Tonic Rider’s attended a wonderful evening at the Psalms From The Gutter event in support of mental health in the music industry.
On Saturday 30th September, the Tonic Rider team attended the Psalms From The Gutter event hosted by Emjay Sessions and featuring a special live performance from S.R. Mortimer at Hot Box, Chelmsford. The event was in support of World Mental Health Day with all artists proceeds going towards Tonic Rider and BAPAM.
Opening the evening was DJ Paul Dupree, playing an eclectic mix of songs, including an intriguing mashup of Lana Del Rey and The Smiths. This was followed by a speech from Tonic Rider Coordinator, Jeordie Shenton, highlighting the work of the programme and importance of raising awareness of mental health in the music industry. The support act for the evening was Metroglow & Chris Piper, a duo with more sound, light and energy, than most raves in Essex.
Performing for the first time, S.R. Mortimer & Guests' headline set was a momentous reminder of the power of music. Joined on stage by Lucia Holm, Andy McKay, Rachel Brooks, Rob Lord, Michelle Ward and Janette Nettie Osman; for just over 60 minutes the atmosphere of Hot Box was that of a concert hall. Combining baroque sensibilities with a post-punk attitude (how many sets include a cello and megaphone?); this was a moving performance, most fitting for an occasion to raise awareness of mental health.
In total £800 was raised, of which £400 will be donated to Tonic Rider.
A big thank you goes to Steve Mortimer (S.R. Mortimer) and Martin Jefferies (Emjay Sessions) for supporting Tonic Rider through this fantastic event; Dave Hughes and the Hot Box team for being wonderful hosts; and all the performers for providing an amazing evening of music.
