Music for the mind: Artists for Mental Health turns five

Nine artists, one stage, five years of putting mental health firmly in the spotlight, and proving that sometimes, music can say what words can't. As mental health isn't always an easy conversation, why not start with music?

On 10 October, Artists for Mental Health returns to Oberanven for its fifth anniversary, bringing together an impressive line-up of Luxembourg artists for an evening where music, personal stories and mental health take centre stage.

Taking place at the Centre Polyvalent A Schommesch, the anniversary edition will feature:

• Eva Marija - Folk pop

• Krick  - cinamatic pop

• Maz Univerze - Alternative hip hop

• Ninion  - Dream pop

• Nicool - Hip hop

• Pink Knife  - Pop electro

• Daniel Balthasar  - Pop rock

• Josh Island - Pop rock

• Blame Emeraude - Industrial pop

Not forgetting a fab house band on the night to support the acts consisting of Ethan Carey on guitar, Cyril Yabroudi on bass, and Pedro Gonçalez on drums.

The format is deliberately different. Rather than simply playing a set and heading off stage, the artists are given a carte blanche to approach the subject of mental health in their own way; through stories, lyrics, reflections or personal experiences. The idea is to create space for honest conversation while exploring the role music can play in expressing and supporting emotional wellbeing.

In other words: expect music, but also expect a little more between the songs.

Five years, one important conversation

Since its beginnings, Artists for Mental Health has had a simple but important mission: raise awareness around mental health and help break the stigma surrounding it, and five years on, that conversation feels no less relevant.

The anniversary edition lands during Luxembourg's Mental Health Weeks, which run from 5 to 17 October this year, with events taking place across the country. And there's an especially fitting connection here with 10 October being World Mental Health Day.

Rather than treating mental health as a clinical or uncomfortable subject to be discussed somewhere else, Artists for Mental Health puts it right in the middle of a creative space, with artists and audiences sharing the same room.

The anniversary bill brings together artists from across Luxembourg's wonderfully varied musical landscape. That's arguably what makes the concept work as there isn't one soundtrack to mental health. There are countless stories, moods, experiences and ways of expressing them. And music has always been pretty good at handling things that don't fit neatly into words.

More than just a gig

The event is part of the wider programme of Luxembourg's Mental Health Weeks, and the organisers describe it as an opportunity to bring artists and audiences together around reflection, creativity and sharing.

There's also a distinctly relaxed side to the evening, with drinks and a food truck on site.

So whether you're coming for a particular artist, discovering some new Luxembourg talent, or simply fancy an evening where a concert comes with something a little deeper, this is one to put in the diary.

Five years in, Artists for Mental Health is still doing something music does brilliantly: getting people in the same place, giving them something to listen to, and perhaps making it a little easier to talk.

Artists for Mental Health is a free entrance event taking place on 10 October at Centre Polyvalent A Schommesch, 18 rue d'Ernster, Oberanven. Doors open at 7pm and the concerts start at 8pm.

Check out the new Artists for Mental Health Instagram profile!