Lauren Monroe releases the new single, “Brave.” Following the release, the singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and healing arts practitioner and educator will embark on a string of intimate east coast shows with legendary drummer Rick Allen (of Def Leppard).
Monroe was moved to pen “Brave” in response to the string of shootings occurring in the United States. “This song arose in me as a deep reaction to gun violence towards children as I tried to process yet another senseless school shooting. Right now, gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States. There has been tragedy after tragedy enveloping our lives, leaving so many numb without hope. I had to find hope. I had to feel hope,” she says. “Questions of kindness have continually filled my heart over the years, How we treat one another, our children, our animals, the earth. ‘Brave’ is an invitation to explore questions — Can you show me what is kind? Are we brave enough to be kind? — and step into a life of empathetic vision to be able to heal ourselves and others as we push through the veils of modern-day culture so burdened with inauthenticity and apathy.”
“It takes a brave heart to be kind to others; it takes a brave heart to look within and find compassion for oneself. I offer this song as a launching point to step into dynamic conversations of healing and finding unity together.”
Monroe and Allen are the founders of Raven Drum Foundation (RDF), which serves, educates, and empowers trauma survivors and communities in crisis, with a focus on Veterans and First Responders. By integrating advocacy, storytelling, music and arts programs and events, the organization brings the tools and experiences of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to support and inspire mental health, resiliency, and unity. For the past several years, RDF has hosted the 12 Drummers Drumming online auction, featuring items and experiences donated by legendary musicians, including Taylor Swift, Stewart Copeland, Ringo Starr, Matt Sorum, Zac Hanson, and Todd Sucherman (of Styx). They recently launched a partnership with Chateau Diana Winery, putting out a special line of wines inspired by Monroe’s songs and featuring artwork by the couple.
In addition to her work with Raven Drum Foundation – which also includes hosting healing workshops and other special events – Monroe is currently working on new music, the follow-up to Messages from Aphrodite. That album, released in 2022, garnered praise from esteemed outlets such as American Songwriter, Paste Magazine, The Boot, Americana Highways, Glide Magazine, and many more. “Brave” is her first original offering of 2023. Following the release, Monroe will be joined by Allen for a string of special, intimate shows on the east coast in July. Tickets and more information can be found at laurenmonroe.com/tour. Raven Drum Foundation will once again sponsor a program that will enable Veterans to attend the July shows for free, via sponsoraveteran.givesmart.com.
