SHEL Supports Abandoned Widows of Hope Springz with "Rainbow" Video

SHEL/Taylor Ballantyne Ahead of their upcoming Wild Child EP, four-piece sister band SHEL has launched a campaign in support of abandoned widows with the release of their new single and video, "Rainbow." Mandolinist and guitarist Eva Holbrook traveled to Vrindavan, India for the video, where she learned about the women of Hope Springz. "In many rural societies in India, people believe that the loss of a woman’s husband is a result of her bad karma,” Eva told Audiofemme. “Often, her own children abandon her." Hope Springz, a one-room apartment run by James and Asha Joy, works to provide a supportive community to outcast widows. SHEL seeks to shine a light on the women of Hope Springz with their new single and has made the rainbow-colored bracelets that the women design available to purchase on their website. All proceeds from the bracelet sales go directly to Hope Springz, allowing the center to remain a resource for dozens of widows. Here, Eva chats with Audiofemme about filming "Rainbow," what she learned from the women of Hope Springz and SHEL's upcoming Wild Child EP, due out March 6. Find the "Rainbow" video and Eve's interview below.

AF: How did you first find out about Hope Springz?

EH: Liza’s girlfriend Chelsea Sobolik was part of the editing team on the documentary Beyond Karma. We ended up at the premiere and the story of the craft center really touched us. It’s a one-room apartment in Vrindavan, India, run by James and Asha Joy. They empower over 30 women with life development skills in that little room. It’s a true act of love.

AF: Why is this cause important to you?

EH: They need love and connection just like anyone else. They need protection, a sense of belonging and purpose. Through no fault of their own, they've been cast out of society and abandoned by their families. I would want someone to speak up for me if that was my situation. To tell my story and stand by me.

AF: What did you learn from meeting the women at Hope Springz?

EH: It made me realize that no matter what your situation is you can choose to love and extend a hand to the people around you, and that is a choice to let healing and purpose into your life.

AF: What was filming the “Rainbow” music video like?

EH: Exhilarating! Getting to celebrate Holi with the Maas was unforgettable. My favorite moments in the video were all unplanned. Kyle Rasmussen (the filmmaker for Beyond Karma) is incredible at capturing life on film. Doing this project with him really opened up my eyes to the beauty and healing that like-minded collaboration can bring to life.

AF: What can you tell us about your upcoming Wild Child EP?

EH: It’s really the result of taking responsibility for our values as a family band and putting our sisterhood before the demands of the industry. We've experienced a steady recovery from burn out, addiction, and depression, as we've created the space to be honest with ourselves and one another.

AF: What do you hope people will feel after listening to Wild Child?

EH: Liberation from fear, hope, a desire to listen to the inner wild that calls us to climb trees and touch stars, to unite in love amidst the storm, to follow the unknown road, and finally, to come home to the warm embrace of family.