Inspired by a friendly challenge from Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and several Reno arts and culture partners are proud to present “Heartbeat to Heartbeat, Eye to Eye (From Reno with Love),” a new song and video inspired by Mayor Fischer’s “Lift Up Lou” movement, launched in early March to keep residents’ spirits up during the fight against COVID-19 and maintain a sense of connectedness, even at a time of necessary social distancing.

Through her role as Chair of The United States Conference of Mayors’ Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports (TAPES) Standing Committee, Mayor Schieve enthusiastically accepted Mayor Fischer’s challenge to uplift The Biggest Little City through the arts.

“This amazing song and video show that, even though our lives have changed dramatically since March, our arts and culture scene is still very much alive in Reno,” Schieve said. “The arts have strengthened Reno’s economy, driven tourism, sparked creativity and innovation, and have promoted local business. I am so very proud to once again raise the profile of Reno's incredible local arts and culture scene. I want to thank all the talented musicians and artists who found a way to collaborate from a distance and bring our city even closer together. We truly are #BigArtsLittleCity!”

The new Reno song represents a collaborative effort by the City of Reno, Artown, Reno Philharmonic (Reno Phil), Eric Henry Andersen and Bryon Evans Films:

• Written By: Eric Henry Andersen, Tyler Stafford, Dave Berry, Kate Cotter, Khalilah Smith Cage, Shaughn Richardson, Tristan Selzler, Jeff Depaoli and Zachary Teran
• Audio Produced By: Eric Henry Andersen and Tom Gordon
• Video Directed, Filmed and Edited By: Bryon Evans
• Featuring: Khalilah Smith Cage, Cliff Porter, Kyle Rea, Tim Snider, Reno Jazz Syndicate and nearly 50 other musicians and artists from the Reno area.
• Mixed and Mastered By: Tom Gordon for Inspired Amateur Productions and Imirage Sound Lab in Sparks
• Recorded By: Tom Gordon, Eric Henry Andersen and Tyler Stafford, at Imirage Sound Lab, Moon Room, Angel’s Share Studio and remotely around Reno

The many collaborators overwhelmingly agree that the production of the song and video came together quite naturally and synergistically, which is rare for a project with so many moving parts and of such magnitude. 

All proceeds from the song will benefit Artown’s “From Reno with Love Artist Fund,” created to assist performing artists adversely affected economically by COVID-19. Artists who wish to apply may do so at artown.org.

“Artown is built on collaboration and inspiring community through the arts,” said Beth Macmillan, Artown Executive Director. “This project aligns perfectly with Artown’s goals and mission. By supporting 53 artists, Artown is able to help some of the most economically vulnerable members of our community, while assisting in the creation of an incredibly inspiring piece of collaborative music and uplifting video. We hope everyone enjoys it.”

“The Reno Phil was excited and honored to be asked to participate as a partner in this project,” said Tim Young, President and CEO of the Reno Phil. “We are proud to be a part of the creative culture in Reno, and the idea of creating a work of art that showcased our community of artists was thrilling. Eric and the entire team have exceeded every expectation in writing, performing and producing ‘Heartbeat to Heartbeat, Eye to Eye.’ I cannot wait to share it with the world!”

“We wanted to address the legitimate frustrations that are on all our minds right now, while simultaneously encouraging a message of strength, love and unity,” Andersen said. “Working with such an eclectic, talented and enthusiastic cast of artists provided more than enough inspiration to deliver on that mission. Producing this song has truly been the honor and opportunity of a lifetime.”

“‘Heartbeat to Heartbeat, Eye to Eye (From Reno with Love)’ is a message of hope for the community and city that I am proud to call home,” Evans said. “The project came at a time when I personally wanted to contribute something positive to the world in the face of so many struggles.”

For more information, or to contribute to the From Reno with Love Artist Fund, visit artown.org.

In addition to Reno, several other cities around the country are also participating in Louisville’s city song challenge and project, including (but not limited to): Atlanta, Austin, Charleston, Chicago, Detroit, Louisville, Nashville and Oklahoma City.