Front-line workers inspire Emmy Award-winning songwriter
Welland-born composer wrote song after seeing efforts to fight COVID-19
Sometimes, a song can change your day. Give you an unexpected boost. Especially when it’s written just for you as you head to one of the most stressful jobs imaginable right now.
For nearly a month, Wellandborn composer Michael Kisur has been in awe of front-line workers as they tackle COVID-19 head-on. The words and emotions kept stockpiling until he finally put them into a song, “These Are Heroes.” Accompanied by images of emergency medical services and hospital workers, the acoustic song went up on his YouTube page April 11.
It’s among a series of songs the Emmy-winning composer has written during the pandemic.
“It’s to show the appreciation for something I wouldn’t want to have to do,” says Kisur from his Toronto home. “I’m not in the medical field … I can certainly look at them and say ‘Wow!’ To risk all that, my goodness.”
Kisur was especially pleased to hear a friend at the Niagara Health hospital system played the song for some front-line workers. Working in isolation — as most all songwriters are right now — can make you wonder if anyone’s listening.
“I always thought that if I could do something that helps people or gives people something extra in their day … if I could affect one person positively with what I’m doing, that’s the whole point.
“It’s not about making money and being a star — I mean, everyone wants to make money doing what they’re doing — but for me, it really feels good to know people are appreciating and getting a little comfort (from my music).”
It wasn’t long ago writing anything seemed impossible for Kisur. Despite winning a Daytime Emmy in 2006 for his song “Sunshine,” featured in the soap opera “The Young and the Restless,” he battled a depression that saw him attempt suicide three times.
He recalls during his recovery someone handing him a guitar in the hospital, hoping it would kick-start something in him.
“There was a point — and it went on for quite a while — where I couldn’t fathom how anybody could sing and play guitar at the same time,” he says. “For the longest time, I wouldn’t sing even to myself, and I never would have attempted to play guitar because I thought, that’s impossible. I can’t do that anymore.” When he emerged from his spiral — he credits Niagara Health’s day-hospital program with saving his life — his music was there waiting.
“I remember thinking, ‘Oh, I can still do this.’ It was a great feeling at that point.”