Switch on Hope: Conservation Council to Debut Music Videos Tackling Energy Poverty Featuring Music from Local Youth

Join the Conservation Council of New Brunswick for an unforgettable evening at the Carleton Community Centre (120 Market Pl, Saint John, N.B.) on Saturday, Feb. 24, starting at 6 p.m. Experience the debut of music created by local youth and artist Matthew Elliott (known as Stephen Hero and David R. Elliott) during Elliott’s From Harm to Harmony Residency and Mentorship.

Kicking off the Conservation Council’s ‘Switch on Hope’ Energy Poverty Campaign, this special event will tell the unique story behind two videos showcasing music created by local youth and Elliot. That includes the “Yeet Scream” animated video, with animation created by Brian Finlay from Drawn to It Studios. Also premiering is the Already Here video — a soul-stirring reflection on energy poverty’s impact on one’s sense of home.

Come meet the kids and learn about how the music was created and how this process helped engage young people in the conversation around climate change and energy poverty in New Brunswick. This event aims to bring people together to discuss energy poverty and how we can work together to solve this pressing issue. 

The process

During his residency with the Conservation Council, Matthew Elliot worked with enthusiastic local youths from the Carleton Community Centre and the Interaction School of Performing Arts. Each group embarked on a creative journey to compose songs that tackle the critical issues of energy poverty and climate change. These songs were professionally recorded and transformed into two compelling music videos. 

Artist bio

Matthew Elliott has been creating music and performing on Canada’s East Coast for nearly 20 years and has released a wide variety of music under different stage names. He is mainly known for creating hip-hop under the moniker Stephen Hero and alternative folk music under the name David R. Elliott. He is a producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has performed at events such as East Coast Music Week, Pop Montreal, 506 Festival and more and has recently been working with Maestro Fresh Wes while also releasing poppy love songs as David R. Elliott and hardcore punk music with the band Crying Shames.

He has been working with the Conservation Council of New Brunswick as a resident artist to engage with the community around climate change and energy poverty, issues about which he is very passionate. His work largely centers around issues of poverty and class inequality and is always deeply rooted in his hometown and community. 

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Corey RobichaudDirector of Communications, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | corey.robichaud@conservationcouncil.ca | 506.458.8747

Danielle SmithDirector of Climate Engagement and Campaigns, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | danielle.smith@conservationcouncil.ca | 506.458.8747

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