Tim Edwards (Vocals, Guitar)
Dan Saitua (Guitar)
Gary Rugala (Bass)
John Vitellaro (Drums)
Rob Bezanson (Piano)

This band isn’t just looking to entertain you (although they will definitely do that!), they also aim for social change. They use music to send a message and share a story. Personally touched by mental illness in their own lives, Crash Parallel wants to share with their listeners and fans, how important it is to be aware about mental health and the impacts it can have on all affected; not only on the person dealing with mental illness, but also on family and friends. They want people to know how important listening to someone is and that, “Sometimes people just want to be listened to”. Supporters of the Canadian Mental Health Association of Canada, these musicians want you to know that there are many resources available when you’re going through a hard time. Find out more about this great band’s story below and be sure to check out their sites to hear their tunes.

Canadian Mental Health Association
Crash Parallel official website
Crash Parallel myspace

mym: In just 3 years you've managed to create quite a buzz in the music scene, land a major record deal with Sony, and use your art to make a difference! Congratulations! Did you always expect to make this kind of progress and so soon?

Tim: I did have expectations with our progress and we did want to make a difference so we are very thankful that we made those things happen but I wouldn't say surprised. We have been working hard for a long time so it doesn't feel like it just happened. In the last year a lot has changed for us and it's been what we've always wanted. For us we are now concentrating on reaching the next level in our career.

mym: Your music is not just about catchy tunes and melodies – it also conveys very moving and powerful messages. "World We Know" urges our generation to take action towards protecting our earth, while "Casualties of War" draws awareness to mental health issues. What do you hope your music will inspire others to do? What kind of a difference are you hoping to make?

Tim: I hope our music inspires people to share their stories and listen to our music.

I always write about things that happen to me personally or things I go through emotionally. For me writing is about sharing stories and the connection comes when people relate. To me that's how you make a real difference. If there are other ways to make a difference we definitely look at those opportunities, like recently we joined with the C.M.H.A. (Canadian Mental Health Association) and offered our latest single Casualties Of War - a song about two friends of mine who suffer - as a free download so our fans may make a donation to help support the cause.

mym: What kind of outlet and vehicle does music provide you with?

Tim: It provides a creative outlet that is a vehicle for my storytelling. I've always wanted to tell stories in film print or music. So this has become my ideal choice for that outlet. As well as the creative outlet, since we have become a full time touring band we have that consistent live outlet which gives us face time with fans and it allows me to express it with everything, body soul and performance. It's my favourite thing to do now.

mym: For the writing of "Casualties of War", you partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Canada (CMHA) and also drew on your own personal experience. How did you get involved with CMHA and what were your goals in teaming up with a mental health organization?

Tim: The CMHA has many programs for people dealing with mental illness and great resources so we approached them first and they were in right away. Our goals were to provide our support by adding a donation button to our free download of casualties of war at www.crashparallel.com . These funds go to helping expand the resources that go out to support people suffering from mental illness.

mym: How has mental illness impacted your own life?

Tim: When I have experienced it I have literally lost friends, business partners and been shocked, scared and felt sorry. I got very frustrated trying to help and slowly learned that I couldn't do anything to make the changes required. That was the hardest thing was feeling like you couldn't help and to lose someone who is part of your life and the next day just gone to a place they cannot return from. Of course it wasn't one day and it wasn't hopeless but it's how it feels. Once it happens to you and you share the story, it was amazing to me how many people have experience with similar stories. It is something that affects a lot of people and it's a huge social issue.

mym: What would you want to say to someone who is having a hard time and wondering about reaching out for help?

Tim: I would ask questions to try and understand what they really need in the way of help and see what I could do for them. Sometimes people just want to be listened to and they feel better when they get it out in the air. I always recommend talking about things; just make sure you choose someone who respects you enough to listen.

mym: Clearly your work and your music are very meaningful! What is the fun aspect of being a musician for you?

Tim: Travelling is something I love; I could live on the road for a very long time. Meeting new people and seeing new cities seems to be a comfortable life for me. However nothing compares to being on stage with people you have grown together with and playing your hearts out for people who want to hear you. That's pretty fun.

mym: What was it like touring across Canada with David Usher of Moist in October and November 2008?

Tim: It was a lot of fun to tour with someone we all grew up listening to and who has had a great career. The whole band was welcoming and we had a blast with them every night. I also thought it was a great fit for both bands and the fans. We were able to expose ourselves to so many people. We would do that them again anytime!

mym: What do you do in your spare time when you're not making music?

Tim: I watch a lot of movies, still work on screenplays, catch up with friends and try to stay in shape by running or playing hockey. I'm always looking for inspiration and it all comes from life experience.

mym: Any words to live by?

Tim: One thing I live by is that there are no secrets and no shortcuts, People always know when they are cheating themselves including me. Sometimes we think we can get away with stuff but it always comes back in some way. Integrity is the key to everything even when we make mistakes, coming clean and being honest about them allows you the emotional freedom to be without guilt. This is a subject I sometimes go on about so overall I will just say live by what feels right, follow your instincts and do everything you can to do what you love, if you don't know, keep looking.