Harmonizing Climate Action: The Making of ‘(I’m Your) Heat Pump’ and Its Impact
The heart of The Switch Is On is our volunteers. We call them Ambassadors. They are filled with energy, excitement, and enthusiasm for all-electric living. They are known for talking to everyone about how much they love their heat pumps, induction ranges, and other climate-friendly appliances.
But not everyone is an outgoing, extroverted talker, and that’s okay. We want EVERYONE in our growing movement. So, when Ambassador Michael T Roberts told me that he was happy to represent The Switch Is On at a community event, but that it wasn’t his favorite thing to do, I asked him “What is your favorite thing?” That’s when I learned that he’s a musician. That led us to another question; what would it look like to represent his enthusiasm for all-electric homes through music?
Music Meets Electrification
A few months after that conversation, I got an email from Michael.
“When we spoke earlier this year we touched on the possibly-exciting prospect of music about electrification. Well…I’ve got a little something for you to check out. All I can say is, you never know what inspiration will bring—and in this case, it brought an R&B song from the perspective of a heat pump. A heat pump with a whole lotta love to give.”
What I can tell you, dear reader, is that the song Michael shared with me, is nearly the exact same song you are listening to now. His talent is incredible! “I’m your heat pump” was immediately stuck in my head. I found myself humming and singing the line out loud (much to my family and friends’ curiosity). There is no doubt that this song will pull in folks who wouldn’t otherwise know what a heat pump is. It is proof that EVERYONE’S talents are needed, and welcomed, in the building decarbonization movement.
Collaboration and Creativity: The Heartbeat of Change
Through conversation, collaboration, creativity, and a touch of funk, Michael T Roberts and Will Hammond Jr. have crafted a melody that inspires and educates on a whole new level. “(I’m Your) Heat Pump” serves as a reminder that each of us holds the power, through whatever medium we choose, to make a difference in the fight against climate change.
I’d like to express a very heartfelt THANK YOU on behalf of the entire team here at The Switch Is On. To Michael and Will, to our dear friends at Be Media, Polytechnic, Mama Dog Studios, and to Larry Waters of Electrify My Home, not to mention, Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US, and the laundry list of amazing individuals below who contributed. Your generosity, creative brilliance, and passion were absolutely vital in turning this crazy idea into a full-fledged reality.
(I’m Your) Heat Pump Lyrics
Baby, tell me what you want…
Cool days…? Warm nights…?
Yeah, sometimes we all need a little help
To make everything just right
Not too hot, not too cold…
Goldilocks
And what I wanna tell you, babe, is I got the tools to hit that sweet spot
Every time
I wanna help you, babe
Wanna blow your mind…
I’m your heat pump
When you want it hot, I’m hot for you
(I’m your heat pump)
When you want it cool, I’m cool witchu, babe
‘Cause I can do it all for you, baby
All you got to do is turn me on
And I’ll go on and on for you (check me out)
Part of me goes inside (inside)
Part of me goes out (all of me pumpin’ for you)
I’m precisely calibrated
To make you scream and shout (’cause I’m electric in yo’ hizzy)
‘Cause I can move heat in or out (in or out)
‘Til you feel what you wanna be feelin’
You and me + electricity (come on) = Climatic healing (Math y’all!)
I’m your heat pump (pumpin’ it, baby)
When you want it hot, I’m hot for you
(I’m your heat pump – blowin’ it out for you)
When you want it cool, I’m cool witchu, babe
Don’t matter if you’re livin’ in the sun or snow
Any place you go
I’ll be there for you
That’s all I wanna do
I’m switched on
Sippin’ on electrons
Never gonna burn fuel
‘Cause I prefer to keep the planet cool
All day, all night I keep hummin’
Keeping hydrocarbons quakin’ ‘cause I’m comin’
No time for waitin’, I’m-a get proliferatin’
In every state and every nation, gonna stimulate the conversation
It’s time to get BUSY
Cut your gas line, I’m electric in yo’ hizzy
(I’m your heat pump)
When you want it hot, I’m hot for you
(I’m your heat pump)
When you want it cool, I’m cool witchu, babe
Any way you want it, I got you, babe
I got you, baby
I’m your heat pump
Behind-the-scenes footage of the band and crew hard at work during the shoot for the (I’m Your) Heat Pump music video.
Video performers
- Lead Vocals: Will Hammond, Jr.
- Guitar and Backing Vocals: Michael T Roberts
- Drums: Christopher Colebourn
- Bass: Drew Thomas
- Actor: Jessica Miller
Audio performers
- Lead Vocals: Will Hammond, Jr.
- Guitar, Bass, Backing Vocals, and Drum Programming: Michael T Roberts
- Keyboards: Nathaniel Bryan
Production
- Principal: Joel Boardman
- Senior Acct Director: Lisa Sutton
- CD / Producer: Tanya Spanier
- AD: Ben Sanders
- Producer: Arielle Salman-Bailey
- Co-Director: Ed Ng
- Co-Director: Keoni Mars
Stylist
- HMU: Nicole Perez
- Wardrobe: Amanda Hipperson
Art
- Production Designer: Michael Stephenson
- Lead Man: Jeff Benett
- Set Dresser: Barker Barrett
- Swing: Eli Koral
Support
- PA: Jon Martinez
- Stage Manager: Sam Gouldthorpe
- Stage Manager: Megan Lavill
Lighting
- Gaffer: Marlon O’Brien
- Best Boy Electric: Raul Morales
- Swing: Arthur Yee
- Key Grip: Pauly Harper
- Best Boy Grip: Tehan Davis
Camera
- DP: Jason Joseffer
- 1st AC: Kelsey Rivera
- DIT/2nd AC: V Tran
- Techno Op: Robert Barcelona
Vendors
- Creative: Polytechnic
- Production: Mama Dog Studios
- Direction: Be Media
- Equipment: Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US / Electrify My Home
- Camera: Be Media / VideoFax
- Grip: SF Bay Area Camera and Grip
- Electric: SF Bay Area Camera and Grip
- Insurance: Workers Insurance Agency NY
If you would like to promote this video on your website or at your event, please click here.