My song of love and commitment to our multiracial democracy. I wrote "In Spite of You" to have something to sing after listening to the news, a reminder of the forces above and beyond our human story that are immutable, invincible.
While I was writing, I was so moved learning about the Serbian artist/activist group Otpor! Reflecting on why they were able to overthrow Slobodan Milošević, Srdja Popović of Otpor! said this:
”Their hatred, their propaganda, their language, smelled like death. And we won because we loved life more."
from
I Come From,
released September 2, 2021
Melanie Ida Chopko - voice, piano
Max Judelson - bass
Geneva Harrison - drums
Colin Hogan - organ
Kofi Q, Moorea Dickason, Nikbo & Melanie Ida Chopko - backing vocals
Lyrics & music by Melanie Ida Chopko
Vocal Arrangement by Moorea Dickason
Produced by Melanie Ida Chopko & Jean Rohe
Engineered by Jay Pellicci at New Improved Recording, Oakland
Additional recording by Moorea Dickason at Raze the Maze Studios, Ashland OR
Mixed by Layla Moheimani at Women's Audio Mission, San Francisco
Mastered by Piper Payne at Infrasonic Mastering, Nashville
© 2021 Piney Ocean Music, ASCAP