Hamilton artists pair musicians with lonely listeners amid COVID-19
For $35, someone can receive a video of a musician performing their requested song
A Hamilton couple is connecting lonely people who can't socialize during COVID-19 with professional musicians who perform their favourite songs for them.
Jordan Laffrenier and Fiona Sauder have both been out of work as artists since the virus shut down most of Hamilton. In the middle of March, most of their friends were also out of a job.
"We started this for a need to create, to create art. And also recognizing this is a time when people are really vulnerable and that need to find comfort for them — food for the soul," Laffrenier said.
They launched Songbird Series. People pay $35 to receive a video of an artist playing a cover version of their requested song. Most times, the person receiving the song is nominated by someone else.
Laffrenier said the money goes directly to the artist, who is handpicked from their group of willing musicians, to perform that song better than anyone else.
This comes as people sit at home, looking for things to do without being in close contact with another.
"Sometimes that song will be for their 90th birthday or just because their kids are thinking about them," he said.
About 50 people have received performances from artists so far, some of whom are award-winners.
In two of the videos released, nominees clap along and sing. One even kicks her leg up like a rock star.
Laffrenier hopes the songs help people heal and cope.
"We recognize music is not an essential service in any way but, a city without art is a city I wouldn't want to live in. It provides comfort and clarity and togetherness."