I co-founded We Amplify Voices (formerly The Dick & Jane Project) with Andy Gallagher because we believed young people had something important to say—things that adults weren’t always listening to. By turning their words into songs, we created a space where their voices weren’t just heard but truly felt.

Though I stepped away from the organization years ago, I still listen to WAV songs—and they keep getting made. The organization is still thriving, with Nick D’Andrea and his team continuing to do amazing work. When I listen now, it’s not as a founder, but as a listener. And I feel the same wonder and curiosity that I hoped others would when I started this journey. There’s something different about a WAV song. It’s not just music; it’s a window into a young person’s world and a glimpse of their truth.

I’m still trying to put into words exactly what that feeling is—because WAV itself, and the philosophy behind it, is still finding its place in the world. I firmly believe that, when the time is right, WAV will grow to be a worldwide influence, reshaping the way we listen to young voices.

Below, I’ve shared a few of my favorite songs. I invite you to listen—to really listen—and experience the magic for yourself.