Natural is making his words match his work. His newest single featuring April Standford, “State Of Grace” will see all the proceeds go to the family of Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the Boston Marathon bombings. Now we get the clean and straightforward visual for the single. (Grab the single here.)
Nat explains his thoughts on it all below.
Hello,
We intentionally kept he video simplistic to help hone in on the fundamental message of the work: Peace. The video, beautifully shot by STAE TRU’s Concepts Team, focuses on the Ashmont and Savin Hill areas of Dorchester. We did this as it best signified Martin’s neighborhood.
I want to thank any and everyone that were part of the video. Especially, Rachel Moo, a former teacher of Martin. She is responsible for the iconic image of him holding the infamous “Stop Hurting People” sign. I would also like to thank Society Brand Products for allowing us to shoot during their “Block Party” a couple weeks ago. I would also love to thank Peter Needham and April Stanford for helping me craft this song.
I especially would like to thank The Richard Family. Their love and strength throughout the unimaginable is easily the most inspiring thing that I have ever witnessed. Their love and care for one another is amazing, but the amount of things that family has done for the community of Dorchester often goes unnoticed. They are great members of the community.
The point of the song is to look for the positives in the midst of the worst. I feel Martin left us with the most simple of messages, and yet, the most poignant: “No more hurting people. Peace.” I have heard plenty of negativity surrounding the #BostonStrong hashtag and that is why I’ve also included #BostonandBeyond as well. Though things become tired and trite rather quickly, I believe trashing a form of people’s outreach is about the lamest thing you can possibly do. While you should preach originality and perspective, you should never tear down at the idea of people helping or wanting to help, regardless of how repetitive something may seem.
Help guide those who need it, but attacking something like “Boston Strong” is a horrible idea. It has helped in many ways and the amounts of money things like the ‘One Fund’ have generated are nothing short of remarkable. I frown at misuse of the term, and I do my very best to hold back when I hear people degrading “Boston Strong”. I understand the annoyance with many things in this world, but to all the great supporters out there, don’t ever be afraid to put someone in their place (Peacefully of course, haha).
Although this directly impacted the city in which we call home, the lessons learned during and after can be applied to many places around this world. No barriers. No racial differences, no monetary differences, no neighborhood differences, and no political differences will separate the equality we SHOULD share. A fundamental human right. An important community duty. Peace. Safety. For you. Your family. Your friends. Lookout for those around you and help who you can. There is so much left to work on … I just hope my song can help spread the good message.
I love you all. I really do. This city is something I take pride in like she is a member of my family. I pray you all do the same. No place breeds greater loyalty to their surroundings … and that feeling? Brings me no greater joy. People have asked me over the years who my heroes are. I have pretty normal answers: My grandfather. My grandmother. My father. My mother. Ted Williams. Pedro Martinez. These days if you ask? My list has a few new additions. The teachers that I’ve gotten to know over the years are on that list. Jane is on that list. And yes, Martin … you are forever on that list.
Be nice to eachother. Cliche as it maybe … try your best to lookout for others.
#BostonandBeyond.
-Nat
PS: A reminder. The song “State Of Grace” is available on iTUNES, Google Play, Spotify and pretty much everywhere else. All proceeds will be donated to The Richard Family. My “Ways To Go” album release party will be November 16th at “Who’s On First” on Yawkey Way. All proceeds from that FIVE HUNDRED PERSON VENU (Ahem. Show up) will also be donated.
