MELINDA Schneider is not holding back in her new single My Voice.
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The track is an anthem that strikes a chord with anyone in pain: from victims of domestic violence, sexual or emotional abuse and bullying, to people battling mental health issues and eating disorders or minority groups, including the aged, homeless, LGBTQI and racially vilified.
Embraced by passionate women’s advocate Tracey Spicer, Schneider released the powerful song in time for the launch of Now Australia, Spicer’s not-for-profit initiative to combat sexual harassment in the workplace.
Schneider is also an ambassador for the movement.
Profits from My Voice downloads will help fund safe workplace programs.
The official music video for the track, features Now Australia supporters including Amanda Kellar, Jessica Rowe, and fellow artists from the entertainment industry - Luke O’Shea, Amber Lawrence, Damien Leith, and many more who are getting behind the campaign.
It will feature on her new album to be released in August.
Schneider drew inspiration from her own experiences of sexual harassment in the workplace and how she found the courage to say “no” to harassment during an early point of her career in the industry in Nashville.
“I’m very excited, I’ve had this song sitting there for 18 months and I wrote it over in Nashville,” she said.
“As soon as the whole “Me too” movement happened last year, I thought wow I have got to get it out there, the timing is perfect.
“I hurried into the studio and contacted Tracey Spicer, I emailed her a demo and she loved it.”
Schneider is a country music veteran, but only now she says she is feeling “powerful.”
“I think I’m in the most powerful place in my life that I’ve ever been,” she said.
“I’m 46, I have had a beautiful little boy and I’m with a wonderful partner who lets me be myself.
“It’s the right time to be releasing this song, a new album and an album for women.
“I’m definitely comfortable in my own skin and more me than I’ve ever been.”