Album Notes

"DON'T MIND ME - Independent Artists For a Better Understanding Of Mental Illness" is a full-length CD of internationally recognized indie singer/songwriters compiled by RismixLive. These generous recording artists from around North America have donated their songs and royalties to the benefit CD, which features original compositions, artist bios and links to artist websites as well as links to mental health resources and organizations all over North America. Proceeds from sale of the CD will benefit The CAREY RISMAN MEMORIAL FUND FOR A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL ILLNESS.

THE MAN
Carey Risman was an exceptional young man. His academic excellence in science and research was well documented in papers co-written with distinguished professors. He received grant after grant to maintain his all-consuming study schedule. His double major in Biology and Chemistry and 92% average grade put him at the top of his graduating class at university. He was one year away from finishing his degree in medicine and starting what could only be a rewarding career in medical research.

Academic excellence aside, Carey was much more than just society's ideal university undergrad. He was unassuming, kind, unselfish, and displayed a sensitivity and caring for others that went far beyond his years. These qualities gave him an empowering insight that played out in his every thought and action.

What most of his friends, colleagues and family did not realize is that Carey had been battling crippling mental illness for over a decade. He fought daily with its oppressive grip to maintain his demanding study schedule. After his many rounds of electro-convulsive therapy he would try to study, even though his short term memory was almost gone. Meanwhile he did everything he could to ease his tortured mind. He tried medication, relaxation, holistic therapy, and religion - nothing he did could alleviate his suffering. He ultimately took his own life on January 28th, 1996 at the age of 26.

THE FUND
The CAREY RISMAN MEMORIAL FUND FOR A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL ILLNESS was begun soon after Carey's death as a channel with which his family could help shine a spotlight on the realities of living with mental illness and eventually remove the horrible stigma society attaches to the disease. The fund benefits charities and programs whose goal is to proactively diagnose and treat the early stages of mental illness, as well as research and development that will help us better understand the nature and causes of these debilitating diseases.

THE STATION
RismixLive - Totally Folked Up Radio is an Internet Radio Broadcast and web magazine that plays singer/songwriters exclusively with a focus on independent artists. Launched in 2002, it is one of the most popular stations in its genre on the Live365 Radio Network.