WE CARE MUSIC FESTIVAL HOSTED BY HVNTED 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2024 

LUCKY STRIKE, HOLLYWOOD 

DOORS OPEN AT 12 PM 

We’re all familiar with the deaths of Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell, Elliott Smith and Chester Bennington. But depression and suicide affect so many more artists than the ones we hear about. “A staggering 71 percent of musicians surveyed believed they had suffered from panic attacks and/or high levels of anxiety, while 69 percent reported they had suffered from depression (Cherie Hu, Billboard Online).” Sadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.” 

Enter HVNTED, a Los Angeles Rock band, whose very name was conceived through hardship and struggle. “We were never the ‘cool’ kids in high school. We weren’t weird or anything. But, when the bigger kids were having a bad day, for some reason, we were the ones that they would take it out on. We always felt ‘hunted.’” noted Will Swanson, the band’s lead singer and songwriter. “I think we have all had our share of depression and loss. Writing music helps me cope.” said Swanson. When asked about details, Swanson responded, “A good friend of mine tried to kill herself. Luckily, she survived. It was a lot. I remember visiting her in the hospital. It was a scary and unsettling experience to see someone you care about in a place like that.” Swanson reported that the experience moved him so much that, after the visit, he went home and launched into writing the song, ‘Washington.’ The song highlights how, on the outside, things can look great. But, on the inside, depression and hopelessness can overcome a person. 

Hear Washington Here

Jack Cotter, HVNTED’s bassist, also shared his experience with depression. “I’ve battled some pretty serious depression. I remember how dark things seemed. I was one of the lucky ones because I had my band. They really helped me get through some bad times. But I totally understand how many people are overcome by it. Hosting this festival is our way of doing something about. We want people to know that there’s always hope.” 

The We Care Music Festival is a free, one-day Music Festival featuring known and emerging talent, benefiting the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, at Lucky Strike in Hollywood on Saturday, February 24, 2024. It’s hosted by HVNTED and many of the bands from their community will be playing. The Festival is the product of HVNTED’s mission to help create awareness around mental health and suicide prevention