Phantogram tackles suicide prevention with new charity songs

Cult duo Phantogram have released two new tracks to raise money for the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention.
Lead vocalist Sarah Barthel and bandmate Josh Carter were shattered when her sister Becky Barthel took her own life, while they were recording their 2016 album Three, and now the duo is hoping their music can help save lives.
The band released its powerful new tune Someday and a cover of Sparklehorse’s ballad Saturday to raise cash for the AFSP mental health initiative.
“I did have some friends growing up who attempted suicide or who died from suicide, so I had an idea of how much pain it could bring into others’ lives,” she said during a chat with AFSP, “but this (sister’s passing) has been the hardest death I’ve ever had to deal with – and I’ve had a lot of close people in my life pass.
“Suicide is really complicated, because in a way, it’s like an illness people blame on themselves. Mental health conditions are just as powerful as physical illnesses. What’s dangerous is that people aren’t as educated about it.”
Sarah and Josh, who grew up with his bandmate and her late sibling Becky, want to raise as much awareness as they can through their partnership with the charity.
“We never learned about this subject in school,” she added, urging those suffering in silence to “talk to someone about your feelings”.