Tackling the blues head on

SUNSHINE Coast locals have come together to tackle depression head on with the blues.
Noosa local Ken Coleman has joined Sunshine Coast local Darren Griffis to create a nationwide awareness campaign “Out of the Blues” which aims to bring attention to depression in our community through music.
The two founders of the campaign are working hard towards releasing an AC/DC inspired album “Back in Blue” later this year which will launch at the popular Blues on Broadbeach music festival in May.
“2015 was the 35th anniversary of AC/DC’s iconic ’Back In Black’ album and I was looking at a way of raising awareness of depression in our society,” Mr Griffis said.
“As a musician, I understand the power of music, and could see that these tracks, which are based on blues, could be covered by some of Australia’s hard-working blues musicians.“
Mr Coleman and Mr Griffis have called on Australia’s best blues musicians to donate their time to the recording of the album and were inspired by the response of local musicians.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support we received. We had all these artists, the best blues artists in Australia, many with massive overseas’ reputations, donating their time and talent free of charge,” Mr Coleman said.
Unfortunately, the pair faced funding issues when it came time to record the album but Mr Griffis was determined not to let anything stand in their way.
“Darren never gave up. (He) used his own money, and played shows on his own to raise the money to get studio time. He was so determined,” Mr Coleman said.
The album will be launched with a live show at the Blues on Broadbeach music event. To find out more information please visit the charity’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/backinbluetributealbum.