Jeff Gold and Shanna Forrestall
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," said Ms. Forrestall. "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. That dream has come true in a big way. We have been writing and releasing original music for the past two years and I’m excited to see what develops during our France residency. ”
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 worked with a variety of Chattanooga area artists to record and publish a slate of original content in various genres. And they have several new songs and children’s stories featuring other local Chattanooga artists coming out later this year.
During a visit to Paris, France earlier this year, Ms. 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 Ms. Forrestall and her work and found an earlier slot for her and her creative/music partner Mr. Gold to visit in 2022.
“I am honored to be chosen for this prestigious residency and to have the opportunity to work with my creative partner in this unique environment," said Ms. 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,” said Mr. Gold.
The duo will be at the residency from Oct. 3-17.