The transmogrification of trauma into art | Allison Russell | TEDxNashvilleSalon

Allison Russell is an award-winning singer, songwriter, artist, and multi-instrumentalist. She is also a survivor of 10 years of severe childhood sexual, physical, and psychological abuse at the hands of the white supremacists who raised her. In this stunning TEDx talk and musical performance, Allison leads the way to a powerful, life-giving revelation: We are not defined by what we've lost. Allison Russell is an artist, activist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist of extraordinary power, talent and grace. A founding member of the acclaimed groups Our Native Daughters and Birds of Chicago (with her husband/musical partner JT Nero), the Montreal native has begun to emerge as a potent force among creative circles worldwide. On her debut solo album Outside Child (Fantasy Records / Concord), Allison unpacks the story of her traumatic childhood in a deeply moving, unforgettable song-cycle of courage, empathy, and love. Outside Child is a powerful and warm statement of hope, resilience and the redemptive power of art - asserted from a place of healing, of motherhood, of partnership - and from a new home made in Nashville. Allison has been nominated as Emerging Act of the Year by the Americana Music Association, has been named one of the top artists to watch in 2021 by Rolling Stone, and her debut album was recently placed on the long-list for the prestigious Polaris Prize. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@elizabethmurphy5894]

Why doesn't this have more views??? It's a chance to be in the presence of such creativity and healing! Allison Russell is an astounding artist!! I hope more people watch this this!

[@Anita67]

Yes!

[@lizmassey68]

One of the rawest and most intense demonstrations of how art heals. Bless you for sharing your gifts and your story.

[@erichart2093]

I never realized a clarinet could make me cry.

[@melg1329]

Thank you Allison 😊 The world needs you💜

[@juliazhu9327]

This is fantastic. Thank you Art

[@davidholtzman5047]

This is a teacher this is a sage this is who we are namaste allison

[@margaretpolovchak3716]

You speak to the depth of my heart and soul. Please keep blessing us with your words and music. SURVIVORS, THRIVERS, not victims.

[@sanelliott7695]

She is a treasure

[@alainafielding5304]

I love Alli!! She’s a pioneer, a moving, soulful testament to the survival for children, who survive abusive homes.

[@admaga]

Wow, that’s the most powerful, shocking, moving and beautiful pieces of artistic and personal expression that I’ve seen in a long time.Thank you from someone who superficially and in lived experience has little in common with you but who feels your human spirit deeply. That’s what art can do.

[@J_Elle]

Allison & band (SistaStrings & Ellen Angelico), this is phenomenal! My mother & all 7 of her siblings are survivors of similar childhood trauma, which taught her how to protect us but her pain is still felt. It has been healing listening to your music. Your storytelling is next level! Thank you for being an expander for so many. Your strength and resilience is so beautiful. I love & honor you and your art. 🤎

[@dylanmaxey2531]

Your music is part of my trauma healing journey, you bring me peace. Thank you and the wonderful musicians who contribute so much also.

[@WaltonBurns]

Thank you for sharing this story. It's clear from your music and the way you bring others together, that you are far more than your scars! Keep spreading the love and the joy!

[@WaltonBurns]

I'd love to hear more about your decision to redo All the Women. Both versions are so different and effective!

[@AllisonRussell]

@@WaltonBurns thank you for listening so deeply. "All of The Women" is a growing, living breathing work - a conjunction of communion, connection and collaboration - ever evolving, and changing. Which feels healing to me...

[@WaltonBurns]

​@@AllisonRussell I hear you! Thank you for even bothering to answer and congratulations on the nominations! Well-deserved.

[@Bluehoohoo]

So profound and powerful and trauma-purging

[@cardiewokerati2609]

Such beauty out of such pain. You brave, beautiful woman.❤

[@scottgrenerth1079]

Allison, You and your chosen family are simply amazing. I am glad to support sharing the beauty that that you spread through your fantastic art!

[@Kag1310]

This is so sad…..yet so beautiful and hopeful. You are such a great role model for victims. Thank you Allison, and for your wonderful, positive spirit. Sending much love from Scotland. Keith…..(T and T’s cousin)

[@ashlysinfoandmusic8209]

Much love, divine white light, healing, and positive energy being sent to this very brave woman, she ranks as a modern-day Goddess in my book, if ever there was one . . . . Thank You Allison

[@mariekastler5391]

Wow. Sing it, Sister! A powerful voice and a guide through into Hope. "Some grace you don't lose..."

[@jeffreyaward]

Oh, Alli, you continue to impress, amaze, and minister. We’re all better for it.

[@dreamlife2351]

I am overwhelmed by your talent and words. Much respect and admiration to you from a senior survivor 🌺

[@sharonbenjamin9310]

It's my utter pleasure to listen to Allison Russell's a.k.a. @outsidechild13 's music and lyrical content due to it being an auditory reflection of her generosity of spirit and willingness to publicly represent the "othered" among our human family so well ❤🧡💛💚💜💙!

[@TheFzerbe]

Wow - deep gratitude. To share in this way to uplift others with such goodness grace compassion and talent. Had the honor of hearing for first time Allison Russell and her fellow artists in Philly at Brandi Carlile's These Silent Days tour this weekend & look forward to following her in her art and connecting us all together. Powerful.

[@JamesAinsworth-AA]

Allison - I love your music and your message and it lifts my soul. ❤️

[@msteaguer1908]

Brilliant above the trauma. The arts are part of the body of education. they are outlets for many who can get to them.

[@anteandrovic]

what a miracle this story is, what a brave woman.

[@dddiaz7614]

Your story and music are inspiring, thank you for sharing with us❤️❤️😍

[@GraceRay-b9m]

Courage, Resilience, Love, and Amazing Talent. Allison, you are the inspiration. 💙

[@christinejimenez10]

Amazing talent❣️❤️😍

[@mariadelcrodriguez8267]

Allison, may you continue to share your inner light and loving/healing energy with our troubled world. Oh boy, how much we need courageous artists such as Allison Russell!

[@Anita67]

I’ve never witnessed anyone transform so much pain into something so positive and beautiful. I’m so inspired and so deeply moved. ❤

[@evayaaasantewaa448]

💖 Thank you!

[@martin_zielinski]

I admire Allison very much for what she has accomplished in the wake of her suffering, and am a fan of her music also.

[@LoveDocta]

That was truly art in music..hope to see you soon..wow...prayers ❤

[@marionlisablum7018]

❤️

[@motherbear43cubs]

Respect 🙌

[@dmoskha]

💖🔥

[@erikakulnys]

Just amazing.