Hi Everyone,

A lot has happened in the past two weeks. Yesterday marked the first day in a new chapter of American history. Just as the new year is a time where many people set their goals and make resolutions, the inauguration is a similarly symbolic event. It is a chance for our country to reset, redefine our goals as a nation, and we all can think about changes we need to make to be better. It is also a time for us to begin to heal. Even though yesterday’s event was much different, I couldn’t help but notice despite everything, what a large role music played. It made clear to me what I already knew- that music is such an important force in bringing people together, despite their differences -and that can be very healing.

Speaking of that, I know we all spend a lot of time on zoom meetings lately, but last week I along with quite a healthy group of stores around the country had the chance to sit down with Common and discuss his latest/upcoming release A Beautiful Revolution Part 1. He was very inspired over the past year of events and was able to craft a group of songs that very much speaks to that need for us to come together and heal. It was great to have an artist that so many of our stores have a connection to want to take the time to talk to the stores and really connect with them about his music and the process of making it. It was clear that he understands the importance of our stores and the sense of community they provide. It was also lovely to see his excitement about working with artists he respects so much. As such an accomplished artist himself, that is always refreshing to see. Thank you to Common, Concord, Loma Vista and everyone else that brought us all together for that. It was definitely a lot more fun than most of my Friday meetings.

One of my favorite takeaways from the conversation was the notion that “Revolution is love” a sentiment that was repeated a few times in our conversation, and that is so true. Spreading love instead of hate is not always the easy road… so it can actually be quite revolutionary. This was also echoed through Amanda Gorman’s poem yesterday:

”We must first put our differences aside
We lay down our arms
so we can reach out our arms
to one another”…

“When day comes we step out of the shade,
aflame and unafraid
The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we're brave enough to see it
If only we're brave enough to be it”

So let’s go do this.
Andrea

Here are the charts.

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
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