Stax Museum launches world’s largest music-related mental health project for songwriters
MEMPHIS, JUNE 1,2023 – The Stax Museum of American Soul Music announced today that it is partnering with The Unity of Faiths Foundation (TUFF) in Liverpool for a songwriting contest aimed at raising awareness for mental health for musicians. The global initiative is called The Road to Memphis and TUFF offers free mental health sessions for musicians.
The competition launches at the Stax Museum on June 2 at 10:30 a.m. Memphis Tourism is providing support and they and TUFF are promoting tourism between the United Kingdom and Memphis.
Last year, TUFF held the international competition with Nashville, and received 22,421 song submissions from 35 countries and 3,500+ musicians received mental health assistance, including 340 in Tennessee.
Finalists in the Road to Memphis initiative will perform in Memphis on October 9, 2023.
Former Executive Director of the Greater Memphis Chamber Beverly Robertson (also a Soulsville Foundation board member) will act as an ambassador for the competition.
According to the Road to Memphis website created by tuff.earth, the parent foundation, “Music has long been considered a powerful tool for expression, communication, and emotional release. Its potential to impact mental health and well-being also holds great promise, particularly in light of the growing understanding of the link between psychological health and holistic wellness. Music engagement can contribute to mental health outcomes, including stress reduction, mood enhancement, and improved social support.
It goes on to read, “One of the most significant benefits of music is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Numerous studies have demonstrated that listening to music can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels while increasing feelings of relaxation and calm. This is particularly relevant given the high rates of stress and anxiety in modern society.”
Partners include The City of Memphis, Memphis Tourism, Stax Museum of American Soul Music/Soulsville Foundation, The British Consulate – Atlanta, American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Royal Studios, Liverpool City Council, BBC, UK House of Lords.
For more information about tuff.earth and the Road to Memphis, please visit https://www.roadtomemphis.us
The launch event may be watched at https://fb.me/e/GZt6eChL
About the Stax Museum of American Soul Music
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is part of the Soulsville Foundation, which also operates the Stax Music Academy and The Soulsville Charter School at the original site of Stax Records in the heart of a community known as Soulsville USA. Part international tourist destination and part community-focused museum, the Stax Museum has guests from all corners of the world and provides free programming aimed at youth and community members in the way of live concerts, lectures, book and author events, exhibit opening receptions, fundraisers and galas, and panel discussions. It is an official stop on the United States Civil Rights Trail and has been hailed as one of the top music museums in the world.
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The competition launches at the Stax Museum on June 2 at 10:30 a.m. Memphis Tourism is providing support and promoting tourism between the United Kingdom and Memphis.
Last year, TUFF held the international competition with Nashville, and received 22,421 song submissions from 35 countries and 3,500+ musicians received mental health assistance, including 340 in Tennessee.
Finalists in the Road to Memphis initiative will perform in Memphis on October 9, 2023.
Former Executive Director of the Greater Memphis Chamber Beverly Robertson (also a Soulsville Foundation board member) will act as an ambassador for the competition.
According to the Road to Memphis website created by tuff.earth, the parent foundation, “Music has long been considered a powerful tool for expression, communication, and emotional release. Its potential to impact mental health and well-being also holds great promise, particularly in light of the growing understanding of the link between psychological health and holistic wellness. Music engagement can contribute to mental health outcomes, including stress reduction, mood enhancement, and improved social support.
It goes on to read, “One of the most significant benefits of music is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Numerous studies have demonstrated that listening to music can lower blood pressure and cortisol levels while increasing feelings of relaxation and calm. This is particularly relevant given the high rates of stress and anxiety in modern society.”
Partners include The City of Memphis, Memphis Tourism, Stax Museum of American Soul Music/Soulsville Foundation, The British Consulate – Atlanta, American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Royal Studios, Liverpool City Council, BBC, UK House of Lords.
For more information about tuff.earth and the Road to Memphis, please visit https://www.roadtomemphis.us
About the Stax Museum of American Soul Music
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is part of the Soulsville Foundation, which also operates the Stax Music Academy and The Soulsville Charter School at the original site of Stax Records in the heart of a community known as Soulsville USA. Part international tourist destination and part community-focused museum, the Stax Museum has guests from all corners of the world and provides free programming aimed at youth and community members in the way of live concerts, lectures, book and author events, exhibit opening receptions, fundraisers and galas, and panel discussions. It is an official stop on the United States Civil Rights Trail and has been hailed as one of the top music museums in the world.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Dr. Shamender Talwar / shamender@tuff.earth / 901.602.9303
Kevin Kern / kevinkern@memphistravel.com / 901.273.4848
Tim Sampson / tim.sampson@soulsvillefoundation.org / 901.485.8735
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