Westwires Recording USA releases CD To benefit Teen-age Suicide Prevention

Westwires Recording USA releases CD To benefit Teen-age Suicide Prevention

An Allentown recording studio is releasing a CD for the benefit of teen suicide prevention.

The CD, titled Whos Better Than You?" is released by Westwires Recording USA, Allentown. Proceeds from sales of the CD benefit the National Hopeline Network, which funds a 24/7 teen suicide prevention telephone hotline.

Featured on the CD are songs in a variety of styles of rock, hip-hop, pop and folk recorded by national and international pop-rock acts, including Giant Sequoia, Lost Factor, Beth Waters, Christina Schmid, Blush, Jennifer Parsignault, Manatee, Farah West, Alex Woodard, Face Like Thunder, Lance Saint Ash, Cyan, and Swami.

The National Hope line operates the 1-800-SUICIDE Hotline and the web site, www.hopeline.com

Executive Producer of the CD is Wayne Becker, owner of Westwires Recording USA, which has produced tracks for nationally acclaimed rock groups, including Lehigh Valleys Weston.

The title of the CD is taken from a song on the disc, Whos Better Than You?" by Swami from New York City.

Becker, who has been working for a year on the project, talked about his inspiration for the benefit CD:

Last summer, I was watching a special on HBO about suicides in America. The segment that touched me most was on teens. It was stated that suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-24-year-olds."

(more)
Page 2 Teen Suicide Prevention Benefit CD

Having two teen-agers of my own, it just hit home," Becker said. My daughter had a friend who she was corresponding with on line who committed suicide."

I wondered what I could do to help," said Becker. Being in the music business, I know that kids connect to music. Hopefully, by educating them, giving them some cool music to listen to, and hearing the encouragement and support on the CD, they can get some help when they see these signs in themselves and other people."

The interactive CD includes public service type announcements about teen suicide prevention heard between the music tracks. Additional information is available on the interactive portion of the CD when it is inserted into a computer CD player.

Shawn Tiedeman and Scott Krycia of K Studios, Allentown, donated their services to produce the CDs interactivity.

The music tracks were recorded at various locations. Bands donated use of their recordings. The CD was edited, mixed and mastered at Westwires. Becker donated his services.

The CDs initial pressing is 1,000 copies. The CD, selling for $5, is available at area record stores and on line at www.westwires.com and www.hopeline.com

               - End -