Local artist Ben Stubbs has released a charity single ‘We Are Men’, with all proceeds going to mental health charity Men Only IOW.
“It’s ok to not be ok” is Ben’s pivotal message, as very few people walk through life, having never experienced the crushing weight of poor mental health.
Ben says:
“Whether in our own personal struggles or the struggles of those we care dearly for, poor mental health will affect most of us. Too often, the ignominy surrounding men’s mental health ends in tragedy.
“A story all too familiar for too many of us. We must work together to break the stigma, normalise sharing the load, support each other and save countless lives as a result.”
Stubbs’ release follows his internationally recognised debut album, Light of My Life, in which he extensively explores his own state of mind, narrating his personal battles with demons and his journey from mental illness to mental stillness and everything in between.
A profound understanding of his own darkness to the plight of others gave rise to “We Are Men”, a composition which seeks to identify and break down the shame surrounding mental illness, challenge the stereotypes and encourage togetherness.
Ben adds:
“Just think about how many lives we could save.”
The track was recorded late last year at Empire Sound in Newport on the Isle of Wight by the Homes brothers, Rob and Jim, and features multi-instrumentalist Tommy Burnhams, seasoned pro Steve Hodge on Keys/Synth pads and the highly accomplished Rupert Brown on drums, who has featured on records by the likes of Cher, Annie Lennox and the Lighthouse Family.
We Are Men can be downloaded via Bandcamp on a name your price basis. Although the funds will remain local, helping those closest to home, the message is by no means bound to a local area, and it is Ben’s hope that “We Are Men” will play some part, however small, in changing our approach to mental health and rethinking the way we socially condition men within our society to ignore our emotions.
