Columbus singers promote acts of kindness, shared empathy with debut singles, music videos

As central Ohio marks the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic,  two Columbus artists are encouraging acts of kindness and shared empathy through their debut singles.

On March 12, artist Imber Solis, released "Proud of You," which serves as a call for the increased support of local health care workers.

As a former physical therapy assistant for five years at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Solis,  35, said much of the music video's imagery was inspired from her own experiences, as well as those felt by her colleagues and patients, this past year.

The video shows the singer consoling medical workers who appear emotionally distraught from the effects of the deadly outbreak, while community members stand outside holding written signs with the words "Let's Survive Together" and "Thank You" on them.

Solis, who still works at the hospital but in a different capacity, said the importance of this song is reflective of the fading support local health care workers have received.

"My goal is to remind people that it's not over and acknowledge the struggles that are still happening and have already happened," the Columbus artist said. "There's only so much you can do on an individual level, but to have something that speaks to this many people is something we need to have right now." 

"Proud of You" is available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Soundcloud and other major streaming services, with the music video viewable on YouTube and Solis' website at https://www.imbersolis.com/music. The single will be included on her debut album, "The Looking Glass," which will be released later this year. 

Local artist encourages the spread of kindness 

Inspired by her own journey overcoming depression and anxiety, artist Emily Syring is offering her debut single “All This Time” exclusively with this story. . The Columbus native said the music video, which will officially be released April 2, chronicles the passing of flowers from one person to another, and is centered around the power of shared kindness. 

Syring, 29, said the flowers signify how people's actions can forge feelings of wholeness and incite positive change in the world, efforts that are desperately needed during these trying times. 

"I think if we could all see the battles and brokenness each person has gone through and are potentially still going through, we would treat each other much more gently and with excessive kindness," she said. "We have the power to influence the direction of the future world through healing ourselves and through small acts of kindness, and that is something that can give us incredible hope and purpose."

For those suffering from depression and anxiety, Syring wants the video to incorporate methods that helped her along her journey of healing. 

Syring's debut song will be made available on all major streaming platforms, and the video will be viewable on YouTube and Vimeo. The single will be a part of the singer's four-song EP "Remember" set to release April 23.

– The Columbus Dispatch