Liverpool collaborates with global music & mental health project 'The Road to Memphis'

‘The Road to Memphis’ — hailed as being the world’s largest music-based mental health projects — launched on 2nd June 2023, offering musicians across the globe the opportunity to showcase their musical abilities, whilst also promoting mental health and providing resources and assistance to the creative industries.

The Unity of Faiths Foundation (TUFF) – headquartered in Liverpool – conceived of the groundbreaking idea of a global, inclusive song contest, that also serves as a vehicle to showcasing global music cities. In collaboration with the City of Memphis, Memphis Tourism, The Stax Museum of American Soul, Arts Memphis, The Cavern Club, American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Liverpool City Council, British Consulate-General Atlanta and UK Parliament.

‘The Road to Memphis‘ song competition aims to discover original talent by shining a worldwide spotlight on the mental health needs of the music and creative community and beyond. The project launched to tens of thousands of viewers, with speakers including Liverpool Major Steve Rotheram and Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, plus more.

The launch of the competition was live streamed direct from Memphis’s Stax Museum’s historic Studio A, to Liverpool, and to the British Parliament where Lord Syed Kamall addressed the global audience about the importance of this partnership and how music could be a healer to mental health issues. It was the first time a US city has been in direct contact with Parliament for a project of this matter.

Kevin Kane, Memphis Tourism President & CEO, said:

“Memphis is a music destination, for music fans, artists, musicians; and they are the lifeblood of our community and tourism industry. Music is our city’s global identity. When you think about the role that Memphis played in American culture, we exported our music all over the world.“

Music has long been considered a powerful tool of expression, communication, and emotional release. In light of the growing understanding of the link between psychological health and music, the competition provides a platform for performers to showcase their talent, whilst simultaneously highlighting the importance of mental health. Finalists in the competition will be given the opportunity to perform in Memphis, Tennessee later this year.

Dr. Shamender Talwar and Anna Prior, Co-Founders of TUFF, said:

“Music has the power to take away the stigma of mental health. This project saves lives, and we will continue to do so, and try to make sure no one slips through the net.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said:

“It’s a brilliant competition and locally we have seen an epidemic of ill mental health. We must make sure people’s well-being is catered for. We are going to try to raise as much money as we possibly can for this worthy cause.”

The Road To Memphis is the third international song contest and mental health project, following the overwhelming success of the inaugural Liverpool International Song Contest and The Road To Nashville that followed. Music artists can submit a song via The Road To Memphis website and all songs must have both original music and lyrics written by the artist themselves.