If you’re an avid reader of The Ark, you might be familiar with singer-songwriter Annemarie Picerno‘s work by way of our many chronicles of Bongo Boy Records artists. A critically acclaimed and award-winning musician, Picerno’s music blends country, pop, blues, rock, and root tones, and has been seen on numerous Top 40 indie radio charts. Her latest release – the modern rock single Just Be Kind – was produced by accomplished Nashville-based producer Bob McGilpin, and their resulting sound on this project is soulful, expressive, and moving.
Born out of a tragic loss, Just Be Kind was written to honor a friend Picerno lost to suicide in 2018. The driving, rock-ballad feel of this track is the perfect vessel for such a powerful message – a vibrant backdrop of instrumentation, but the music never gets in the way of the meaning. On a base of keys and lead by Picerno’s soaring vocals, this single is a battle cry of emotion line after line. The lyrics implore us to lay our weapons down, to put an end to hate, and embrace kindness. The second verse contains a particularly poignant and memorable set of lines:
“Some people smile seem happy all the time
Deep inside they’ve lost their way
Give breath and life to ones who fall
Lend your hands. Love and prayers.”
With a resume like that of Annemarie Picerno, the bar for new music is set particularly high. But Just Be Kind is a testament to her ability as an artist as well as her ability to surround herself with a team that understands her vision. Between the stellar production choices from McGilpin and the pensive, thought-provoking songwriting of her own design, Just Be Kind is a brilliantly composed and executed track that radiates emotion at every measure – a heart-wrenching and absolutely touching work of art.
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BELOW: Listen to Just Be Kind and connect with her website and social media platforms. Please support Annemarie Picerno by visiting her online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing her music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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