Crystal Bowersox and Brett Ryan Stewart release new single “The Stuff” to raise awareness for Type 1 diabetes
American Idol finalist Crystal Bowersox and Nashville-based producer Brett Ryan Stewart of WireBird Productions released a powerful single today called “The Stuff” in support of National Diabetes Awareness Month. One hundred percent of proceeds from “The Stuff” will benefit Beyond Type 1.
Crystal Bowersox and Brett Ryan Stewart both reside in Nashville, and have lived with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for over 40 years collectively. Bowersox is a touring artist, singer, songwriter, mother and was the second place finalist on American Idol’s ninth season. Brett Ryan Stewart is a prolific producer, singer, songwriter and founder of WireBird Productions in Franklin, TN. The team seeks to increase awareness and inspire those living with T1D and their families to advocate for diabetes education and work towards finding a cure.
“Living with type 1 diabetes for over 25 years now has been one of the greatest teachers in my life,” says Bowersox. “It has taught me to appreciate all of the little things. When your mortality is constantly in question, you learn to cherish the moments spent with friends and family over any material possession. That’s what this song is about—being grateful for the time and love we share. That’s the stuff!”
Bowersox and Stewart personally understand that those living with diabetes face a daily struggle to manage blood glucose levels through insulin injections and finger pricks in order to not experience what can be potentially devastating health complications. They wanted to utilize their talents to simultaneously deliver a hopeful message and raise awareness for the type 1 community.
“Creating something beautiful from hardship is our job as artists,” says Stewart. “Working with Crystal has been so enriching, not just because of our shared T1D struggle, but because of her penchant for songcraft and her unbreakable spirit. And let’s not forget that voice!”
The song, penned by Bowersox and Marty Dodson (Billy Currington, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Plain White T’s) and produced by both Stewart and Bowersox, is written with the intention of giving thanks for the gift of living. “I’ve got air in my lungs / sun shining down on me from up above / I am alive and that’s enough / the finer things are simple things / yeah, that’s the stuff.”
“The Stuff” features many talented Nashville musicians: Megan Jane (drums) Chris Tench (guitar), Sam Van Fossen (guitar), Derek Pell (violin), Rachel Solomon (keys), Mandy Shucher (bass), and Alicia Michilli (vocals). The single was recorded, mixed and mastered by Stewart.
Bowersox recalls the recording process: “This has been such a wonderful, collective effort by a community of incredibly talented, generous people. If ‘The Stuff’ can lift up even one person’s spirit, then all of our hard work will have been worth it.”
