A Song for National Autism Awareness Month from The Nadas
April is National Autism Awareness Month in the USA with World Awareness Day falling on April 2nd. Our own National Autistic Society here in the UK has been raising awareness about autism this week leading up to April 2nd. The Nadas might not be very well known in the UK but the Iowa band recently released their eleventh album of a career that spans twenty-five years. National Autism Awareness Month has special meaning for singer-guitarist Mike Butterworth "Please enjoy this song I wrote and recorded with my band and remember that April is Autism Awareness month and that countless other families living with Autism are trying their best every day.” Please read on to check out the song 'Henry-James' and hear more from Mike as he shares some thoughts on Autism and his family:
Mike Butterworth wrote 'Henry-James' for his son who is 8-years-old. Here is what he has to say about his experience being the dad of an autistic child
“I worry sometimes about the future. What happens when he is too big for his mom to handle when he throws a tantrum and comes after her? What happens when we are gone? Will he be able to live on his own or at least in some way contribute to society? I don’t know. What I do know is that when things are bad they are very very bad. When things are good they are very very good and we celebrate even the smallest of victories... What I do know is I wouldn’t want Henry James any other way than exactly how he is. What I do know is “there is nothing wrong with this kid, he will get there. I’ll be patient” What I do know is that he is my very best friend and an inspiration, and I’ll try my best every day to make sure that his life doesn’t end up lame. That sounds like it could be a song……oh wait it is”
2018 marks the 25th year of The Nadas, who will be inducted into the Iowa Music Hall of Fame this summer.
The Nadas describe themselves perfectly: "Yes, they have been around long enough that if they were a car you would keep them covered in your garage except for sunny weekend cruising. But that isn't what is important about their story. What is important is that they make music that makes you feel things. Happy, sad, nostalgic, optimistic, energized, curious, inspired, and confused. The important part is that it makes you want to listen, and sometimes dance. 2018 will mark the 25th year of The Nadas. They just released their 11th studio record entitled One Louder. At a stage where most bands would be resting on their laurels and letting others do the heavy lifting, The Nadas are out there swinging for the fences, driving the van and carrying their own instruments."