The Story of the Album
It all began when we wanted to create a tribute album to our favorite artist, and decided that we would use any profits received from sale of the album to help raise mental health awareness through music to reduce stigma and promote recovery. Word got out about the project, and we were contacted by Geoff Botak, CEO of Friends Hospital (the first and oldest operating mental health facility in the U.S.) and Joe Pyle, President of the Scattergood Foundation, who told us to "go big" because what we do "needs to be the Farm Aid or Live 8 for mental health". When we realized using music to start a new dialog about mental health could have a far-reaching and positive impact, our foundation, Box of Stars, was born.
Unbeknownst to us at the time, it just so happened that producers Dave Fridmann (Flaming Lips, MGMT, Mercury Rev) and Marc Fuller (Edie Road Studio) were working on a tribute album to the same artist, but were undecided on how they wanted to release it. After discussing our two projects, they decided to hand the tracks they had completed over to us to incorporate into our project. We decided to continue on with our album that we had just begun to create, and the resulting double album of incredible music is now almost three quarters complete.
It has been a dream to be able to work with the artists who are contributing to this album (see the full list below), and the amount of support and encouragement they have offered has been very motivating. Some contributors knew the artist personally, others just admire his writing, but all of them understand that we are at the beginning of something really important, something that can improve and even save lives.
Several of the artists involved will also be participating in our PSA campaign to combat the stigma of mental illness and initiate the conversation. Our website and YouTube channel will serve as a repository of stories from musicians in the public eye, discussing mental health challenges they have dealt with themselves or in their personal or professional lives. (A big thanks to Eric Slick of Dr. Dog for being the first!) In this way, we can create a community where, through relating to other's experiences, those who once found shame in their struggle can find strength and encouragement to get the help they need.
This project and this cause is very dear to my heart, and with your help I know that we can make powerful music and an important difference in people’s lives.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 to:
- Complete the album. While a good chunk of the recording is completed, there are some key artists who have yet to do so. Some of what has already been recorded still needs to be mixed, and the entire collection will be mastered by David Fridmann.
- Press the CDs and vinyl and design/create the packaging. This constitutes a good chunk of the cost of completion. We will press as many albums as demand requires.
- Promote the album's message through international media.
- Create some of the the perks we are offering.
- Build our archive of personal stories about mental health for the Box of Stars website and YouTube channel. We are very fortunate to have artists interested in telling their own stories, but in order to share them effectively we need to get them on video with the proper lighting and sound.
We are a 501c3 non-profit, and any amount we raise above our goal will go towards funding our PSA campaign to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and to help us develop our youth engagement pilot program in conjunction with our friends at mindingyourmind.org which we plan to launch nationwide in 2014. To learn more visit boxofstars.org.
The Impact
1 in 4 of us struggle with our mental health. In the United states, more than 50% of adults who report having mental illness never seek treatment. 20% of those with mental illness also meet the criteria for substance dependence or abuse.
Reasons why those who need help don’t find it: the stigma of mental disease, lack of access to care and the financial barriers imposed by our healthcare system.
We’d like to help change this. Box of Stars is a non-profit organization with the mission of raising mental health awareness through music. So many of the musicians that we admire and are inspired by have struggled with their own mental health. To name but a few: Curt Cobain, Ian Curtis, Elliott Smith, Daniel Johnston, Michael Hutchence, George Gershwin, and Brian Wilson. By shining a light on the stories and music of musicians we admire, and whose lives and work have been effected by struggles with mental health, we hope to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, increase awareness, promote recovery and save lives.
We need to educate and reduce stigma at a young age in order to effectively create real change. Box of Stars is also partnering with Minding Your Mind (www.mindingyourmind.org), an organization that visits over 250 schools yearly to educate young adults about mental health. We are developing an application that marries music and mental health to give young adults (high school through college) a way to stay involved in the conversation.
A Special Thanks
There are so many people who have been indispensable in getting this project off the ground. The idea for this tribute originated in two places, independent of each other, before it became what it is today. We need to give our sincere thanks and gratitude to Marc Fuller and Dave Fridmann for initiating and fully traversing the journey of creating the first half of the album.
None of this would be possible if it weren't for the artists who have given their time and talents to this project. Their interpretations of the songs are all thoughtful gems, and so are they. We really can't wait to share them all with the world. Their support and kindness has meant so much and helped immensely.
Another thanks to those who have helped (and will help) us offer some great perks for your contribution: Cowboy Junkies, Mark Lanegan, über helper Daniel de Jesús, and wonderful Michael Motorcycle.
Thanks to Furnace MFG for helping us sort out our vinyl and CD pressings, and for giving us 10 test pressings to offer as perks! They are a great bunch of people, please check them out!
We would like to thank our Board Members: Geoff Botak, Joe Pyle, Joe Nicolo, and John Katrina. We would also like to thank our Executive Director, Hector Gomez and Board of Advisors, Martha McGeary Snider and Artie Kornfeld, as well as Amy Erlbaum and our friends at Minding Your Mind.
Of course, we give the ultimate thanks, now and forever, to the person who inspired this album for his wondrous and beautiful music, and for inspiring us to use our lives on here earth to be in of service others.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you can't contribute monetarily, you can still help us by:
- Asking folks to get the word out. Make some noise about our campaign!
- Please share this campaign Facebook, Twitter etc. and with your friends and family. Together we can make music and make a difference .
FAQ
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What sizes are available for the t-shirt and hoodie?
Standard sizes of S-XL will be available for both. We will email you to ask you what size you would like before we ship them out.
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How do I pay for international shipping?
After you click "Contribute Now" , select your package and then increase the contribution amount in the field above to include the shipping.
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I forgot to pay for the international shipping. What do I do?
Click "Contribute Now" again and make a contribution for the shipping cost, making sure that this contribution is under the same email address as the first.
Thank you.
