The name “The Un-Silenced Voice Project” came to me during a conversation I shared with one of the beautiful students I’ve worked with. We often shared honest conversations about how we, as vocalists and women, sometimes have to fight to connect with our voice… inner and artistic. We acknowledged our observations on how the inner battles showed up as insecurities and anxiety that affected us on personal and professional levels. During one of those conversations, we professed our honest desires for our lives, and use of our gifts, talents and time. It was in that moment that I voiced my deep, decades-long desire for a purposed-filled life that includes actively encouraging women to be un-silenced and freed from our trauma to express, thrive and really know love. That day the name literally came to me. “The Un-Silenced Voice Project”. Because of my own past traumas and recognizing its effects on every area of my life (sometimes showing up as strength and other times as struggle and blocks) I learned to listen to the unspoken stories passing as personalities we use as protection. And having witnessed the effects of long-term trauma on my loved one, I know that there are many women, with beautifully powerful and unique voices that are sometimes misunderstood and too often silenced because they demand change and respect. And that if given space as well as giving ourselves permission to own and walk in our voice, we can bring about necessary balance in the world that can lead to healing and restoration on a planetary level. Yes, I think releasing the feminine voice can help save the world… through love, confidence, understanding, self-acceptance and courage. It is for these reasons I offer this project to you for your contemplation, for your healing, for your joy, and for your journey towards liberation. In no way is this a slight against anyone or thing. This project is about celebrating the nature of the vessel through which a wonderful flow of energy comes through. The un-silenced woman in all her glory.

This project was recorded within a nine-month period (June 14th, 2019, and the last week in February though the first week in March 2020). In the middle of this birthing period my father and my grandmother became ancestors. As profound as these events were, it was in pushing through these life-changing transitions that I found the will and strength to sing the songs you hear on this project. And so I dedicate this project to the loving memories of my father, Roy A. Prescod, my first and most thorough music teacher, and my grandmother, Viola “Dita” Morris, who refused to be silenced… ever. And also in loving support of my mother Shirley E. Prescod, who I call daily just to hear her voice. Mommy, may you never be silenced again.

Much gratitude for this recording project goes to my son Kadar I. Prescod-Echols, The Boston Foundation, Fran Rivkin, Amy Macdonald, Gerson Lazo-Quiroga, Earl Blaize, Joe James and Tarik Mahrour.

released March 20, 2020

available for purchase on Bandcamp

Nedelka F. Prescod, vocals (lead and backing) – all tracks
Briana Washington, piano, keys and/or organ – tracks 2, 3 and 5
Gerson Lazo-Quiroga, bass – tracks 1 and 4
Ivanna Cuesta, drums – tracks 1 and 4
Kevin Scollins, electric guitar – tracks 1 and 4
Keyanna Hutchinson, electric guitar – tracks 2, 3 and 5
Kyla Wright, bass – tracks 2, 3 and 5
Romarna Campbell, drums – tracks 2, 3 and 5
Zahili Gonzalez Zamora, piano and rhodes – tracks 1 and 4

All songs written and arranged by Nedelka F. Prescod. Additional arrangements for tracks 1 and 4 by Gerson Lazo-Quiroga. Instrumental tracking for tracks 2, 3 and 5 recorded at Berklee College of Music. Guitar, keys and bass tracking for tracks 1 and 4 recorded by Gerson Lazo-Quiroga (Vida Records). Drum tracking for tracks 1 and 4 recorded at Wellspring Studios. All vocal tracking by Gerson Lazo-Quiroga (Vida Records).

Mixing by Gerson Lazo-Quiroga (Vida Records). Mastering by Jonathan Wyner (M-Works Studios).

TUSV logo designed by Linda Alila and Amy Macdonald. CD design by Amy Macdonald.