KT Tunstall, James Morrison, The Overtones and Sophie Ellis-Bextor are among the big names to have recorded a unique collection of original tracks and inspirational covers for Songs to Save a Life – a new charity album in aid of Samaritans.
The 11-track album will be available for download from October 3 and includes uplifting songs from a mix of established acts and newcomers.
“I’ve always had huge admiration for Samaritans; their existence is so vital to aid those in desperate need of someone to talk to,” said KT Tunstall. “And music too can be a route out of places too dark to stay.”
The album also features new music from Ed Harcourt, Lucie Silvas, Jon Allen, Graham Gouldman of 10cc, Katie Kim, Jay James Picton and Queen Orlenes.
Like Samaritans, music can play an important role in helping make a connection and give strength to people struggling to cope. Each artist donated their time because they felt very close to the cause, choosing songs of significant meaning.
“All the profits from the album will fund our essential 24-hour helpline service to support anyone feeling suicidal or with nowhere else to turn,” said Catherine Johnstone, Samaritans Chief Executive. “We’re extremely grateful to all the artists and to the Songs to Save a Life production team for helping to make it happen. By buying this album, you could help us to save lives.”
The Songs to Save a Life album was named after the production company behind the project. Two music-industry experts, Richard Cardwell, musician/producer and musical director for artists including James Morrison, Annie Lennox and Will Young, and Phil Armorgie, who has 20 years experience in the music industry, approached the Samaritans out of a desire to ‘put something back’ from an industry that had served them both well over the years and their mutual respect for such an incredible organisation.
Richard Cardwell, the brainchild behind Songs to Save a Life, said: "The album is a fairly eclectic mix of artists and styles. All of the artists brought so much more than just their time to the project and I think their commitment and creativity to finding the right song and new approaches to recording them has meant that the album really is a unique collection of original tracks and inspirational covers.
“It’s been an amazing experience and after months of hard work we are all very proud of the record. For thousands of people, the Samaritans volunteer at the end of the phone is their lifeline. Some people make connections and express feelings through music, but we want people to know that Samaritans is there for everyone.”
Every year, Samaritans receives 5 million calls for help – that’s one every 5 seconds and every 60 seconds, the charity answers a call from someone feeling suicidal.
Songs to Save a Life is an album that can help Samaritans help others.
Tracklisting:
1. Changes – James Morrison
2. Don’t You (Forget About Me) – KT Tunstall
3. The Ark – Queen Orlenes
4. You’ve Got A Friend – Jay James Picton
5. Your Mountains – Katie Kim
6. Rebellion (Lies) – Sophie Ellis-Bextor
7. Be Not So Fearful – Ed Harcourt
8. Lean On Me – Lucie Silvas
9. Forget You – The Overtones
10. Heart Full Of Soul – Graham Gouldman of 10cc
11. When The Morning Comes – Jon Allen
The download-only album can be purchased here.
