The independent artists, Citizen Soldier and SkyDxddy, have teamed up to release a new single, “Heavy.” It has racked up over a million combined views and streams since the release date. In July, they will be touring together alongside Icon For Hire and Keith Wallen of Breaking Benjamin.
The track has rose up the charts, sitting at #5 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Digital Song Sales and #2 on the iTunes rock chart. It also had a #19 debut on the Top 200. The track features both artists complimenting one another as they speak on their vulnerabilities.
SkyDxddy on “Heavy”:
“’Heavy’ was written for a fan of mine who asked me to write a song for her about losing friends after going through a traumatic experience. After she was SA’d and developed a string of mental illnesses, she was no longer “fun,” and friends left her in her most vulnerable moments. I quickly felt extremely connected to this because I’ve also experienced the same thing when it came to my own traumas. After sharing a bit of the song on my social media, I realized how relatable it was, and the feeling of being ‘too heavy’ for some people was sadly a universal feeling. So, I decided to hold an open verse challenge for others to share their experiences, and that’s when Citizen Soldier joined and added one of the most heartfelt and heartbreaking verses I’ve ever heard.”
SkyDxddy’s an authentic and vulnerable genre-jumper who shares her life stories in her music as she pioneers the Trauma-Core movement within music. She is a survivor of an assault that changed her life forever. She struggles with mental health issues and has found a way to start to heal from her trauma through her music. “Heavy” follows the release of “Why Do I Stay?” and “7 Years.” When she’s not on tour, Sky is writing and recording with more song releases and her debut album to come, via It Goes Up Entertainment/Compound Interest.
Jake Segura of Citizen Soldier on “Heavy”:
“’Heavy’ is a song unlike any other because it was collaboratively written by a survivor of trauma and a trauma therapist. Rock songs are released everyday, but this gut-wrenching track stands alone because of its unique lens and background. It’s amazing to see how strongly it resonates with survivors of abuse and violence that are still struggling to articulate their pain and share their stories.”
Citizen Soldier formed back in 2016, when frontman, Jake Segura penned up “Let It Burn” from a psychiatric hospital. He’s now practicing as a clinical therapist and implements intensely emotional lyrical themes of mental health into their music. During the countless road miles under their belts, the band presents an accessible message that combats stigmatization, providing a group therapy dynamic. Alongside Jake Segura, is Matt Duffney and Kooper Hanosky on guitars, Wonitta on bass and keyboard and Kyle Persell on drums.
Sky on working with Citizen Soldier:
“Working with Citizen Soldier on this song was truly amazing. They’ve been one of my favorite bands for a while. I can’t wait to go on tour with them and perform ‘Heavy’ live. I know this song will help so many people, just as it’s helped me. I’m so proud of it.”
The Save Your Story Tour (SkyDxddy, Citizen Soldier, Icon For Hire, Keith Wallen):
July 12: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
July 13: Oklahoma City, OK @ Tower Theater
July 14: Kansas City, MO @ The Truman
July 15: Springfield, MO @ The Regency Live
July 16: Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
July 20: Buffalo, NY @ Electric City
July 21: Hartford, CT @ the Webster
July 22: Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
July 24: Harrisburg, PA @ Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center
July 25: Richmond, VA @ The National
July 26: Charlotte, NC @ Neighborhood Theatre
July 27: Knoxville, TN @ The Concourse
Icon For Hire and SkyDxddy:
July 29: Savannah, GA @ Victory North
July 31: Orlando, FL @ The Abbey
August 1: West Palm Beach, FL @ Respectable Street
August 2: Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum
August 3: Destin, FL @ Club LA
Citizen Soldier Festival Dates:
July 17: Cadott, WI @ Rock Fest 2024
July 19: Gradn Rapids, MI @ Upheaval 2024
September 28: Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life 2024
October 14: Sacramento, CA @ Aftershock 2024
