Embracing the new virtual landscape many performance artists find themselves in during the age of social distancing, St. Louis musician John Henry is using a Kickstarter campaign for pre-orders of his new album, “Out At Sea.”
If the fundraiser is successful, donors will not only receive a record and a screen print from local shop Sleepy Kitty, they will also be supporting a cause close to Henry’s heart: mental health advocacy.
“A few years ago we lost a band member to suicide, so mental health was a major issue that we dealt with. It was a huge loss, and it was a very confusing time,” Henry said Friday on St. Louis on the Air. “I think a lot of men, in a certain respect, are taught to bury this so you don’t see it, and that’s when it becomes very dangerous, I feel like.”
“If we can bring a little bit of light to that issue, it’s something that means a lot to us,” he said.
Every dollar of Henry’s $3,500 campaign will be matched by national and local businesses to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness St. Louis.
Related Event
What: “Out At Sea” release show
When: July 17, 2020
Where: Off Broadway (3509 Lemp Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118)
“St. Louis on the Air” brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. The show is hosted by Sarah Fenske and produced by Alex Heuer, Emily Woodbury, Evie Hemphill, Lara Hamdan and Joshua Phelps. The audio engineer is Aaron Doerr.
Send questions and comments about this story to feedback@stlpublicradio.org.
