Songwriter brings hope to kids at a national level
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POLSON — A songwriter from Polson has just announced the launch of an organization that will help strengthen mental health support for young people in underserved areas like where he grew up.
Songwriter Tom Fugleberg, son of longtime Polson “newspaper guy” Paul Fugleberg, launched a music project called “Seeking Permission: Songs in the Key of Hope” in 2020, originally a series of songs made with his creative partner Brian Kroening of the country band “Rocket Club.” Fugleberg said the music project was initially meant to put hope in the hearts of his children, and the growing project has gained national attention in the years since. The group has even drawn in musicians and producers that’ve worked with Paul McCartney, Prince, and Taylor Swift.
“(Seeking Permission) continues to spill over the pan in ways I didn’t anticipate,” Fugleberg laughed. From listeners across the country sending them messages of thanks for the songs and an increasing array of noteworthy artists joining the project, Fugleberg said the unforeseen momentum made them stop and consider what their story should really be about.
Fugleberg wrote, “(Is it about) a 50-something dad trying to chase his dreams for a few downloads or is it an opportunity to put the spotlight on something that keeps me up at night? … My worries about the effect the world is having on our children’s mental health?”
So, he said the group got to work and formally organized Seeking Permission, an organization sparking a national movement to work with established artists and create songs of hope. The group awards up to 50% of their proceeds to partner organizations directly assisting kids and youth struggling with mental health issues, especially in communities that need some help providing support.
“There’s a lot of kids out there and a lot in very underserved areas, like where I grew up and other communities, that are struggling with mental health,” Fugleberg explained. “It’s kind of the issue of our times, and they don’t have access to the services. But there’s a lot of organizations out there who are directly assisting them and making a difference.”
The money the Seeking Permission organization will put toward youth mental health is called the “Neverlost Fund,” with the idea that as long as someone is seen, they’re never lost. To make the movement happen, however, they need help at all levels. “What started as a passion project has now found a higher purpose,” Fugleberg said. “We’re going to need all hearts on deck to help us do it.”
While they’re certainly still welcoming music producers and artists to co-create and contribute, Fugleberg explained they need platforms to help fan the flame and get the movement going. They want partner organizations in the nonprofit world and corporate sponsors to help them find funding beyond just their own. They also want folks out there to help them tell the “Seeking Permission” story within their own circles.
More information about the organization and how to get involved, as well as songs from the group are available for purchase. Their songs, “The Best for You,” “Love’s Gonna Break the Fall,” and “We Can Try,” can all be found online at: seeking-permission.com
“I am humbly asking the people back home to get involved,” Fugleberg wrote. “Spread the word. Buy a song. Create hope.”
