The Covid Album:
Songs to Help Kids and Families Cope
STREAM “WE GOT THIS” & WATCH THE “YOU’RE NOT ALONE” MUSIC VIDEO
“The Covid Album” is a compilation of songs that support young children’s emotional well being by promoting consistency, agency, and positivity and exploring common emotions like longing and frustration. It also features unscripted vignettes tracks where kids reflect on this past year from mask wearing to missing family.
I began writing “The Covid Album” during my first week of lockdown. At the time, I didn’t realize I was writing an album, I was simply responding the only way I knew how. “On March 10th, 2020, filled with uncertainty, I channeled my emotions into writing “Wash Your Hands.” Eager to add excitement to a mundane task that had already made my hands raw, I shared the song on social media. Kids media producer, Kristen McGregor suggested we make a music video and rallied a team of freelancers who all donated their time. The video garnered over 62k views and the song was picked up by the UN and became a source of inspiration for 600+ TikTok videos. It also led a pediatrician to request a Mask song which sparked a greater mission. From there, I began speaking with parents, educators, doctors, and psychologists to see what else families needed. I consulted with families and tested songs with kids at every step.
To learn more about the album, read this 2/3 press announcement prepared by Beth Blenz-Clucas/Sugar Mountain PR and these liner notes. If you’d like to chat about the project, give me a shout at ericarabnermusic@gmail.com.
Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, etc.
“I would think there would be a great demand for these albums in families and that kids would love them and benefit by listening to the songs. Erica appropriately addressed fears and stresses and didn’t sugar coat everything — good choice.”
“Erica makes it seem fun to wear a mask, start the day and deal with challenging times. She allows kids to be kids and to embrace a chapter of life that otherwise would be scary and lonely. The imagery and soulfulness she offers are like none other. ”
“As an educator of young children for the past 20 years, I have seen the unique power of music with teaching children. The lyrics to this particular collection of songs speak directly to the experiences our children are facing and give voice to feelings young children may have trouble expressing with words. In particular I see the void of missing grandparents in the lives of my students and believe the words to Grandma I Miss You will help uncover thoughts and feelings around a tremendous loss for children. While we know this is temporary, it may not feel that way to those involved. Kudos to Erica Rabner for diving deep and showing insight into the toll the pandemic is taking on our children. ”
“As a clinical therapist, I used Erica’s songs to teach social-emotional skills to kindergarteners. The kids absolutely loved the songs and their messages! By the end of the lesson they were practicing “deep breaths,” singing along to all the words, and expressing their feelings more freely. I’m grateful that Erica’s music provides kids with a fun tool to enhance social-emotional development and learn important life lessons.”
