The Kitchen Dwellers shared a new single, “Stand At Ease.” The song comes in collaboration with music industry mental health nonprofit Backline and ahead of World Mental Health Day on Sunday, October 10.
The Bozeman, Montana-based bluegrass quartet cut “Stand At Ease” during the 2021 sessions for their third full-length album in Minneapolis with producer Cory Wong. The quartet — mandolinist Shawn Swain, banjoist Torrin Daniels, bassist Joe Funk and guitarist Max Davies — composed the song following “the tragic suicides of a personal hero and close collaborator,” press materials for the single noted.
Joe Funk went on to detail “Stand At Ease” in the press release. Read his words below:
The main thing we want to do is raise awareness and create engagement with people who are struggling, but also encourage those who aren’t struggling to support the community. It’s a big issue in the music industry. Road life escalates any mental health issue present in someone’s life, so we’re trying to talk about it.
Initially, I wanted to write it from the perspective of kids who lost their parents to suicide. It’s a reminder there are people who love you and you probably have no idea. The song portrays you’re not alone. You can reach out. Personally, it’s the song I’m most proud of. I really want it to do good in the world.
Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, maybe the song can trigger a happy thought or urge you to reach out to a friend, organization, or even lift yourself up. Maybe we can uplift even one person with this.
Listen to “Stand At Ease” below:
Head here for more information on Backline.
