Cape Breton fiddle player and singer-songwriter Morgan Toney, shown performing during an ECMA songwriters’ circle at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in May, will be one of many musicians featured in a new documentary, Soundcheck. Photo by IAN NATHANSON/CAPE BRETON POST FILEArticle contentA new Canadian documentary exploring mental health, culture and the healing power of live music has launched a national crowdfunding campaign.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentNova Scotia filmmaker John Butler, who served as art director of the independent movie Little Lorraine — shot primarily in Cape Breton — is inviting audiences to help tell one of the country’s most important cultural stories: Canada’s music community grappling with a growing mental health crisis, rising touring costs, as well as the loss of independent venues for live music performances.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentButler, from Sheet Harbour, and co-producer Greg Rosati, have set up The Music Must Go On: Help Bring Soundcheck to Life, a Kickstarter campaign to complete the 80-minute Soundcheck, a theatrical documentary which celebrates the artists, communities and shared experiences that make live music essential, according to a news release.Article content Soundcheck is an 80-minute theatrical documentary celebrating the artists, communities, and shared experiences that make live music essential. Currently, there is a Kickstarter campaign underway to help raise funds to complete the documentary. Photo by SUPPLIEDArticle content“Live music changed my life,” Butler, who serves as the film’s director and producer, said in a statement. “This film is a love letter to the artists and communities that create those moments of connection we cannot replicate online.Article content“We want audiences to leave remembering not just why music matters — but why the people who make it matter deserve our support.”Article contentThe documentary follows musicians behind the scenes and on the road as it “captures candid conversations about creativity, vulnerability and resilience,” the release said.Article contentMainly anchored by two-time Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter Dan Mangan of British Columbia, Soundcheck will feature interviews from the likes of Shad, Allison Russell, Cadence Weapon, Aysanabee, Drives the Common Man, Tim Baker, Halifax-based Jenn Grant and Cape Breton’s own Morgan Toney talking about the often-overlooked realities of Canada’s working musicians.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle content Soundcheck filmmaker John Butler of Sheet Harbour worked as art director for the recent independent movie, Little Lorraine. Photo by SUPPLIEDArticle contentLive performances captured in the documentary include Baker — the Newfoundland and Labrador musician who fronted the seven-piece indie rock band Hey Rosetta! until the group went on hiatus in 2017 — doing a solo set at Granville Green in Port Hawkesbury earlier this week.“The documentary combines deeply personal stories with data-driven insight into the well-being of Canada’s music community — making Soundcheck both a celebration of live music and a timely conversation about the future of Canadian culture,” the release said, adding that the film is being supported by mental health research from Revelios and its national Soundcheck study.“The Kickstarter campaign will help complete production and post-production while ensuring participating artists are compensated through artist fees and licensed music — reflecting the film’s commitment to supporting the very community it celebrates.”To date, $1,055 has been donated to the campaign, with a pledged goal of reaching $161,500. The project will be funded if it reaches its target figure by Aug. 19 at 8:30 p.m. Atlantic time, according to Kickstarter. More information on the campaign can be found by visiting The Music Must Go On: Help Bring Soundcheck to Life on Kickstarter.Article content
Campaign underway to complete new documentary that includes Nova Scotia, Cape Breton musicians
