“Artists Against Overdose” virtual concert to take place next Monday the 31st

By Ryan G

Next Monday, August 31st, 20 artists from around the world will perform sets to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day.

With the world reeling from COVID-19, civil unrest, and an extra tumultuous election year, there is no doubt that many are looking for ways to cope with it all. Many of these ways are unhealthy, and the dark spirals of addiction often lead to outcomes no one wants. Just this week, the indie music world was stunned by the sudden passing of Americana songwriter Justin Townes Earle, who died of a “probable” overdose according to Rolling Stone. While the cause of death is yet to be officially determined, the circumstances bring fresh light to a prevalent issue.

Artists like Diet Cig, Speedy Ortiz, Top Nachos, Tongues of Fire, and Rich Girls seek to bring a bit of warmth and light into this time, while at the same time raising awareness of the need to care for each other—especially creatives, who are suffering and might be more prone to turn to unhealthy outlets. The event also seeks to reduce the stigma against those who suffer from addiction, even in death—it’s all too easy to write off people who passed in this way as “less than,” when the truth is we all carry demons. As Harm Reduction director of development explains:

Like millions of people around the world, musicians use drugs for a variety of reasons. Some use substances recreationally, while others use to cope with stress or other external factors. Some people use drugs to relieve physical pain or manage symptoms of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Whatever the reason, stigma and shame surrounding substance use often cause people to use in secret thus increasing the likelihood of a fatal overdose.

Source: Little Star PR press release

The event will be co-presented by Harm Reduction Coalition and Musicians For Overdose Prevention. Tune in Monday August 31st on the Facebook page of Harm Reduction Coalition from 2-7PM ET. More artists will be announced in the coming days. An opportunity will be available to donate to the cause—the goal is to raise support for harm reduction programs across the nation.

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