and loving message of care for those who are afflicted by the world's toils, wars and loss.
The song was written in 2022 for the Ukrainian people who have found their homes in our local communities. It is a powerful statement that we can't afford to stop listening to their voices and that we support them in their time of need.
The change of the song’s name is representative of the additional conflict going on in the world, notably the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Heartbreakingly, ‘We are Listening’ speaks to all communities suffering at the hands of war, and is a song of solidarity to those seeking peace and refuge. Never is there a more pertinent time than Christmas, regardless of faith, to come together through music and feel empowered to help others in crisis.
The piano-based ballad features lyrical scenes of a peaceful Yorkshire market town - in this case Skipton, The Tenmours’ hometown - but it could be anywhere, and the busker takes centre stage in the narrative, singing songs of bombs falling far away. It is this juxtaposition that captures the hearts of all who hear it, aided gracefully by the soaring cello of Sarah Smout, clarinet by Tenmours’ own David Bullock, and strong yet vulnerable vocals from lead singer Alex.
The Tenmours anticipated release of ‘We are Listening’ has already reached the finals of Tour Music Fest, the biggest European Music Contest for emerging artists. Alex Johnston-Seymour (singer-songwriter) won his place in the final at San Marino’s Teatro Titano representing the United Kingdom.
Says Alex - “‘We are Listening’ speaks of what I’m sure many of us are feeling about the world at the moment, and is a personal song that details my emotions when watching the news, thinking about my home, and imagining theirs under attack. In sharing the song with local refugees, I have made new connections in my community, and I am honoured to have represented some of them via their signatures and messages of love and peace on the jacket I was wearing in the TMF final.”.
lyrics
My town, spring in tune
The market, teas at noon
I’ll walk these streets and feel like I’m alive
The sun beats on the crowd
The busker singing out
He sings about a home that’s far away
But no one hears the voice of lands erased
Think of your home
You’re not on your own
We hear what you’re singing
We are here, we are listening
People, busy bees
The gold hue, dough and seeds
The sound of bombs feel just beyond our sight
On a pillow, softly sleep
But there’s no sleep, I’m feeling week
Cos children’s eyes had grabbed me from a screen
I want to save them all but it’s just a dream
Think of your home
You’re not on your own
We hear what you’re singing
We are here, we are listening
Think of your home
You’re not on your own
We hear what you’re singing
We are here, we are listening
Hmmm
credits
released December 17, 2023
Song by The Tenmours
Written, recorded & produced by Alex Johnston-Seymour
Mastered by Nick Cooke Mastering | first by Sam Lawrence
Honourable mention: Adam Hopkins - helping to work out the rhythm and general support.
Vocals: Alex Johnston-Seymour
Piano: Alex Johnston-Seymour (Golden Age Grand)
Clarinet: David Bullock | first by Sarah Lamb
Cello: Sarah Smout
Acoustic Guitar: Alex Johnston-Seymour
Violins: Logic East West Composer Cloud
Double Bass: East West Composer Cloud
BVs: East West Composer Cloud / voices of soul
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