NEWS

Local musicians join to create song of solidarity

Rebecca Butts
rebbutts@enquirer.com
A girl gets help lighting a candle on the steps of the Hamilton County Courthouse for a vigil for Samuel DuBose on Friday, July 31. DuBose was shot and killed by former University of Cincinnati police officer Ray Tensing during a traffic stop on July 19. Tensing has been indicted on a murder charge.

To combat the negativity surrounding Cincinnati in light of Samuel DuBose's death, a group of local musicians is writing a song of solidarity.

Cincinnati Humanitarian Area Musicians Promoting Solidarity (CHAMPS) is a collaboration between local musicians to write a song, "Beauty in Unity," to speak out against violence and racism.

And they are looking for more musicians to join the cause.

"We would like to invite any and all musicians to be a part of this project that, in our hopes, will greatly impact the lives of people in Cincinnati and across the United States while we deal with the tragic event that led to the death of Samuel DuBose," said Benjamin Wirsching, the group's founder, in an email.

It will be recorded at the Audiogrotto studio in Newport. All proceeds from the song will be donated to the family of DuBose. Aristotle Nice, DuBose's cousin, joined the group.

The group is not taking a political stance on any issues, said its publicist Andy Smith. Its goal is to start the healing process.

"I want to gather us all as a city, while we are in the national spotlight, to show the country that in the midst of anger and sadness, we can all unite to preach love and kindness," said Wirsching on the group's Facebook page.

The group has singers, songwriters, drummers, and guitarists working to write a song that will have a "We are the World" feel, Smith said.

A violinist, pianist, and steel drummer are involved in the effort too, Smith said.

The group wants the song incorporate multiple genres of music from pop and country to hip-hop.

Smith expects about 50 local musicians to be involved.

The group has also reached out to local celebrities including Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga and Nick Lachey but has yet to hear back from either, Smith said.

"I'm interested to see what all of this is going to evolve into," Smith said. "We want to make something to move in a positive direction. The goal of the group is to be as inclusive as possible."

The musicians will meet Sunday to begin writing "Beauty in Unity." They plan to start recording in the studio in the next week, Smith said.

If you are interested in getting involved, email Andy Smith at wizard.of.ahs@aol.com.