SINGER/SONGWRITER LAURA REED TO RELEASE HEARTFELT NEW SONG “DON’T SHOOT” ON AUGUST 19 IN RESPONSE TO POLICE AND RACE-RELATED GUN VIOLENCE

NEW COMMUNITY- INSPIRED VIDEO FOR “DON’T SHOOT” OUT NOW

VIDEO FILMED IN REED’S NATIVE NORTH CAROLINA
PORTION OF PROCEEDS FOR SONG TO GO TO N.C. ORG SPIRITHOUSE ADVOCATES FOR LOW WEALTH FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY SOCIAL JUSTICE

(New York, New York; August 8, 2016) Acclaimed singer/songwriter Laura Reed www.laurareed.com has released the video for her impassioned new song “Don’t Shoot,” which will be available everywhere as a single on August 19th in response to police and race-related gun violence and the questionable use of deadly force in altercations within the black community.

The moving video for the song filmed in black and white in Laura Reed’s native Raleigh, NC, and the city of Durham, NC, features local members of the community, social activists, musicians, and other artists holding up cue card-lyrics of the poignant song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXiayndh738 Part of the clip was filmed in a rally in Durham where community members and social activists gathered to advocate community-led policing and other solutions in an effort to fully engage the issue purposefully. Laura has designated that a portion of all proceeds from “Don’t Shoot” be donated to the Durham, NC organization SpiritHouse, http://www.spirithouse-nc.org, a thriving cultural arts and organizing network that outreaches with low-wealth families and community members to uncover and uproot systemic barriers that prevent communities from gaining the resources, leverage and capacity for long- term self-sufficiency.

This is the first single from Laura since her acclaimed debut album The Awakening was released in 2014, and she commented on the motivation behind “Don’t Shoot” and the opportunity to work with such dedicated artists and community activists. “It was beautiful to have the human element in this video and song,” says Laura. “Behind the words, the faces, the stories, the smiles, the pain…all of it is part of this story and message. I have been unable to turn my head from the violence and discrimination that is plaguing not only the United States but our world. I felt compelled to do something as an artist and it starts with a song and hopefully turns into considerable donations and community activism. I really hope to inspire others to get involved, to speak out, and to look at the systematic injustice that has become the status quo. I think a lot of violence stems from apathy, we become detached….I want to plant a seed of empathy.”

“Don’t Shoot” was produced by and co-written with Will Edwards at Copperline Ranch. Will’s diverse music career spans records, television, and film and includes 41 gold and platinum albums, multiple Grammy Award winning records and five Prime Time Emmys. He says, “This is a timely message that I am proud to be part of.”

The video was directed by André Leon Gray, (also serving as the video producer and cinematographer) who has been a key figure in Raleigh’s art scene for years. The self-trained artist’s mixed-media assemblages, which have been showcased at the Nasher, NC Museum of Art, 21C, and other exhibits, are considered devastating critiques of structural racism, whitewashed history, and pop-culture myths.

Director Andre Leon Gray stated: “For Laura Reed’s “Don’t Shoot” music video, my goal was to display the humanity of those who are concerned about their safety in a world that doesn’t seem to value their lives, along with those who recognize their humanity and love and support them despite an environment of hatred that is fueled by fear.”

Laura has recently performed “Don’t Shoot” in her live show, engaging audiences to become active in their community and vote. Her most recent album The Awakening (which she recorded in Nashville) was a musical transformation for her, after earning her stripes as lead vocalist for the southeastern R&B/Soul-tinged band Laura Reed And Deep Pocket. She tabled the funk/Reggae-informed shadings for a more intimate but accessible exploration on The Awakening, but returns to a reggae-infused sound on “Don’t Shoot.”. Her years of fronting a working band, combined with her unique and empowering outlook on life served her well in crafting the cornerstone album of her career, and the socially conscious “Don’t Shoot.”

She has toured the country extensively in support of her most recent album and turned heads at noted South By Southwest performances as well as other spotlight events over the years. The in-demand performer has been joined by some stellar singers and musicians on multiple past projects, including George Clinton, Killer Mike, Karl Denson, Kendra Foster, and Jewel. She’s also shared stages with a star-studded list of artists including India.Arie, Mali Music, Miguel, Daley, Valerie June and Anthony Hamilton, among others. Laura won the 2016 Summerfest Emerging Artist Series and was nominated for two 2015 Nashville Industry Music Awards (NIMA) – Best Female R&B Performer and Best Female R&B Vocalist. She was awarded her first NIMA in 2014 for Best R&B Solo Artist.

More information please contact Tracey Miller, TMA , tracey@tmapublicity.com / 609-383-2323