Cassidy Waring's Album - Mental Health Awareness

ABOUT THE PROJECT

I'm Cassidy Waring, a Vancouver-based musician and mental health advocate. With my upcoming album, I hope to initiate open, honest conversations about mental health and raise awareness about Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). I believe it is so important to have safe spaces to talk about our mental health, and I want to contribute to this conversation by sharing my personal story through music and using any reach I have to bring people together! By collaborating with talented industry professionals, this album aims to break stigmas, foster empathy, and promote accessible mental health support.

MY STORY

During my early teens, my parents struggled with mental health challenges, alcohol addiction, and domestic violence, culminating in the sudden death of my mom when I was 17. Since then, I've navigated trauma-related symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, flashbacks, dysphoria, hypervigilance, and issues with emotional regulation. Through my recent CPTSD diagnosis, therapy, and research, I've gained insight into the pathology of my symptoms and their effects on my relationships. This album delves into how these symptoms intertwine with my identity and my historically perceived personality.

I know the subject matter can be heavy, but there is a great deal of hope and happiness in these songs. (The songs aren't all downers, I swear!) I believe that it is through sharing our experiences that we find liberation, resilience, and connection. It allows us to open up, knowing that we are not alone, even when mental health struggles make us feel so isolated. Though our stories are unique, many of us experience similar feelings and challenges when it comes to our mental health. This project is an invitation to join me in this process of self-exploration, healing, and reclaiming our narratives.

WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE’RE GOING!

The songs for this full-length record are written and workshopped, and recording at Afterlife Studios has begun! I am thrilled to have an exceptional team of musicians and industry professionals, including Sam Lynch, Erik Nielsen, Leon Power, Mark Falk, Andrew Rasmussen, Britt Ayton, Aja Lamb-Hartley, and more contributing their talents to this project.

Every dollar donated will directly support the industry fees for these incredible collaborators who are making the magic happen. This includes musicians, producers, engineers, designers, photographers, and promoters. Thanks to the support of Amplify BC and personal savings, we almost have enough funds to cover the recording expenses. As the fundraising continues, we will be able to complete the production, mixing, and mastering of the album, cover marketing, and promotion to get the word out there about the project and release the album. Here's a breakdown of the budget:

Recording costs (Studio time, engineering, musician fees): $11,000

Producing, Mixing, and Mastering: $13,500

Marketing and Promotion (Including photos, virtual and physical press, social media, and playlisting): $13,000

Merchandise (First batch of vinyl, T-shirts, and other merch): $5,000

HOW I PLAN TO SUPPORT OTHERS

I would not be where I am without seeking mental health support. All of these songs were written as I went through therapy. My goal is to empower my community by connecting them with reliable, accessible mental health resources. I will share valuable information, events, and affordable therapy options from reputable mental health organizations.

Beyond sharing resources, a portion of any profits made from digital and streaming sales of the album will go directly toward the WIRTH Hats counseling program. The WIRTH Hats' mission is to measurably reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, counseling, and therapy, and to provide financial assistance for counseling and therapy for those unable to afford it. Anyone in this position can sign up for free counseling sessions through their website.

CONCLUSION

Creating this album really is a dream come true for me, and I am beyond excited to show you what we’ve been working so hard on. I will keep you updated here as the project develops!

Thank you for being a part of this process, and for your positive impact in how we talk and share about mental health. Your support makes all the difference, thank you, thank you, thank you!

All my love,

Cassidy Waring

Listen to my previous album here

Watch the "Leaving" music video here

WHAT IS CPTSD?

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a psychological condition that results from experiencing prolonged or repeated trauma, leading to a range of symptoms affecting emotional regulation, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships. Sadly, this severe mental health condition affects millions of individuals worldwide, often going unnoticed. Our mission is to raise public awareness about CPTSD and its impact on individuals and communities.

Disclaimer: No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe