By: Sharon Aron Baron
Los Angeles-based rock duo Sleep Machine, who has roots in Parkland, wrote a tribute song for the 17 lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
Their just-released song “Leave the Light On” about remembrance hits home for guitarist/songwriter Dan Kalisher who graduated in 2005 from the Parkland school.
“When we say leave the light on, it’s basically saying that we will never forget the victims and what happened, that we will always leave the light on in our hearts for them to be remembered,” said Kalisher.
Kalisher and singer Alisha Zalkin, from San Diego, met in 2013. Currently living in Los Angeles, they have had over 20 original song placements on several networks, cable shows, and commercials. They have earned two LA Music Critic Awards, and their song “Wild For You” was nominated for Best Rock Song at the 15th Annual Independent Music Awards in 2016.
Drawing influence and comparisons to bands like Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles, Kalisher said, “With the current political climate and all the chaos happening in the world, we felt it was our responsibility as artists to use this next record as a vehicle to speak up and add value, meaning and heart to the conversation.”
They will release their self-titled debut album one song per month during the entirety of 2018. All proceeds from the release of their song “Leave the Light on” will go to the official MSD Victim’s Fund.
Author Profile

- Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.
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