It’s estimated that nearly twenty million people are affected by depression in the United States. Left untreated, depression can lead to feelings of hopelessness, decreased neurological function, interpersonal isolation, and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed. Depression remains the largest perpetuator of suicide, which is the third leading cause of death amongst adolescents ages 15 – 24 and the second leading cause of death in college students.

On August 31, 2018 at Soundwars Studios in Hoboken, NJ (the studio founded by Cristian Machado and Lazaro Pina of Latin-American metal band Ill Niño), in support of National Suicide Prevention Week, the YOU ROCK FOUNDATION will host a special gallery showing of the photography of foundation co-founder Laura DeSantis-Olsson (LDO Photography). The pieces on display are based on the question: “Why Is Music Important?” The gallery show will take place from 6:00-10:00 PM.

The YOU ROCK FOUNDATION is a music-based non-profit focused on raising awareness for mental health through music artist testimonies regarding the dark times in their lives and how they overcame these feelings. The foundation was created to serve as a safe haven for those who have suffered or are currently suffering. Using music as a backdrop, the foundation seeks to pull those suffering out of the dark and show them the possibilities of moving forward with life. Among their advocates are renowned recording artists Corey Taylor (Slipknot / Stone Sour), Jonathan Davis (Korn), Randy Blythe (Lamb of God) and Darryl McDaniels (Run-DMC).

Musicians whose portraits by Laura DeSantis-Olsson will be featured include Corey Taylor (Slipknot/Stone Sour – print is 42 in x 72 in), Jonathan Davis (Korn – print is 42 in x 72 in), Tommy Vext (Bad Wolves), Heidi Shepherd (Butcher Babies), Carla Coates (Butcher Babies), Bert McCracken (The Used), Tyler Glenn (Neon Trees), Jesse Leach (Killswitch Engage), Randy Blythe (Lamb of God), Daryl McDaniels (RUN-DMC), Jonny Hawkins (Nothing More), Acey Slade (Acey Slade & The Dark Party/Dope/Murderdolls/Joan Jett & The Blackhearts/Misfits), Cristian Machado (Ill Niño), Eddie Sutten (Leeway), Aaron Nordstrom (Gemini Syndrome) and Chad Gray (Mudvayne/HELLYEAH).

Each vinyl print (unless specified otherwise) measures at 36 inches x 72 inches. All prints will be available for purchase. Other merchandise for sale will include program books including the written statements from the artists and their portraits, individual 8 in x 10 in artist portraits of all of the contributing artists of the YOU ROCK FOUNDATION, and limited edition clothing designed by local artists featuring the YOU ROCK FOUNDATION logo. A portion of all proceeds from the event will be donated to the YOU ROCK FOUNDATION.

Laura DeSantis-Olsson says, “As the founder of The YOU ROCK FOUNDATION, Joseph Penola, was developing his initial ideas around saving lives through the power of music and lyrics, I was developing my thesis statement throughout my work: “Why Is Music Important?” Joe and I were already colleagues in the music industry, as well as friends, and I was witness to some of the struggles he went through being a two-time suicide attempt survivor battling depression and anxiety. When he shared his idea of the foundation with me, it fell right in line with my passion for music in my life, reconnected me with the music that got me through tough days, and was one of the answers to my initial question: Why Is Music Important?”

Underneath each photo featured at the gallery – which will be mounted to freestanding walls – will be a key statement from each photographed artist as told to the YOU ROCK FOUNDATION, and on the other side of the wall will be a live photo of said artist with comments from their fans relating to how they were personally impacted by their music.

DeSantis-Olsson adds, “With this gallery, I look to make the connection between the artists creating music, the listeners embracing the music to gain strength and hope in their lives, and the connection between their struggles and those of the artists creating the music that is helping them find hope.”

In addition to his portrait being featured, Acey Slade will also be onsite and his new coffee brand, Dead Sled Coffee, will be available to try at refreshment stations. The event will also feature performances from confirmed artists such as Aurin, Francesco Paladino, members of Concrete Dream, and others, as well as spoken commentary from additional featured attendees, including Larry Marino-Latrenta of Gnome Promotions.

Learn more about the YOU ROCK FOUNDATION here:

Watch videos about the YOU ROCK FOUNDATION here:

Laura DeSantis-Olsson graduated from the College of Visual & Performing Arts at Syracuse University.   She primarily focused on portraiture with a closer study of musicians and artists; following the influence of Albert Watson, Annie Leibovitz, David LaChapelle, and Cindy Sherman. DeSantis-Olsson has had the privilege of assisting and working closely with rock photographer, Mark Weiss (Ozzy Osbourne / Bon Jovi / ACDC / Twisted Sister) and portrait photographer, Frank Veronsky (Evanescence, Fallen album cover). In addition, throughout her career, she has built relationships with numerous bands and artists across the country from our collaborations with photography as well as written interviews to tell the stories behind their music. DeSantis-Olsson has worked with or interviewed artists such as Dolly Parton, Nils Lofgren (Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band), Bad Wolves and Tommy Vext (Zombie / Cranberries cover tribute to Dolores O’Riordan), Villins with Kareem “Jesus” Devlin, David Gray, Papa Roach, and YOU ROCK FOUNDATION artists including Corey Taylor (Slipknot / Stone Sour, Jonathan Davis (Korn), Richard Patrick (Filter), Neon Trees, Randy Blythe (Lamb of God) and Melissa Cross (vocal coach / The Zen of Screaming). Laura DeSantis-Olsson is the co-founder and “Mistress of Media” for the YOU ROCK FOUNDATION, executing and overseeing the photo and video production and aiding in foundation promotion and social media. https://www.facebook.com/LDOPhotography/

Among the creators of Soundwars Studios in Hoboken are Cristian Machado (frontman) and Lazaro Pina (bassist) for Ill Niño. As of this year, they have added The Cyclorama to Soundwars Studios. Laz and Cristian have been in the music industry for over ten years and their work has been published internationally through Roadrunner/Island Def Jam/Warner, EMI, Victory/Sony, BMI, Cement/Universal, New Line Cinema, Razor & Tie, MTV Networks, ESPN, and The Disney Network. Cristian and Laz, along with the band, have had the pleasure of working with some of music’s best producers and engineers: Ron St. Germain, Andy Johns, Dan Korneff, Jay Baumgardner, Bob Marlette, Michael Barbiero, Logan Mader, Eddie Whal, Scrap 60, and more. Ill Niño has over two million records sold, and achieved Billboard Top 100, Top 25 radio (CMJ & Mediabase), Active Rock #1 most added, Top 50 Billboard charts and Top 25 Soundtrack Billboard charts. Cristian and Lazaro collaborated to create Soundwars Studios, an audio/media production and development recording studio, podcasting studio, media strategy, rehearsal studio, as well as an information center for learning about the music industry. They encourage all who enter to, “let your music live where creativity can flow seamlessly around true professionals.” https://www.facebook.com/Soundwars/