On the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s landfall, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) released “Blue Skies,” the latest installment in its “All in North Carolina” campaign. The video, part of an effort to promote North Carolina as a place to live, work, and do business, features notable musicians with ties to the state — including several based in Durham.
Durham Artists Play Key Roles in “Blue Skies”
Durham musicians played a significant part in bringing the project to life. Sam Beam, known as Iron & Wine, contributed supporting vocals, while Brad Cook, a Durham-based producer and musician, led the production and contributed bass and guitar to the recording. Phil Cook, also of Durham, provided additional instrumentation, and drummer Matthew McCaughan, who has performed with Bon Iver, handled the percussion.
The project also includes contributions from artists across the state, including Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso and Jason Ross of Seven Mary Three, both from Chapel Hill, and Jake Lenderman of MJ Lenderman, an Asheville native whose work was recently recognized by Rolling Stone.
Supporting Disaster Relief Efforts
In addition to their artistic contributions, the participating musicians have collectively donated $100,000 to the North Carolina Community Foundation to support disaster relief efforts in Western North Carolina, where communities are still recovering from Hurricane Helene.
“This project not only highlights the incredible talent within our state, but it also reflects the generosity and community spirit that sets North Carolina apart,” said Christopher Chung, CEO of the EDPNC. “As we continue working to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians, we’re grateful to have this kind of support from the arts community.”
A Musical Tribute with Statewide Impact
“Blue Skies,” originally written by Irving Berlin and popularized by artists such as Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald, was reimagined for the campaign in a new arrangement. The video pairs the song with visuals of North Carolina’s economy, highlighting industries such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, clean energy, and financial services.
The campaign aims to emphasize the state’s economic strength and resilience following Hurricane Helene. The video will be distributed across streaming platforms, digital media, and social channels to reach a national audience.
Durham’s Ongoing Influence on North Carolina’s Music Scene
Durham’s contributions to “Blue Skies” reflect the city’s ongoing role in North Carolina’s music landscape. Known for its diverse music community spanning indie rock, folk, and Americana, Durham continues to serve as a hub for creative collaboration.
Reflecting on the project, Jason Ross said, “I’ve lived in North Carolina since 2001, and when the opportunity arose, I reached out to Brad Cook. Before I knew it, Jake, Sam, Amelia, Phil, and Matt were all in. The music community here has a long history of supporting one another, and this was no different.”
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Author: Wes Platt
Lead storyteller. Game designer and journalist. Recovering Floridian. Email: southpointaccessnews@gmail.com.
