Stephanie Schneiderman, an award-winning singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, has just released her latest single, “Cry With Me”. This poignant track invites listeners to embrace tenderness amidst divisive and challenging times, serving as a powerful call for compassion. This acts as the follow-up to her 2022 album release, titled “Crossfire”.
Written, produced, and performed by Schneiderman, “Cry With Me” stands as a poignant call for empathy, particularly highlighting the daily battles faced by women. Her powerful vocals are spotlighted against atmospheric piano chords from the outset, drawing listeners in. The addictive chorus lyrics and her sensational voice create a deep emotional connection, making the song truly impactful.
“Cry With Me” features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Jenny Conlee (The Decemberists) on accordion, Ji Tanzer (Blue Cranes) on drums, Tony Furtado on banjo and baritone ukulele, and Keith Brush (Blue Cranes) on upright bass. This talented group of musicians crafts a dynamic and emotional soundscape, blending elements of anger, hope, and uncertainty. The evocative vocals of Schneiderman, coupled with the haunting tones of the accordion, create a deeply moving and powerful listening experience.
The accompanying music video for “Cry With Me” was directed, edited, produced, and crafted by Portland director Alicia J. Rose, known for her work with First Aid Kit, Cake, Laura Gibson, and The Softies. Rose recently garnered acclaim for her feature directorial debut, “A Kaddish for Bernie Madoff”, winning the Narrative Audience Award at the 2021 Ashland Independent Film Festival and the Best New Directors Award at the 2021 Port Townsend Film Festival. The New York Times praised her 2017 web series, “The Benefits of Gusbandry”, as a “delirious masterpiece.”
Filmed at the decommissioned Zidell Shipyards, the video features a diverse crew and an all-female cast. Set against the gritty, expansive shipyards, five female dancers—Laura Cannon, Bevin Victoria, Úna Vivienne, Sarah Palumbis, and Linda Austin—portray different stages of grief, capturing the essence of humanity and sorrow over seven decades. Their captivating contemporary choreography, crafted by Sarah Palumbis, beautifully interprets the song, drawing viewers in with the raw emotion and resonance conveyed in their performance.
Celebrated for her multifaceted talent, Stephanie Schneiderman has significantly impacted the music industry, both as a solo artist and a member of the all-star roots act Swan Sovereign (previously Dirty Martini). Her impressive career spans nine solo albums, various theatre and film roles, and the organisation of humanitarian concerts benefiting Ugandan refugees, establishing her as a key figure in the Northwest music community.
Schneiderman gained prominence with a coveted performance at Lilith Fair, leading to tours alongside renowned acts including Aimee Mann, Marc Cohn, and Sarah McLachlan. Her music, known for its emotional depth, has been featured prominently in television shows like The Vampire Diaries and Felicity. Her recent album, “Crossfire”, exemplifies her distinctive style—a fusion of Americana and trip-hop that weaves introspective lyrics with a rich, ambient soundscape.
Stephanie Schneiderman’s “Cry With Me” stands as a testament to her skill as a songwriter and her ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners. The single and its accompanying video highlight the strength and vulnerability inherent in the human experience, inviting us all to stay tender and compassionate during these trying times.
“Cry With Me”, by Stephanie Schneiderman, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms. We can’t wait for more new music from her considering it’s been over two years since she last released music—there’s bound to be iconic tracks on their way that align brilliantly with this incredible single.