On March 26, songwriter and producer Vicki Jacobson released the song Nose blood under the stage name JA/VI. The aim is to shed light on a sensitive taboo subject and reach out to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. As part of this, proceeds from the streams will go to the non-profit organisation Suicide Zero and JA/VI has started a fundraising campaign.
- I have experience of mental illness myself, so the hope is that people will be able to relate and feel less alone when they listen," says Vicki.
JA/VI's entire artistry is rooted in mental illness and behind the artist name is songwriter and producer Vicki Jacobson from Umeå. Through her personal lyrics, she hopes to inspire hope in others who are struggling in obscurity.
For me, the greatest comfort has not come from being told that "everything will get better" but from feeling through music that I am not alone in my feelings. My goal is for more people to find a connection and feel less alone when they take in my music.
Nose blood was released on 26 March in aid of Suicide Zero - where the first month's stream proceeds will be donated to the non-profit organisation. Vicki has also started a fundraiser on their website.
The song was written when she was at her worst and is meant to reflect what it can be like to be at rock bottom.
It's very important to dare to talk about mental illness and I think it's something we could do a lot better at. That's why I wanted to do more than just release a song and I felt that Suicide Zero was the right organisation to work with," says Vicki Jacobson.
If you want to support the work of Suicide Zero, you can both make a donation to the JA/Vis fundraiser and put the song Nose blood on repeat on Spotify.
Nose blood is also available as a text video on Youtube.
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Vicki Jacobson has previously been part of the eXpress programme at eXpression Umeå.