Home Free released their powerful “One Voice” collaboration with Billy Gilman last week, with the video available everywhere on Friday, May 7. The all-vocal group teased the video on social media, which promises to be a thought-provoking reminder about the importance of mental health awareness, especially among the younger generation.
TW: Suicide
We are so grateful for the Home Free community, and the outpouring of stories from the Patrons who have seen the “One Voice” video. Y’all are so amazing and welcoming to one another, and we feel the love from you every single day. pic.twitter.com/3Swb0VTL9h
— Home Free (@HomeFreeGuys) May 4, 2021
In a separate tweet, Home Free also emphasized the need for reaching out and asking for help, and being aware of others who might be struggling.
“You never know what someone is struggling with. We all put on a brave face for others but inside can be dealing with so much,” Home Free posted. “‘One Voice’ depicts the mental health struggle of a youth. We aim to shed light on [Mental Health Awareness] and tell you that it’s OKAY to ask for help.”
You never know what someone is struggling with. We all put on a brave face for others but inside can be dealing with so much.
“One Voice” depicts the mental health struggle of a youth. We aim to shed light on #MentalHealthAwareness and tell you that it’s OKAY to ask for help.
— Home Free (@HomeFreeGuys) May 4, 2021
Home Free had been friends with Gilman for a few years before they decided to release “One Voice” together.
“Our latest video is one that’s a long time in the making, but couldn’t be more timely with its release,” Home Free said in a blog posted on Patreon. “We were lucky to meet up with Billy Gilman about four years ago, and have kept in touch ever since. Billy is a phenomenal artist, who had his own experience as a child star and then again on a reality show, so we have a shared experience in the latter arena.”
Gilman never could have predicted, when he released “One Voice” as a child in 2000, how relevant the song would be more than two decades later.
“I would never have imagined that America, let alone in the world, we would be seeing so many suicides,” Gilman said last year of the importance of “One Voice” (via CMT). “If we could be a little nicer to one another and learn that we are all made differently, but we all deserve kindness, love, and respect it would make the world a better place.”
Home Free recently marked their first return to live performances in over a year, when they took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Their Opry set was the first of many performances Home Free is, fortunately, planning on later this year.
“We too will be going back on tour very soon,” Home Free member Tim Foust said from stage. “As I’m sure all of you can testify to, live music is healing. It’s healing for you as well as us, so thank you so much of being a part of our return to live music tonight. We hope you will check out our tour dates at HomeFreeMusic.com and come see us back home real soon.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7 by calling Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).