By: Jay Broderick - Early in 2023, I wrote a piece about the importance of live music. In the article, I explained the benefits to our economy, our arts, and of course the benefits to the human condition. We are in an age where the number of mental illness sufferers are staggering. It is estimated that, 1 in 5 Canadians will suffer from a mental illness in any given year, and 50% of people will have, or have had a mental illness by the time they are 40. Mind-boggling numbers!
I would argue that it's the best time in all of humanity to be struggling with mental health issues, yet there are still so many who cannot break the cycle. There are so many who cannot find the wherewithal to reach out for help. Why is that? Personally, I cannot profess to know the answer, and nor do I have the direct experience with how sufferers are feeling. But I do know one thing... there is clearly so much more we need to do!
So What Can We Do?
In 2011, Pennsylvania metalcore band August Burns Red front man Jake Luhrs created a foundation called heartsupport. With the driven focus of getting people to open up and talk about their struggles, Luhrs used music to create a community to get fans talking. Using social media, the movement reaches tens of thousands of music fans who use the platforms to comment and share. With thousands of comments weekly, and hundreds of people watching every minute of every day, the word is getting out. No matter what you've done or what's been done to you, who you love, the colour of your skin, or your beliefs, you are welcomed with open arms.
But this is not just a social media group. No!! Through live music, HeartSupport has played over 120 festivals, and concert dates, and eventually started their own festival. In 2023, HeartSupport Fest was born, featuring Rise Against among others, bringing mental health awareness to centre-stage, and getting people talking. Opening up is a critical elixir for mental health, and music is an amazing way to get the conversation going. Especially when you are surrounded by people just like yourself.
Until now, HeartSupport's in-person outreach has seen live music events within the United States only. But things will change on that front very soon!!!
HeartSupport and Wishwell Present: One Beat
Earlier this year, HeartSupport announced the first ever outreach event outside of the U.S. Excitedly, the non-profit mental health awareness outfit has teamed up with Toronto indie-rock band Wishwell for the inaugural international show entitled One Beat, right here in our great city of Toronto! On Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, Wishwell will play Dundas Street's Collective Arts Taproom with support from Nicole Haber, Lady Marge and DAPHNE.
As an added bonus, we are super excited to announce that your favourite Toronto Online Music Magazine LoudTO has also joined forces with HeartSupport and Wishwell to bring you all the exciting "News, Chews & Reviews" related to this live music event.
Keep your eyes here for updates as we head closer to this show.
HeartSupport Online
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