Rock the Cause Inc. 501c3

04/02/2026

April is Autism Acceptance Month

Autistic Songwriter, and NSAI award winner Joe Bigalke will release a new music single, “Side By Side,” in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month starting April 2, 2026, featuring country vocalist and producer Anthony Daniel. The song was co-written with Jamie Floyd, a Nashville-based, three-time Grammy-nominated independent songwriter and recording artist. Blending adult contemporary songwriting with country influences, the track delivers a heartfelt message about empathy, understanding, and the beauty of human differences.

“Side By Side” draws listeners into the inner world of someone experiencing life through a unique lens. The lyrics invite people to imagine seeing the world differently, where imagination is vivid, music becomes color, and creativity fills everyday moments. At the same time, the song acknowledges the challenges that can come with anxiety, uncertainty, and feeling misunderstood.

Rather than focusing on division, the message of the song is connection. The chorus centers on a simple but powerful idea: even when people experience life differently, they can still walk forward together.

“We may be different, but we can still walk side by side… Let’s share what we’re given so we can walk through this life side by side.”

Through storytelling and imagery, the song encourages listeners to slow down and see the person behind the differences. One verse imagines someone sitting alone on a city sidewalk, lost in creative thoughts and abstract ideas, hoping someone might simply sit down, listen, and learn their “melody.”

For Bigalke, the song is about breaking down fear and replacing it with curiosity and compassion.

“Sometimes people are afraid of what they don’t understand,” Bigalke said. “This song is really an invitation to look a little closer and realize that the things that make us different can also be beautiful.”

Anthony Daniel brings emotional depth to the track with a warm country vocal performance while also shaping the song’s sound as producer. The production blends piano, acoustic guitar, and subtle country elements with an adult contemporary feel, creating a reflective and accessible sound.

Co-writer Jamie Floyd adds her Nashville songwriting experience to the project. As a three-time Grammy-nominated independent songwriter and recording artist, Floyd is known for writing songs that combine emotional honesty with strong melodic storytelling.

At its heart, “Side By Side” carries a message of acceptance. The closing line captures the spirit of the song and its connection to Autism Awareness Day:

“Just how we were made is a beautiful, beautiful thing.”

By pairing meaningful lyrics with a melodic, cross-genre style, “Side By Side” aims to spark conversation about understanding people on the autism spectrum and recognizing the value of every individual’s perspective.

Choose your preferred music service Side by Side is available 4/2/2026

02/20/2026

In 2018, composer Joe Bigalke was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. Since that time, Joe Bigalke has received multiple songwriting awards and recognition from the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). Through music, Joe Bigalke advocates to change perceptions of autism and the greatness that neuro-divergent individuals bring to our world. His latest song and first music video, "Child of God," premieres today at 10 AM CT. Subscribe below.

Music production by Mark Woerpel Music

Download & Stream Child of God https://orcd.co/mznngyy

10/29/2025

Throughout Wednesday, Oct. 29, special programming on The Current will enhance Public Radio Music Day. Tune in for live sessions, interviews, and performances featuring Jon Batiste, Mt. Joy, Wolf Alice, Wet Leg, The Hold Steady, Royel Otis, and more.

04/29/2025

https://www.loudersound.com/news/mike-peters-has-died

Mike Peters has died, aged 66.

04/19/2025

It is . Listen to AM950Radio at 9 AM on Saturday, 4/19, to hear how a Minnesota artist has made it his life mission to raise awareness for what people with Autism can achieve! It is a beautiful story of faith, hope, and charity.

03/06/2025

Please join in congratulating Joe Bigalke and Mark Woerpel Music on their outstanding accomplishment. Joe, a Redwing, MN native with Autism, began songwriting in 2018 and has quickly won over the Nashville songwriting community. His partnership with Mark Woerpel has yielded a notable Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Milestone Award. Joe is a talented songwriter and passionate philanthropist. His new single, "No Matter Where You Are" will be available later this month. Joe Bigalke Music Mark Woerpel Music Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)

11/12/2024

Folk music can change the world! Download or stream now.

Larry Long & Fiddlin’ Pete Watercott’s life story is something out of a John Steinbeck novel. Throughout their early twenties they hitchhiked and hopped freight-trains throughout the West passing the hat from bar to bar, performing most anywhere that people gather. In exchange for the hospitality and generosity shown by those who helped them out along the way, Larry would write a song in their honor. The lyrics were left pinned onto their refrigerator door with a magnet before Fiddlin’ Pete and Larry headed back on the road.

Choose your preferred music service

11/07/2024

10/17/2024

Proceeds to benefit National Indigenous Women's Resource Center to end the national crisis of gender based violence inflicted on Indigenous women and girls.

Rickey Medlocke and the Rickey Medlocke Band, featuring members of Lynyrd Skynyrd & Blackfoot return with a scorching new Country infused Rock Anthem entitled RISE AGAIN. Proceeds to benefit the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women's Movement. Download or Stream now.

On RISE AGAIN legendary guitarist Rickey Medlocke and long-time band mate and collaborator Mark Woerpel Music deliver a scorching Country infused Arena Rock anthem, with a call to action to rise up from the ashes, shed your skin, and meet your destiny, time and again, holding on to hope, letting go of doubt, and never giving up in the face of resistance.

RISE AGAIN is the follow up to early 2024's much acclaimed debut single "Never Run Out Of Road" by the Rickey Medlocke Band, which caught the attention of Medlocke fans resulting in 200,000+ audio streams on Youtube, Apple, and Spotify, as well as features on Louder, Alice Cooper, Ultimate Classic Rock, Guitar World, dozens of music news sites, Rock radio stations, and music podcasts around the world.

"I am Native American, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women's Movement is something that is very special and dear to my heart. This is a problem that has gone on for decades where Indigenous women and girls disappear and they are never found. It needs to be addressed now. I am honored to do my part to get people to pay attention to this issue and support the work of the NIWRC and Dream Catcher Foundation to help end this crisis and advance the lives of Native American people everywhere. I will continue to support these causes through my music and official Rickey Medlocke Band merchandise". - Rickey Medlocke

RISE AGAIN will be available worldwide October 15, 2024 on storied record label Rock the Cause Records, per the artists wishes a portion of net proceeds will benefit the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center to help end the crisis of violence and human trafficking plaguing Native American women and girls.

Helluva song. I really liked it a lot. Sounds like some of my favorite Southern rock classics, mixed with Bad Company and very relevant today. Bart Herbison - Nashville Songwriters Association International

As a lifelong fan of all of Rickey’s work I am thrilled he has made some killer new music. Rise Again is the latest addition to a truly stellar catalog of music from this true rock legend and warrior. - Eddie Trunk Sirius XM Trunk Nation

Choose your preferred music service. Proceeds from streams and downloads benefit the NIWRC.

10/16/2024

Thanks Blabbermouth.net!

RICKEY MEDLOCKE BAND, featuring members of LYNYRD SKYNYRD and BLACKFOOT returns with a scorching new country-infused rock anthem titled "Rise Again". Proceeds from the track will benefit the missing and murdered indigenous women's movement. On "Rise Again", legendary guitarist Rickey Medlocke and lo...

10/16/2024

RICKEY MEDLOCKE BAND, featuring members of LYNYRD SKYNYRD and BLACKFOOT returns with a scorching new country-infused rock anthem titled "Rise Again". Proceeds from the track will benefit the missing and murdered indigenous women's movement. On "Rise Again", legendary guitarist Rickey Medlocke and lo...