Delicate by nature and transformative throughout—this album in its entirety massages thoughts and creates free space for imagination to gracefully calm.
Delicate by nature and transformative
Whilst many of us are attempting a new normal after the past couple of years, we are only really starting to unravel what is essentially the aftermath which in turn also has severe outcomes that is affecting a range of demographics at striking rates—this is mental health issues.
Healing Together: A Compilation For Mental Health Recovery is a benefit compilation for mental health recovery featuring 23 ambient-electronic artists from around the world. Each have prepared entirely new compositions specially for the compilation. Showcasing an incredible line-up of women artists Nailah Hunter, Penelope Trappes, Clarice Jensen, Drum & Lace, Sofie Birch, Hollie Kenniff, Clariloops, more eaze, Ami Dang, Karen Vogt, Patricia Wolf, Zoe Polanski, Sachi Kobayashi, Christina Giannone, Ai Yamamoto, Cat Tyson Hughes, IKSRE, Inquiri, Belly Full of Stars, Claire Deak, Pechblende, Caminuata and marine eyes.
Recognizing that music is a bridge to normalizing conversations about the challenges people are going through, each artist was prompted to create a song that would help someone with mental health struggles know they’re not alone. This sprouted into a collection of ambient music holding space for the many emotional landscapes we experience as humans. Delicate by nature and transformative throughout—this album in its entirety massages thoughts and creates free space for imagination to gracefully calm.
What I like about this compilation and curation, is that there is not a concentration on long-form. Whilst we can certainly imagine healing music to be of this kind, instead on Healing Together each artist presents a brief moment in time to take a break. Often with fractured and busy lifestyles trying to find those 10-15 minutes for meditation and debrief can almost add its own stress. Cynthia Bernard, who not only curated, but also did the photography and design as well as contribute under their marine eyes alias for this release, extends a hand to the listener by bringing together such talent whilst remaining in a touching duration.
Whether it is first thing in the morning, or on your commute, a coffee break or the last thing you do before bed—taking even just a few minutes to digest your thoughts to these often euphoric and mesmerizing soundscapes provides tranquil notions and controlled breathing without realizing.
Past Inside The Present has been active for a few years now and whilst it is garnering an impressive catalogue of releases that will mostly stand the test of time, this release in particular will be a cornerstone for reference in years to come.
Net profits will go to Sounds of Saving, a non-profit fueling hope for mental health both by celebrating the power of human connection to music and directing people towards the resources they need before it’s too late. If you or a loved one suffer from mental health issues or you are looking to learn more, here are some resources. Look after yourself:
www.mind.org.uk/information-support
www.womenatwish.org.uk
www.youngminds.org.uk
Healing Together: A Compilation For Mental Health Recovery is available on Past Inside the Present. [Bandcamp]
