Dissonance Co-founder and Board Chair Sarah Souder Johnson was honored to facilitate the second in a new 2021 series of virtual conversations with Minnesota's music community. Thank you to 89.3 The Current for conceiving and presenting the LineCheck series and also for sponsoring Dissonance’s 5-Year Anniversary Party + Artist Showcase.
Sarah’s wide-ranging LineCheck discussion with Annie Mack, Nazeem Jalees of Blood $moke Body and Davina Lozier of Davina and the Vagabonds explores the emotional toll of the pandemic, civil unrest, and unearthed patterns of abuse within the music community; how musicians are faring now; and ways to move forward with a priority on mental health and self-care. Sarah shared many resources available to artists, and the panel shared timeless insights and wisdom from their lived experiences.
“It is completely possible to talk about this really hard stuff and still feel uplifted and hopeful. And if you don’t, that’s ok too,” Sarah noted. “I have so much gratitude for all who were involved with this conversation. When we get truly present with one another, lean into purpose, and share our authentic truth, we have this magic ability to work through our discomfort and help each other as well as others. That’s exactly what happened here, and I hope more people will find hope, comfort and perhaps some inspiration and practical tips by listening in.”
Watch the full discussion—bookended with performances by Mary Bue—in the video player below.