Canadian pop/rock band Girl Pow-R continue their mission of empowerment this week, having inspired more than 500,000 teens and young adults worldwide with their newest video “Never Let Go.”
The clip — seen across all Girl Pow-R socials — dazzles with the all-girl supergroup’s dynamic dancing, and comes complete with an important message to their fellow female fans: ‘stay true to you’.
It’s a message dear to their hearts: Girl Pow-R have been seen around Canadian cities as of late inviting audience-members and passersby to write on their signature #GirlPowRment wall. “We started as a group by writing messages about friendship, acceptance and support that we find inspiring,” says the band. “We really enjoy seeing what other girls and women add!”
In continuing their inspirational mission of spreading confidence and kindness, Girl Pow-R — as seen on YTV, TVO Kids, CityTV, eTalk Canada, Girls’ Life, Tiger Beat, J-14, Celeb Secrets, Fresh 95.3 and more — are hoping “Never Let Go” will encourage girls to stay confident in their individuality and avoid the pitfalls of peer pressure and online influence in today’s hyper-digital age.
“It’s about never becoming someone you’re not, even when there is pressure from your peers and the media,” Girl Pow-R alum Kalista explains. “Young people already face challenges with knowing who they are, they don’t need the added pressure of looking like a runway model.”
“The song is based off personal experiences a lot of us girls have faced. Being on Instagram and seeing all of these icons and role models having ‘perfect lives’, and going to school and seeing other kids wearing makeup, it’s hard to be yourself or feel accepted when you don’t do the same.”
“You feel like you have to change who you are to please others.”
“Our inspiration was about when you’re forced to be someone you’re not, and how we stand above it!” adds bandmate Krisalyn, who adds that she too has personally gone through situations like those discussed in the song’s lyrics.
“In my case, this song is based on a friend’s experience,” fellow Girl Pow-R member Milana rounds out, sharing how she helped her friend navigate the hurdles of overwhelming influence. “She felt pressured to change herself into someone else to fit in.”
“A lot of people in our society are trying to change you to not be yourself, and to act differently to fit in. But (we say) you should ‘Never Let Go’ of yourself for someone else!”
“Be you, and be proud of who you are.”
With members ranging in age from 10 – 17, Girl Pow-R’s greatest strength lies in the diversity in their ages, backgrounds and life experiences. The universal things that join them together, however, are dynamic skill sets and a shared mission of empowerment among young women in the world today.
“I think we’re growing more,” Kalista reflects. “We’re realizing life isn’t just about having fun all day and having a good time. We’ve realized there are pressures and issues that everyone goes through, but nobody really talks about it.”
“It grew as we grew,” Krisalyn agrees, considering the lyrics and their message, compared to when Girl Pow-R started. “We are all a bit older now, and experiencing more mature situations.”
“Social media has also had an impact on us,” Milana adds, “and has increased our ability to write lyrics based on not only ours, but on our fans sharing their own stories too.”
