Meg Baird shares in-progress song “Cross Bay” to raise money for Covid-19 relief efforts

Meg Baird has been in the process of making a new solo record, but she’s one of the many artists who has had their plans disrupted this spring. Though she’s unable to continue mixing the record, the New Jersey-born, San Francisco-based songwriter (formerly of the Philly band Espers) shared one of her new songs in progress, “Cross Bay,” to help raise money for those in need during the pandemic.

“This song is a mash of abstractions,” Baird says of “Cross Bay.” “But one verse was written back in 2016 to thank a friend who checked in on me when I was stuck alone at home, staying up all night watching Lifeboat and freaking out about the Brexit leave vote. I was afraid that it was a terrible sign that the old agreements and already inadequate standards about how we take care of each other each were up for grabs. It really helped to talk about it.”

Baird hopes that proceeds from the song, out now on Bandcamp, will help provide meals, shelter, and support for some of her most vulnerable neighbors in the San Francisco area. Donations will be made to several charities of her choice: Glide, Homeless Prenatal Program, St. Anthony Foundation and La Casa de las Madres. 

“If, understandably, you’d rather see support stay closer to home, or you’re in a better position to help a friend, neighbor, yourself,” Baird adds, “it would all mean so much… It’s been a long four years. But I’m thinking of everyone and dreaming of better signs and seeing you soon.” Listen to and purchase the track below.