Today, singer-songwriter Andrea Ramolo shares her powerful new single “Free” featuring Kinnie Starr. The song was co-written with Andrea, Kinnie, and Hill Kourkoutis. “Initially, we came together as three strong and supportive women who thought we would write and sing about just that… about coming together as women and lifting each other up and supporting one another in this sisterhood;” says Andrea. “But we were moved and inspired to lift up and support more than just one another. The song emerged as a true folk song at heart, shining a light on society and exploring the falsity of freedom that only seems to exist for a few. We want to believe in the power of music and the power of coming together for change. “We can’t be free ‘cuz we’re not all free.”
“Free” is accompanied by a captivating video co-directed by Andrea, Kinnie, and the 8 year-old star Emilee Ann Pitawanakwat. Watch here. “Free” is the third single, following “Italian Summer” and “DUST“, off of her forthcoming album, Quarantine Dream, due out on October 22, 2021. Andrea will celebrate the release with a handful of shows in Toronto, London, and Ottawa. Full details are below and at www.andrearamolo.com.
ABOUT THE SONG:
Hill shares; ““Free” emerged from the injustices occurring around the world while we were stuck in our homes during quarantine. This is a time where we as a humanity can no longer sit idly by as these atrocities are being committed against our brothers, sisters, friends, and family. Enough is Enough. The very notion of freedom for all cannot exist until we take a stand against systemic oppression. This song was born out of a wish for the injustice to end and for all of us to live in a world where everyone is truly free, loved, and accepted. This song rings true of our times and the times before us and contains a hope that there are better times ahead.”
Andrea shares; “This song is about stepping out of the silence and coming together to use our voices for change. There is power in numbers and in song and in carrying each other. “Free” tells the truth about freedom or the lack thereof, and of a corrupt system built on genocide and violence that needs to be destroyed. True freedom can only exist if we are all free.“
Kinnie says; “This song was such a joy to work on. We all need to protect each other more.“
ABOUT THE VIDEO:
The making of the official music video for “Free” was Andrea’s first experience behind the lens as a co-director. “It was such an incredible collaborative effort and I can really feel the power behind it because of this. I am honoured to have stood alongside Kinnie and Emilee Ann in the making of this video. The power and beauty of it lies in its collaborative efforts. They are both magical women whose insights helped bring this song to life on the screen;” says Andrea. “We had two amazing cinematographers – Sean Stiller who captured Emilee and I, and Patrick Shannon who captured the beautiful Kinnie over in Haida Gwaii. We all wanted nature to be a big part of our cinematic world and it is. Eight-year-old Emilee Ann wanted to paint and dance and so she did. She has very special gifts that she has shared with us in this video and I am forever grateful for our connection. We don’t listen to our children enough. They are leaders.“
Emilee Ann shares: “I was proud to be a part of this music video because it let me show the world my love for hoop dancing. Hoop dancing is a healing dance. Freedom is important for everyone on Mother Earth.“
Kinnie says: “Directing this video with Emilee and Andrea was an exceptional experience. Putting young women, and in particular, young racialized women, into positions of power (like directing) is a good way to make them feel seen and heard. Feeling seen and heard builds confidence.
In a country that has a history built on dismissing Indigenous rights and safety and knowledge, respecting the vision of a young Indigenous woman like Emilee is critical for social change. Kids are smarter than we give them credit for. I hope this experience of putting Emilee front and center, and directing, makes her feel as powerful as we know she is.“
Andrea’s new album Quarantine Dream is a stunning collection of 10 songs produced by multi-award-winning artist Sarah MacDougall. The album also includes a co-write with Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac, of Madison Violet, on the song “My Way Home”. “This is an album about extremes and about dreams,” says Andrea. “Extreme hope and fear and loneliness and love. And about the dreams that keep us awake at night, and the ones that keep us going. It’s also a record about change… about radical love and acceptance – for ourselves and for others. I hope it inspires that.” The new singles have already garnered coverage from the likes of Addicted Magazine, Aesthetic Magazine, American Songwriter, Amplify, Canadian Beats, CBC Radio One, CKOL, Eat North, Exclaim, From The Strait, FYI Music News, Great Dark Wonder, RX Music, and many more. Quarantine Dream is available to pre-order here.
“Ramolo’s strong and emotionally expressive voice is front and centre, framed in a strings-accented production, and featuring nostalgia-tinged lyrics (“I think I left my heart over there”).” – FYI Music News (on “Italian Summer”)
“The synths and shimmering chorus echoes 80s euro-pop – with visions of ABBA and Nena coming to mind.” – RXMusic (on “Italian Summer”)
