(Also accepting NAMI and CAMH donations via Venmo: @itschriscampbell
Just comment "mental health awareness" on your donation!)
This cover of "Hey Ma" has been released with the intention of bringing some comfort, self reflection and positive energy during a particularly difficult year for many. Music is a powerful and vulnerable way to communicate and connect, so we chose this form of expression in order to raise funds and awareness for those who are particularly vulnerable in these times of recession, isolation and uncertainty - those suffering with mental health issues, addiction and more.
All donations will go to NAMI (US) and CAMH (Canada) - two leading organizations for mental health resources, research and suicide prevention across North America.
The song’s release is an effort to amplify the necessity of mental health awareness and destigmatization across all communities; to ignite vulnerable conversations, and expand support in the fallout of the pandemic. The project materialized in the midst of isolation and mandated lockdowns when Lovely Nothing’s Chris Campbell reached out to Darlingside remotely with a live recording he’d made in his home. No stranger to depression and mental health struggles, Campbell realized the importance of staying connected, and emotionally open, during a unprecedented year.
“Honestly, there was a night where I had an very intense mental breakdown. A longtime friend of mine had taken his life due to mental health struggles during months in isolation, and at a time when community being there for each other felt so vital, there was just an overwhelming amount of loss, injustice, loneliness and societal division added to the physical separation. The loss of my friend, and the painful events of the year had me wondering just how many people desperately needed a compassionate ear, or a comforting voice” , said Campbell.
“The next day, I didn’t really know how to be. I sat in my room most of the day with a piano, and found ‘Hey, Ma’ particularly consoling to play. Grounding. To me, the song reflected on identity, empty pursuits, and our collective longing for contentment. It reinforced that ultimately, any valuable action starts with genuine love for others. We all struggle with our mental health in one way or another. We all lead complex lives. Radical and universal compassion is essential, now”.
You can read more about how NAMI and CAMH provide for our communities at the links below:
www.nami.org
www.camh.ca
Thank you.
released April 30, 2021
Lovely Nothing:
Chris Campbell - Lead Vocals, Piano
Darlingside:
Don Mitchell - Vocals, Banjo
Auyon Mukharji - Vocals, Violins
Dave Senft - Vocals
Produced by Chris Campbell
Mixed by Dan Hosh
Assistant Engineered by Erik Boman Tursch
__________________________________________
"Hey Ma" was written by:
Bradley Cook, Brandon Burton, Justin Deyarmond Vernon, Simon Edward Christensen
The original work was published by:
Kobalt Publishing