Chris Patrick has partnered with Backline to provide music industry professionals with the resources needed to address mental health challenges in their own lives.
On August 10, the New Jersey native celebrated the two-year anniversary of his standout project, X-Files. Led by tracks like “Useless” and “Insane/Staircases,” the 14-track release discussed topics like depression, trauma and masculinity with honesty and an uncommon level of vulnerability.
“And this ’bout the fourth time this year I done thought about ending it all. But I’m scared to push forth on the trigger,” he raps.
Patrick’s verses about suicidal thoughts are not unique to him. In 2019, Swedish platform Record Union found that 73% of independent musicians struggle with mental illness. Taking it a step further, Chris Patrick often proudly references his home state of New Jersey, where one of every five adults have a history of diagnosed depression. Not to mention, Dr. Devin English of Rutgers University told NJ Spotlight News in 2022 that suicide is the second leading cause of death for young Black men from 15 to 24 years old. In fact, this article is written by a Black man from New Jersey who has attempted suicide twice between the ages of 15 and 24.
Fortunately, Patrick and Backline are working to provide potentially life-saving resources to musicians from New Jersey and around the world. For every X-Files vinyl purchased, 50% of those profits will benefit Backline.
Founded in 2019, Backline describes itself as a “non-profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources.” Thus far, the organization has distributed 2,760 discounts for wellness programs and helped 1,465 individuals receive custom care plans through case management.
