By: MTS Management Group
Patti Spadaro’s latest single, “Glass Shatters”, is a powerful anthem of empowerment, celebration, and resilience. Released in June 2024, the track showcases the collective talents of several prominent women musicians from the Pittsburgh, PA area, honoring the rise of Kamala Harris as the first female U.S. Vice President while providing a broader message of hope and inspiration for women everywhere.
The song opens with the lyrics, “Glass shatters, clear the way/ declare today a holiday,” immediately setting a tone of victory and breakthrough. With its bluesy guitar riffs and soulful melodies, “Glass Shatters” perfectly blends classic rock and blues elements, driven by Spadaro’s fluid guitar work and evocative vocals. The song is a true celebration of breaking barriers, not just figuratively but literally, as it addresses the “glass ceiling” that has hindered women for centuries. The chorus, “Women, this is our nation/ Keep rising up, never giving up/ Hear us roar,” resounds with both conviction and joy, echoing a message of progress and perseverance.
Musically, the collaboration shines with vocal contributions from Pittsburgh’s leading female talent, including Anne Celedonia, Cherylann Hawk, Jill Simmons, and Alison McTavish. Each voice brings its own unique quality, blending harmoniously to elevate the song’s message. Anne Celedonia’s rich keyboard accompaniment, combined with Cherylann Hawk’s harmonies and Simmons’ vocal flourishes, creates a full, dynamic sound that’s both uplifting and grounding. The rhythm section, anchored by drummer Eric Kurtzrock and bassist Ryan Black, provides a steady, feel-good groove that complements the upbeat and hopeful message of the lyrics.
Lyrically, Spadaro weaves poetic references to Harris, notably with the metaphor of the lotus flower: “Lotus rising, up from the mud, grow through resistance, bloom from a bud”—a nod to Harris’ perseverance in male-dominated spaces. The imagery evokes the lotus’s symbolic journey of blossoming through adversity, mirroring Harris’ own trajectory and inspiring women to continue pushing forward.
The production is equally impactful, culminating in a sense of togetherness and unity as the voices join in the powerful chorus. There’s a certain timelessness in how “Glass Shatters” feels; it’s both a song for this moment and a universal rallying cry that transcends its immediate context.
Accompanied by a visually engaging music video filmed in Pittsburgh, the single’s reach extends beyond just sound. The video features iconic Pittsburgh landmarks and captures the spirit of celebration with Spadaro and Cherylann Hawk leading a group of friends in jubilant solidarity. The sense of community in the video mirrors the song’s central message: that collective action and mutual support are key to progress.
Spadaro’s influences—ranging from Bonnie Raitt to the Tedeschi Trucks Band—are evident in the song’s fusion of bluesy guitar and soulful storytelling, but “Glass Shatters” stands as a unique testament to her own artistry. More than just a musical homage to Kamala Harris, the song serves as a call to action, encouraging women to continue shattering barriers and lift each other up along the way.
In its essence, “Glass Shatters” is not only a triumph of collaboration and musicianship but also a timely and relevant anthem for women’s empowerment. The song, both in its lyricism and performance, is a joyful reminder that progress is happening—and it’s led by resilient women who will continue to rise.
The song is a vibrant and inspiring manifesto for women’s empowerment. As a tribute to Kamala Harris, it celebrates a milestone in history while pushing for continued progress, using music as a force for social change. Spadaro’s intricate guitar work, underscored by the rich vocal harmonies of Pittsburgh’s fine female musicians, breathes life into the song’s narrative of resilience and unity. The empowering lyrics, like “Gonna shatter this ceiling to a million pieces,” resonate deeply with the listener, symbolizing the cracks in barriers women have long faced, and offering hope for the future.
Published by: Martin De Juan
