Members Out in the World: Joe Rosenmayer 

When I was envisioning my musical career, the thought I might sing on a hip-hop record never crossed my mind! I met Jinks about 10 years ago and when I found out he was a hip-hop artist, we started talking about our musical backgrounds, which were very different, but we both appreciated and respected each others experiences. At some point I brought up (half-joking) how Nelly had Tim McGraw sing on one of his records, and we should do that. Well, several years later he came to me and said he wrote a song based on a video he saw about a kid being bullied in school and no one doing anything about it. The kid got to the point where it was just too much and he snapped on the bully. Jinks was pretty inspired and was hoping his song might raise awareness and serve as a warning to bullies that this might not go the way you planned. He played me a demo version of it and asked me if I wanted to sing the hook.

I immediately said yes, I loved the song and the story behind it. While the song is broad and we don't know the reason this kid is targeted, bullying is something many gay kids (and even adults) have to overcome, so I definitely related to the topic and really wanted to be a part of it. Recording in the studio was fun but also a little intimidating and exhausting. We were there several hours, had to make sure we got it right, and also do all the harmonies that get layered on. Those high and low notes you hear....all me! When he released it earlier this year, the response was great, I've heard of teachers playing it in school, and parents sharing it with their kids who get bullied. 

I'm so happy to be part of Big Bully (iTunes/Amazon), and now I'm happy to share it with the Oakland GMC community. Enjoy and be kind to each other! 

Joe Rosenmayer, aka Jo-E Rose