As a resource for our artists, labels, and employees, The Orchard has consistently advocated for mental health and wellness. In an effort to further our goals of mental health awareness, The Orchard is proud to partner with Sound Mind Live. Sound Mind Live began as a mental health benefit concert and has since developed into a vast community made up of mental health activists. Sound Mind provides mental health resources, advocacy, education, fundraising and more, largely targeting mental health within the music industry.
Most recently, Sound Mind has been advocating for proper emergency mental health response services. In a significant step forward, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act instated a 988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline. This hotline will be available nationwide in the United States starting July 16. (Until July 2022, anyone in mental health crisis or emotional distress should continue to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).) While the hotline is a step in the right direction, crisis response services are needed to make a larger, life-saving impact. Sound Mind Live has developed a petition to demand a mental health crisis response be made available nation-wide. Their goal is simple, to get the properly trained support to those who need it. Learn more and sign the petition here.
This year’s Sound Mind Live Festival will be held May 21 in New York City’s Central Park. Performers include Cold War Kids, Big Boi, American Authors and more. Be sure to purchase your tickets here. Proceeds from the event will support NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness).
Beyond this year’s music festival, Sound Mind Live will be hosting a number of panel conversations Thursday, May 19 at Prime Produce. Topics will cover mental health in LGBTQ+ Communities, Communities of Color and the Music Industry. The Music Industry conversation will feature Pronoun, also known as Alyse Vellturo, an artist, label owner and Label Manager at The Orchard, as well as Sky McElroy, co-founder of Pack Records & Management, distributed by The Orchard. Other speakers will include artists Wrabel, Elsz, as well as many activists and mental health organizations like JED Foundation, MusiCares and more. Register here to join the conversation.
Hope to see you there!
