The Honest Horse Bandcamp page will be donating 100% of revenue shares made from May 12th-20th to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Link: Honest Horse Bandcamp Page
I’ve been spending a lot of time reflecting and gathering my thoughts after hearing the news of Scott Hutchison’s passing. As many before me have already said, his music was a great gift and a bright light to many fans that followed his journey and he will be missed tremendously. He helped many people who struggled with mental health issues through his songwriting, the awareness his open discussion of his own struggles brought, and even taking time to reach out personally to people who needed it. It’s very apparent that he had a strong positive influence on people, and you can see that yourself reading the thousands of messages that have been pouring into social media in his memory.
I’ve been thinking a lot about that immense impact he had on so many, myself included, and I want to do more to continue to pass along that positive influence to others. I am committing myself to researching the different ways I can make a difference, and some ideas are in the works already. So many people struggle silently with mental illness, and I want to be part of the solution that brings that silent struggle to an end. As a small first step that I can bring into action now, I will be donating 100% of my revenue shares from Bandcamp sales between now and May 20th to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. You can read a lot more on all of the services and awareness they provide here: NAMI Website *If you have already purchased my music and would like to donate to NAMI directly, you can do so here: NAMI Donation Page
Music is such a powerful force, and something that connects us all on an emotional level. Whether the emotion is one of joy or sadness (or anything in between), we can all find a sense of connection that reminds us that we are all on this journey of life together. I invite all of you to spend some time listening to some music that means something to you today, and if you have never listened to Scott’s music (Via Frightened Rabbit, Owl John, or mastersystem), I invite you to take some time and do so as well. Scott’s passing is a devastating loss, and it’s important we carry on his memory and spread the light he carried in his time with us. If you do nothing else today, reach out to someone you care about and let them know how much they mean to you.
I want to close this out by sharing a few links to some of the resources you can turn to if you or someone you know is suffering. There is always someone ready to listen and help. Website links are attached to the name of the organization.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): 24/7 Crisis Helpline - Call 1-800-273-8255
National Alliance on Mental Illness (US): 24/7 Crisis Text Line: TEXT “NAMI” TO 741741
Mental Health America (US): 24/7 Crisis Text Line: TEXT “MHA” TO 741741
International Association for Suicide Prevention: List of international crisis hotlines
Thank you so much for taking the time to read through today’s message. Please consider doing your part to spread awareness for mental health illness and pass along any of these provided links via social media, and consider donating if you have the means.
To Scott’s family and friends, you have all been heavily on my mind this week. I hope that time provides healing for you all. I hope you find comfort in knowing his legacy will continue to provide a message of hope and light to others that need it, and many are already stepping up to carry that torch that he held in his time with us.
Sincerely,
Ryan Murphy (Honest Horse)