“Super Group” Releases Collaboration Video to
Celebrate International Women’s Day
released March 8, 2023
In celebration of International Women’s Day March 8, and in honor of Women’s History Month, Crooked Tree Creative organized a group of female and non-binary artists from Michigan to collaborate on a cover of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts iconic class, “I Love Rock & Roll”.
This project gathers together 14 fabulous female musicians from all across the state to record together live at Third Coast Recording Studio in Grand Haven, MI. Coming from different genres and locations, they were able to spend time getting to know each other in person and recording the video on the same day. The industry can be competitive and it is easy to get caught up in comparison, but being able to build new connections and find ways to empower each other creates a sustainable path for the future of the music community. The music industry is a typically male dominated field, especially in the rock genre. In this video, not only are womxn featured sharing their voice, but also playing every instrument on the track.
“The goal of this project is to highlight the ultimate power that stems from prioritizing collaboration over competition, while recognizing all the incredible female and non-binary talent of today in the Michigan music scene”, says project facilitator and owner of Crooked Tree Creative, Elle Lively.
The video showcases a multitude of female artists from around the state, bringing three completely different voices from opposite genres into focus for the verses. Jennifer Bartlett of Lokella slays the first verse with precision in a flirtatious manner. Grand Rapids’ rising star Sarena Rae’s vocals drive the energy for the third verse, contrasted with the floating ease of americana star Grace Theisen’s second verse. Along the chorus, a wall of sound is created by the vocal talents of Sierra Skye Baker, Rosie Cusack, Clare Crumback (Empress Eyes), Rachel White of Lighting Matches, Meg Hainer, and Elle Lively. In addition to adding vocals, Fay Burns plays guitar, as does Marley Kaye of Low Phase. Bassist Kateylnn Corrl and drummer Carolyn Koebel sing and lock in while Caitlin Cusack plays keyboard and riffs over the final moments of the video.
This video marks the beginning of preparations for a collaborative showcase at the Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on June 22, 2023. Womxn of Rock will feature 20+ female and nonbinary artists from Michigan paying tribute to the female artists who have made the rock industry what it is today. From Joan Jett, to Kate Bush, to Paramore. The entire show will feature a powerful statement of womxn empowering womxn.
This project is made possible by sponsorships from Morning Belle, a favorite brunch spot in West Michigan, and Domino's Pizza in Grand Haven. Engineer Raziel Castaneda at Third Coast Recording Co. worked with the studio to donate time and expertise, as they continuously prioritize raising up female artists in West Michigan. Chelsea Whitaker Photography has partnered to release behind the scenes images from the video shoot. Hosi Olah, a Grand Rapids documentarian, shot and edited the video. Every effort to create this project has been collaborative and forged new partnerships.
“Fun, inspiring and impactful projects like this one illustrate the extraordinary diversity and depth of the Michigan Music Community as a whole. Not only do they leave a lasting impression, but also remind us how much pride we all share in each other's successes.” says Elle.
For photos from behind the scenes, please click HERE and credit Chelsea Whitaker Photography.
For further inquiries, please contact Elle Lively of Crooked Tree Creative
elle@crookedtreecreate.com | 231-838-1581
www.elleclively.com/womenofrock
Instagram: @crookedtreecreative
facebook.com/crookedtcreative
Photo Gallery by Chelsea Whitaker Photography
