Seeking help to get my music gear
Donation protected
I have been debating doing this for a while now. I didn't want to come across as a "victim" or needy or a burden to anyone, and my shame about the situation or maybe it's also my pride, are both powerful obstacles in not allowing me to ask for help. The truth is that I AM a victim, and right now I do need help. It has taken a while for me to understand there's nothing wrong with that.
Some of you know that I have been through a lot of trauma recently, and some may not be fully aware. So I will briefly recount, since I am just now able to talk more openly about it.
*This is a trigger warning for anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence, so you might want to skip this section*
*At the beginning of October, my ex boyfriend/current best friend/ thought was going to be bandmate for life tried to strangle me. We parted ways after what I thought was a fun night of karaoke (yet even as I was leaving, he was violent and drunk) and I went home early since I had an early class. He came home hours later black-out drunk, pounding on my door, yelling "open up". Startled awake, and confused I let him in. He then charged into my room and tried to strangle me several times. I fought him off with my strength and a floor lamp, and managed to lock him out long enough to call the cops. They came and I haven't seen him since. There are a few other details, but I do not want to relive them, and I want to make this a thing of my past. It is now a part of my story, but I do not want to keep rereading it.*
Needless to say, I lost a lot. I lost a friend, a best friend, that I have known since we were teenagers. I lost a business partner and a bandmate. I lost all the hardwork over the last 5+ years that we put into We Are The Wilderness. I lost all of my musical gear, equipment (since he still practices at our rehearsal space and is the only one with a key), and computers. I almost lost my place to live, but thankfully NYC has amazing resources.
I do not want to quell under these circumstances. I do not want to give up on music and my talent and ability to create and perform. I do not want to disappoint the hundreds of friends and fans that have given so much of their time, money, and love to WATW. I want to keep going, and that's why I am asking for your help.
I want to be a source of comfort for ANYONE that has been a victim of any kind. I want to write songs for people that need a voice. I want to share my story and hope it gives a little bit of solidarity or hope to those that need it. I want to move forward and do what I'm meant to do in this life. Which is create, sing, uplift, and love.
Now the logistics can be taken care of in the form of financial support, and here is where I need your help. I'm raising funds to replace all of my mics, pedals, equipment, software and computers. I am currently enrolled in a music production course (paid for by my Native American Tribe, The Chickasaw Nation) and will be a certified producer at the end of February. I will not only use this as a stepping stone for creating my own music, but I want to help others find their musical voice as well.
This is my life's work, and your generosity to help me grow and see it to fruition is beyond. I can't find the words powerful enough to thank everyone that has helped me this far. Community and love is what being alive is about. Service and love is what I want to offer the world. Thank you for listening, and thank you for believing in me.
Love,
Shanda
Some of you know that I have been through a lot of trauma recently, and some may not be fully aware. So I will briefly recount, since I am just now able to talk more openly about it.
*This is a trigger warning for anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence, so you might want to skip this section*
*At the beginning of October, my ex boyfriend/current best friend/ thought was going to be bandmate for life tried to strangle me. We parted ways after what I thought was a fun night of karaoke (yet even as I was leaving, he was violent and drunk) and I went home early since I had an early class. He came home hours later black-out drunk, pounding on my door, yelling "open up". Startled awake, and confused I let him in. He then charged into my room and tried to strangle me several times. I fought him off with my strength and a floor lamp, and managed to lock him out long enough to call the cops. They came and I haven't seen him since. There are a few other details, but I do not want to relive them, and I want to make this a thing of my past. It is now a part of my story, but I do not want to keep rereading it.*
Needless to say, I lost a lot. I lost a friend, a best friend, that I have known since we were teenagers. I lost a business partner and a bandmate. I lost all the hardwork over the last 5+ years that we put into We Are The Wilderness. I lost all of my musical gear, equipment (since he still practices at our rehearsal space and is the only one with a key), and computers. I almost lost my place to live, but thankfully NYC has amazing resources.
I do not want to quell under these circumstances. I do not want to give up on music and my talent and ability to create and perform. I do not want to disappoint the hundreds of friends and fans that have given so much of their time, money, and love to WATW. I want to keep going, and that's why I am asking for your help.
I want to be a source of comfort for ANYONE that has been a victim of any kind. I want to write songs for people that need a voice. I want to share my story and hope it gives a little bit of solidarity or hope to those that need it. I want to move forward and do what I'm meant to do in this life. Which is create, sing, uplift, and love.
Now the logistics can be taken care of in the form of financial support, and here is where I need your help. I'm raising funds to replace all of my mics, pedals, equipment, software and computers. I am currently enrolled in a music production course (paid for by my Native American Tribe, The Chickasaw Nation) and will be a certified producer at the end of February. I will not only use this as a stepping stone for creating my own music, but I want to help others find their musical voice as well.
This is my life's work, and your generosity to help me grow and see it to fruition is beyond. I can't find the words powerful enough to thank everyone that has helped me this far. Community and love is what being alive is about. Service and love is what I want to offer the world. Thank you for listening, and thank you for believing in me.
Love,
Shanda
Organizer
Shanda
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY