New York, NY (Top40 Charts) No Matter What! is releasing their most poignant anti-war / pro-peace song to date: "Yearning For Peace (War Child)", along with its Spanish version: "Anhelo La Paz (Niña de Guerra)". Non-violence is one of No Matter What!'s most cherished values and they have created a song that they hope will send a message to their listeners that war is not a viable or humanitarian option to solve conflicts.
The inspiration for the song came from an article Mona read a few years back about the effects of war on children who have not known any other life than that of violence in their place of residence. Another source of inspiration came from the words of amazing Independent Journalist & News Caster Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!, while on a speaking tour in 2012 which both Mona and
Hector attended.
The song starts with an ideal vision of a childhood filled with love, affection and peace. It then transports the listener to the harsh reality of children who are, through no fault of their own, imbued in violent conflict from the time they are born. The Outro of the piece finds us listening to the words of Amy Goodman who graciously allowed No Matter What! to utilize them on the track.
The lyrics written by Mona Seda and
Hector Rivera are both strong and hopeful for a better world where the ravages of war do not destroy the lives of innocent children.
The music is masterfully arranged by the band: during the intro Hectors's delayed guitar rhythm provides a canvas on which Mike's guitar and Mona's muted trumpet colors add to the sonic painting. Daniele's soulful yet powerful groovy bass parts are strikingly original and Forrest's sublime cymbal work glues the section together. On top of it all the sweet voice of Samantha Rojas takes us to an ideal place of peace and happiness. The main section of the song starts with a crescendo from whisper to yell with both Mona's and Hector's voices blending together. Then Mona takes over with a strong rap section filled with powerful lyrics, distorted rhythm guitars by Mike and Hector, a solid bass line by Daniele and incredible drums by Forrest. The Soli section finds the tune dropping back to the slower tempo of the verses and features a kick-ass double bass drum pattern by Forrest with a very original trumpet solo by Mona and an extremely heartfelt guitar solo by Mike. Daniele and
Hector hold down the fort with a solid bass and rhythm guitar groove. The Outro section of the song takes us to a melancholic soulful mood which provides the perfect background for Amy Goodman's powerful words which remind us that War is not The Answer To Conflict in the 21st Century.
A video was commissioned from Videographer
Mariko Pitts who managed to capture the essence of the song lyrics and intensity of the music through the combination of footage and still images. Some of the disturbing images may not be suitable for children.
Both tracks (English and Spanish) as well as the videos can be found on No MatterWhat!'s website at www.NoMatterWhatBand.com as well as their Youtube channel at www.YouTube.com/NoMatterWhatBand
May peace prevail and may children around the world live a life filled with love and devoid of violence.
In the relentless pursuit of peace,
No MatterWhat!
