Throughout our shared history, there have been oppressors, wars, and division – the rich inciting destruction and chaos, most notably upon the poor.
At the same time, almost always, there has been an essential creative underbelly to that chaos – an artistic reaction reflective of the times and the true ache of suffering.
In many cases, those songs and works of art have pushed for and even achieved success and liberation, connecting and impacting society at large, for their passion, beauty, and resounding, relatable truth.
We Are Rising is a song that’s built upon the power and magic of precisely that kind of creative expression. With its timeless acoustic set-up and boldly unique leading voice, We Are Rising blends something like Ani Difranco and Alanis with Dylan, these long-form verses reminding us of the beauty of our world, as we roll towards a simple but intoxicating peak – the uplifting shared sentiment of We Are Rising.
A solo verse and a choir-led chorus, just two sections of each and a captivating sense of togetherness, We Are Rising is a huge single from songwriter and artist Marisa Handler, and the release is both relatable and characterful, as it rightfully rises up through the independent music realm.
“The resistance movement isn’t going anywhere, and neither is this song.”
Raised in apartheid in South Africa, songs were the lifeblood of liberation for Marisa Handler and her community, and this heritage, this connection to music and the freedom it can bring, is precisely what inspired the anthemic celebration of We Are Rising.
With its long-form verses and visual clips from the recent No Kings protests in the US, We Are Rising resolves with a simple, catchy and anthemic chorus – a hook designed to pour through like a chant, a call to action; an earworm that floats through the crowds and streets where it’s needed.
Already making waves throughout the activist networks of the US, We Are Rising has been featured in Rick Hanson’s newsletter, shared by Rob Brezny, forwarded by KPFK LA, and warmly reviewed by the likes of Medea Benjamin. The song is hopeful, warm and uplifting, but that passionate undertone carries it high – gracefully elevating the universal optimism and empowerment of a simple but striking statement.
Marisa Handler’s songwriting is eclectic but always organic. Consider also the warmer synth-led tones and shorter verse melody of Seed & Star. Created alongside Jef Stott, this electro-pop ballad is poetic and enchanting, less of a celebration or call to action, more a smooth and soulful expression of poetry and wonder.
The song is beautifully written and crafted, and always resolves as ever, with its ‘read between the lines dear, love is what you you’ll find here’, and the subsequent looping charm of ‘you are love’, resounding amidst a simple lo-fi ambiance.
Essentially a thoughtful reminder of our connection to the earth and our spiritual bonds, Seed & Star is modest but hypnotic, with subtle harmonies and a four-chord pattern that’s timeless and comforting.
Marisa Handler’s voice is still distinct but softer here, modest and empowering in its accessible, relatable and genuine take on quiet, contemplative passion, and as such, this song is deeply soothing, and beautifully addictive to let fill the space around you.
Find Marisa Handler on Facebook, Instagram & her Website.
