Singers R.A.E and Charlotte Clarke perform at British Airways i360.

Artists including former Harry Styles singer Charlotte Clark, and R&B rapper, R.A.E,
have performed on board the British Airways i360 Viewing Tower in Brighton this week
to raise awareness and discuss mental health in the music industry, ahead of National
Stress Awareness Day on Saturday 6th November - a day that highlights the effects of
psychological distress in the workplace.

Represented by Liberty Music PR, the artists and ‘We are Hummingbird’ a non-profit
charity that makes mental health as important than physical health through the
power of music, have recorded a powerful video project whilst 450ft above Brighton
beach. Releasing the video on 6th November on Liberty Music PR’s YouTube page,
the team hope the video will encourage people to open-up and engage in
conversation with others when they’re feeling stressed or low.

R.A.E is a singer, rapper and songwriter that is known for her nostalgic 90s sound.
Speaking to millennials about relatable experiences through her uplifting raps, R.A.E
says, "I believe that we all go through tough times in life, some harder than others but at
the end of it all we tend to rise above the issue. That is why I chose this name, R.A.E
which stands for Rising Above Everything. In 2017 I was feeling extremely depressed,
constantly crying in my room. During that crying session, I said to myself,
‘Do you know what Rae? You're going to rise above everything!’ I decided that I would
continue to overcome my problems, so I changed ‘rise’ to ‘rising’ and came up with
‘Rising Above Everything’."

Charlotte Clark, who formerly went by the stage name ARK, began performing
alongside One Direction’s Harry Styles in late 2019. Charlotte played the piano and
guitar and sang with the band in major shows such as U.S entertainment show,
Saturday Night Live. Now working on her solo music, Charlotte says, “As a musician,
I try to be as open as possible with my fans and peers through my music to help those
listening to it, and even though that can feel super scary and vulnerable, it always makes
things feel a little lighter. We’re all human and usually all feel very similar things.”

Liberty Music PR supports independent artists from across the world in introducing
their music to playlisting platforms, the press and social media.

Bee Adamic, Founder at Liberty Music PR, says: “As an Agency we
feel so passionately about mental health and want to support the day by liberating
people to talk about Mental Health and be open about it.

“As a Brighton company we are thrilled to partner with Brighton establishments,
British Airways i360 Viewing Tower, and the ‘We are Hummingbird’ charity, to raise
awareness for Mental Health. We are in the process of launching a wellness hub that
further support our artists. This will contain advice and a virtual monthly workshop
that covers mindfulness, yoga, meditation and healthy eating.”

We are Hummingbird is a non-profit Mental Health awareness organisation that was
created by a community of music lovers who have united to spread awareness of
mental health by using music as a platform to encourage people to open up and
engage in conversation.

Speaking ahead of the video creation, Ellie Talebian, Mental Health Professional says:
“People can become stressed when they feel too much emotional or mental
pressure, which particularly happens in the workplace. When this happens your body releases
hormones such as adrenaline along with cortisol which can lead not only physical symptoms
such as headaches or stomach pains, but also emotional ones like anxiety attacks if left untreated.”

According to a 2019 study published by Swedish digital-distribution platform Record Union,
73 percent of independent musicians have battled stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s really
important to know the warning signs and how to talk about the issues and get help. See resources here.

Music is powerful and speaks to so many. Music is said to enhance intelligence and focus, improve mental health, and boost the immune system as well as self-esteem and confidence. It can be used to relax, to boost and lift our mood, or to improve concentration.