Musicians come together in support of mental health with a new album of inspired songs about resiliency.
Fredericton, February 1, 2021 – The Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick (CMHA of NB) presents Music for the Mind, an album featuring new music from some of New Brunswick’s best and newest performers. It is a 12-track collection of songs about and inspired by the personal mental health journeys of these creative people, all of whom wanted to support and bring awareness to mental wellbeing.
CMHA of NB put out the call for songs about mental health to the New Brunswick music community and were overwhelmed by the response. Over 60 artists answered, from some of the best-known musicians to amateurs who felt inspired to create and offer their stories in song. Almost every style imaginable completes this compilation album including contemporary, rap, rock, electro, country, spoken word, instrumental, etc., music to cheer you up, to chill you out, and to make you think.
A fundraiser for mental health initiatives throughout New Brunswick, Music for the Mind is available for download through CD Baby on all music platforms including Apple Music, ITunes, Spotify, Amazon, and YouTube to name a few. Music lovers can also purchase the Music for the Mind CD in local music stores throughout the province (a full list of New Brunswick music stores is available at https://www.cmha-new-brunswick.local/music-for-the-mind).
All the music has been donated by the artists.
Also donating time was veteran producer Mike Oz of StudioZProductions, who is a mental health counsellor as well. “I found myself embarked in a twofold adventure in recording the musicians chosen for the 2020 Music for the Mind production. Talking with each of them about their mental health issues while engaging them on how they formulate their musical ideas and bring them to fruition has been a tremendously rewarding journey. From the musicians whom I saw in my studio to the ones we only talked to by phone or email, I knew that each one was involved because their music was both an outlet and a testimony to the mental health awareness, I believe we all need more of.”
Music for the Mind is about breaking the stigma surrounding all aspects of mental health and wellbeing, while showing recovery and resiliency. “Mental health is not always sunshine, and rainbows and it would be unjust to ignore the somber side. This album invites the outside world into someone’s mental health journey and gives people the insight to know that they are not alone. The songs show that recovery is possible, and that there is light, hope and healing in their journey”, says Christa Baldwin, Executive Director of CMHA of NB.
When life experiences form thoughts, and those thoughts form lyrics that form songs it empowers self-resilience and reflection of life’s moments through healing music. Singer/songwriter, and RCMP Constable Jason Robichaud reflects, “I suffer from ADHD, mild to severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. I try my best to keep healthy by practicing daily self-care and mindfulness. Through my expression of art, mainly music, I was able to somehow process my feelings better and this helped me grasp and better regulate my storm of emotions.” Submitting to Music for the Mind was healing and supportive he adds, “I wrote this song (Prendre en main sa vie) many years ago. At the time, unknowingly, it would become yet another representation of my lifelong struggle with mental illness and wellbeing, submitting this song with my band was encouraging and supportive for all of us together.”
To learn more about the 12 artists, watch their interviews and listen to their featured songs at https://www.cmha-new-brunswick.local/music-for-the-mind.
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For more information, contact:
Lori Wheeler
Director of Communications, CMHA of NB
506 447-7153
Lori.wheeler@cmhanb.ca
About the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick
Founded in 1950, as the province-wide leader and champion for mental health, the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick is the most established, most extensive community mental health organization in New Brunswick. Through a presence in communities across the province, CMHA of NB facilitates access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience and support recovery from mental illness. For more information visit www.cmhanb.ca