We are astounded by how many members of Braver Angels showed the courage to express themselves through music—especially in these difficult and divisive times. Thank you to everyone who contributed their voice to build this movement!

This article, however, features speakers across a racial rather than a partisan divide. For this conversation, the white speaker is Cameron Swallow, a Braver Angels leader and local bluegrass musician in Wisconsin. The Black speaker is Austin Willacy, a professional songwriter, musician, and activist near Oakland, California.

It made us wonder: how does a quiet voice “drown out all the noise?” Is there one authoritative quiet voice, or is it up to each one of us to discern it? What is that quiet voice for you?

Jazz musicians don’t have to agree with each other’s notes, but they should inspire each other, just as two people discussing a hot topic in politics should acknowledge their differences while keeping an open ear for other points of view to take the narrative in a more dynamic direction.