Los Angeles, CA --- In 2020, Shanna Forrestall, an established actress and producer penned her first set of official song lyrics and presented it to her (then) friend and (now) producing partner, musician Jeff Gold. Within 24 hours he came back with a song that left her breathless.
“Writing lyrics for songs was something I’ve wanted to do my entire life. I remember as a young girl, hiding in my closet to have privacy, and scribbling bits of poems and song lyrics into a small journal. Although I’ve spent my life telling stories as an actress and producer, and most recently as an author of children’s bedtime stories, I had yet to fulfill this life-long dream.” - Shanna Forrestall
Since then the duo, working under the label name of Fire and Water Music for music and My Calm World for their children’s stories and meditations have published a slate of original content that continues to grow.
“Music has always been my escape, but things changed when I got my first fan, my very special nephew, Russell. He loved my music, told me it makes him ‘feel better,’ and then shared my songs with his friends in his schools and other special needs programs. I enjoy playing at venues that include neuro-diverse individuals, mainly because of the positive response I get from the kids… and their parents! We always hope that our music, meditations and bedtime stories bring extra peace and joy to families in these chaotic times.” - Jeff Gold
Gold & Forrestall have been creating employment opportunities for young people on the autism spectrum for years. The duo have both been personally affected by the increasing numbers and have found a way to utilize their passion for storytelling and elevating diverse voices by creating a production pipeline that hires and mentors neurodiverse young adults to support their artistic growth as they enter the workforce.
During a visit to Paris, France earlier this year, Shanna Forrestall visited the Chateau Orquevaux residency and decided to apply. Even though the program was already booked up for a year and a half in advance, the managing directors took a liking to Forrestall and her work and found an earlier slot for her and her creative/music partner Gold to visit in 2022.
“I am honored to be chosen for this prestigious residency at Chateau Orquevaux and to have the opportunity to work with my creative partner in this unique environment. “ - Shanna Forrestall
“We are so excited to be chosen to go to France for this opportunity, and look forward to meeting and collaborating with the other artists from around the world.” - Jeff Gold
The duo will be at the residency from October 3rd to 17th, 2022.
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Shanna Forrestall - IG @shannaforrestall, @4fcproductions
Jeff Gold - IG @jeffgoldmx, Fire &Water Music - IG @fwmusic