In a remarkable display of unity and artistic collaboration, Nashville and international musicians have joined forces to reimagine the iconic Poison track, “Stand.” This powerful new rendition blends a variety of musical styles, including Christian Contemporary, Country, Rock, Pop, Opera, and New Age, delivering a message of peace, harmony, and resilience amidst global challenges.
The project was spearheaded by award-winning Christian Contemporary and Country artist Kathryn Shipley and acclaimed producer Phil Kanakis. Inspired by the song’s timeless message, Kanakis envisioned a layered, vocal-rich version of the track, which was brought to life through the contributions of a diverse group of artists. Featured on the track are award-winning country artist Lee Newton (North Carolina), multi-genre performer Dimitris Nezis (Greece), singer-songwriter Holly Fischer (New York), 17-year-old pop sensation Nita Perez (Louisiana), and opera vocalist Frank Fasano.
Kathryn Shipley shared the driving force behind the collaboration: “We want people to ‘Stand’ firm in their beliefs, keep their dreams alive, show kindness, and most importantly, love one another.” Similarly, Kanakis emphasized the song’s relevance in today’s world, stating that the track’s heartfelt message serves as a beacon of hope during turbulent times.
The production process took place over several months, with most vocals recorded remotely. Nashville producer Justine Blazer joined the effort to engineer, mix, and master the track, ensuring the vocals and instrumentation blended seamlessly. This dedication resulted in a polished production that amplifies the track’s emotional resonance.
Artists involved shared their personal reflections on the collaboration. Dimitris Nezis described the experience as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s dreams despite challenges, while Nita Perez expressed gratitude for the sense of community fostered during the project, stating, “This project reminded me of how much there is to believe in, to love, and to fight for.”
“Stand” serves as a testament to the power of music to bring people together, transcending genres and borders. Its stirring lyrics and collaborative spirit encourage listeners to reflect, unite, and embrace kindness and love. This global effort is not only a musical triumph but also a call for unity and strength during trying times.
Label Credit Sheet
Title: “Stand”
Songwriters: Bobby Dall, Bret Michaels, Richie Kotzen; Rikki Rockett
Arranged by: Phillip Kanakis
Artist(s): Phillip Kanakis and Kathryn Shipley
(featuring: Dimitris Nezis, Lee Newton, Nita Perez, Holly Fischer, Frank Fasano)
Label: Nandana Records
Background Vocals: Dimitris Nezis; Lee Newton; Nita Perez
Music Composed, Arranged and Performed by: Phillip Kanakis
Additional Drum and Percussion Programming: Justine Blazer
Additional Keyboard Programming: Justine Blazer
Producer: Phillip Kanakis and Kathryn Shipley
Recording Engineers: Phillip Kanakis; Holly Fischer, Justine Blazer
Vocal Recording Engineers: Quentin Stephenson; Bart Noschese; Phillip Kanakis; Nikos
Arkomanis; Nita Perez
Mixing and Mastering Engineer: Justine Blazer
Cover Design: Holly Fischer
