The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Musician releases inspirational storybook
DURHAM — For performing artists, the year 2020 was a year of change, of pivoting and reinvention. Former Connecticut state troubadour Lara Herscovitch has been navigating her path by focusing on contribution and service, according to the artist.
In addition to the new album and performing concerts online all year, Herscovitch also turned to publishing, she said in a press release. This month, she released an inspirational storybook, “Shine Sister Shine,” she said.
While the book is fun and joyful, Herscovitch says it also carries a serious, underlying message of courage and hope, she said in a prepared statement. “I want to live in a world where we lift each other up, help each other be our best selves and share our superpowers.”
“The world needs us, and we need each other. The byline is: be who you are, do what you love, share your superpowers. I hope the book and story helps inspire readers and listeners to appreciate and share their gifts,” the artist said.
But after the pandemic canceled or postponed all in-person events, Herscovitch played concerts from her home studio, a series called “Songs From Seclusion,” the news release said. She also worked with longtime collaborator and animator Matt Rasch of Michigan to create a music video for her song “Shine Sister Shine.”
With support from a Kickstarter campaign, and in partnership with Design Monsters in New Haven, Herscovitch turned the music video into a hardcover, fullcolor illustrated storybook, she said.
The musician wrote the song on a day she felt tired, she said. “It’s written from the perspective of the sun. She’s weary, because she never gets to sleep or take a break. When we’re sleeping here, she’s still working on the other side of the globe,” according to the release.
“She’s exhausted, and forgot what she loves about her life and work. By the end of the song and story, she remembers,” Herscovitch said.
For information, visit LaraHerscovitch.com.