Bands boost Southsea mental health charity by re-recording classic
‘Blue Monday’ to help programme
TWO bands have joined forces to release versions of an iconic song to raise money for a new programme supporting mental health in the music industry.
London-based Dub Pistols have teamed up with Canadians Dubmatix and dub producer Gaudi to record a cover and dub version of New Order’s iconic Blue Monday with proceeds going to Southsea-based charity Tonic Music For Mental Health.
Tonic Music’s new Tonic Rider programme, which launched yesterday – Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year – hopes to boost mental health in the volatile industry by offering support both remotely and at venues.
Mental health guides are being written by a team of mental health professionals after liaising with contacts in the music industry. They will cover topics such as anxiety, depression and the pressures of the music industry.
Training will include mental health first aid and suicide prevention training, which will be provided free to grassroots venues.
Support will include Tonic stands at events, videos, blogs, podcasts, a virtual peer support group, and email support provided by mental health professionals. All services will be free.
The Tonic Rider is being piloted at the 100 Club in London and the Wedgewood
Rooms in Portsmouth, before being rolled out to green rooms, festivals and Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) members across the UK.
The aim is to include the Tonic Rider on all rider lists and wall posters.
Barry Ashworth, Tonic patron and Dub Pistols frontman, whose fundraising helped launch the Tonic Rider, said: ‘With the music industry on its knees and many people having lost their livelihoods, it is needed now more than ever.’
Other patrons include Terry Hall from The Specials and music photographer Kevin Cummins.
The Tonic Rider booklet and depression guide, as well as the safety plan zine, will be available both as printed hard copies and as downloads on its website where you can also hear the song: www. tonicmusic.co.uk
To register interest email: tonicrider@tonicmusic.co.uk
The News There for Each Other campaign highlights mental health issues and promotes support services.
With the music industry on its knees many people have lost their livelihoods. Barry Ashworth