About - Help Musicians

Smoke Rainbows brings together, for the first time, an incredible mix of musical talent, producing knock-out one-take-no-edits-no-overdubs performances in support of Music Minds Matter, Help Musicians' around the clock listening ear support service for musicians and the music industry.

At the invitation of Karousel Music and with the support of Monk’s Road Records 12 artists including The Magic Numbers, The Leisure Society and Matt Deighton, came together to recorded at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios Two alongside music production students from York St John University for their annual project. What they produced was Smoke Rainbows, the eclectic concept record that, for all the ground covered by musicians spanning genres from pop to jazz, indie and folk, is an ode to personal story-telling and the spirit of community that connects music with listeners across the world.

This sense of connectedness is carried through the stunning thermochromic artwork by Scott Jones and Steph Jones of Skozch, with each musician appearing on the album asked to draw a line representing their contribution to and relationship with music. These individual lines were then combined to create the chaotic ‘smoke rainbow’ on the cover sleeve. The simple warmth of human touch is enough to turn the abstract black artwork into an image bursting with colour, a creative and profound Easter egg that nods to the just how important that little bit of connection can be to those that might be struggling.

With a release scheduled for 17 May 2019, Smoke Rainbows has been created to raise funds for Music Minds Matter, a service created by Help Musicians, the leading independent music charity. Since 1921, the charity have provided help, support and opportunities to empower musicians at all stages of their lives.

Help Musicians' mental health research has found that the precarity of a career in music can leave musicians vulnerable. 100% of the money raised from sales of Smoke Rainbows will go back to supporting musicians that so need it, helping transform their lives and sustain their careers.

The charity provides a lifetime of support when it is needed most, at times of crisis and opportunity, through a holistic offering combining Health & Welfare grants and Creative Programme funding services, as well as advocacy on issues that affect musicians such as mental and hearing health, career development and more.

Music Minds Matter

If you work in music and are struggling to cope, or know someone who is, talk to us. It doesn't have to be a crisis, we have trained advisors that are here to listen, support and help at any time.