Ben Folds will contribute a streaming set to Set Break, a livestream fundraiser by the Backline project to support its mental health and wellness access efforts for musicians, particularly those affected by the pandemic.
The event takes place Saturday, April 10 on The Relix Channel, which streams on TwitchTV, and features sixteen musical acts along with immersive wellness experiences and public service announcements from music industry professionals. Among the musicians appearing are Alanis Morissette, Black Pumas, Sara Bareilles, Bob Weir & Wolf Bros., American Authors and Los Lobos.
“Set Break will demonstrate the music industry’s resilience, more than a year after the pandemic devastated our livelihoods,†explains Backline’s Executive Director Hilary Gleason. “Backline has provided a safe place to land for industry workers during this time, and the event will bring together fans, artists, and organizations who all believe in the cause and want to create a safer and more supported environment for music to thrive.â€
Backline is a hub for artists, industry professionals and their families to quickly and easily access mental health and wellness resources. Backline has partnered with leading support organizations and care providers to streamline access to services specifically geared towards the music industry including Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, Anders Osborne’s Send Me a Friend, VA Way, and more.
There’s more detail in the press release for the event, along with ways to help. The event is free but there will be many opportunities to support the effort.
The Backline project is not related to BackLine, an aggregator of political news and insight for music industry influencers co-authored by Ben’s manager, Mike Kopp, who has extensive credentials in both politics and music.
