Alumnae Host Second-Annual Benefit Concert Aiding Victims and Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Anthems Against Abuse to be held June 14 at The Coliseum by Daisy Sellas, Brittany Bishop  

Two Belmont alumnae are gearing up to host their second-annual benefit concert, Anthems Against Abuse, on June 14. The event raises awareness and funds to combat domestic violence — a mission Daisy Sellas (’21) and Brittany Bishop (’19) created out of personal experience and a desire to build a community they once needed for themselves. 

Sellas, from San Juan Capistrano, California, majored in songwriting and minored in creative writing. Bishop, a native of Abilene, Texas, majored in commercial voice with a minor in music business. 

Though they graduated two years apart, their paths crossed post-college as musicians on Broadway, sparking the idea for Anthems Against Abuse.

Founding of Anthem’s Against Abuse 

In 2022, Sellas escaped an emotionally and physically abusive relationship with the help of friends and family. 

"Once I started learning more about it, going to therapy and finding a community with people who've also suffered from domestic violence, I realized it is so common — way more common than you would think," Sellas said. 

Determined to help others, she envisioned a concert to raise awareness and funds to help others escape the same situations. 

“I had help, so I wanted to help women who don't have the emotional and financial support that I had throughout the whole process, not just to escape the relationship but with the court system and everything else,” she said.

Word of Sellas’ idea began to spread, eventually reaching Bishop who was also a survivor of abuse. Bishop introduced herself after one of Sellas’ gigs and they quickly bonded over their shared stories and a desire to create something healing. 

“I wish I had not been so alone in that,” said Bishop. “So much of the industry is about ‘me’ — my new song, my show — and I was losing my mind a little bit. I had all these things going on, but what were they really doing? This was an outlet to incorporate music, help people feel less alone and provide the same feeling of solace we found in each other.”

First Year Success 

Despite organizing the 2024 inaugural Anthems Against Abuse event in a short amount of time, it was a tremendous success for the determined duo. 

They raised over $10,000, donated to YWCA Metro Office, Mary Parrish Center and Metro Nashville’s Office of Family Safety — organizations providing emergency shelter, traditional housing and long-term support for survivors of abuse. 

“We learned very quickly and I’m very proud of what we were able to do in our first year,” said Bishop. “We knew we were going to have questions, but we weren’t afraid to ask and we threw our all into it. We’re really excited to build on it for year two.” 

Anthems Against Abuse in 2025 

This year, Anthems Against Abuse will be held on June 14 at The Coliseum in East Nashville. Sellas and Bishop set an ambitious fundraising goal of $20,000, aspiring to double their impact made from a year ago. Donations will be made to the same organizations. 

In addition to seven musical artists, representatives from the groups receiving donations and local law enforcement will be present to share domestic violence resources. A certified therapist will be on site.

The evening will also feature a silent auction and a vendor’s market comprised of all female-owned businesses.

Tickets are available here.

Looking Ahead 

As Sellas and Bishop consider what the future holds for Anthems Against Abuse, two primary goals remain top-of-mind — increased growth and increased awareness. 

“We’d like to raise more money every year and get bigger artists, but we want this to remain an accessible event for everyone,” said Sellas. “We want to keep talking about this issue because people are not always comfortable talking about it.” 

Within Nashville, the two dream of graduating Anthems Against Abuse to the Ryman Auditorium, then Nissan Stadium. However, they do not want to limit its scope to one event per year in Music City. 

“It would be great to take it on the road and host workshops a few times a year, which is something we’re already exploring,” added Bishop. “We want to keep the mission involved and continue to grow a safe space and community for people.” 

The Belmont Piece 

Both women credited Belmont for preparing them for different facets of their advocacy work. 

Sellas highlighted the connections she made and the support of her creative writing professors like Dr. Gary McDowell and Dr. Eric Hobson. 

“They pushed me to write through whatever I was going through,” she said. 

Bishop pointed to the personal growth she experienced at Belmont. 

“Belmont showed me I can accomplish things I never thought I could, and it’s translated into the real world,” she said. “Our goals for Anthems look so lofty, but I know I’ve done this before.” 

By turning pain into purpose, the two alumnae are building something bigger than an annual concert — they are creating a movement rooted in healing, music and connection.