Ady Suleiman releases exclusive cover of Bill Withers’ ‘Lean On Me’, in aid of CALM.

Ady Suleiman has released an exclusive cover of Bill Withers’ classic ‘Lean On Me’ as part of Torch Songs, the initiative led by the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). Listen here: http://bit.ly/AdyTorchSong

Torch Songs brings together top artists and music lovers to share the tracks they turn to when things get tough, shedding light on how commonplace it is to face pressures in life. Latest UK figures show men are three times more likely than women to take their own life, and less likely to tell anyone about going through depression.

CALM launched Torch Songs on International Men’s Day 2016, since releasing exclusive covers from artists including Elbow, Years & Years, The Vaccines, Frank Turner, Enter Shikari and Twin Atlantic. More artists will release Torch Songs through 2017.

Nottingham singer-songwriter Ady Suleiman, an official ambassador of CALM, said: “I love Bill Withers and this song in particular is so special. It’s a feel good tune and always picks me up. The lyrics encourage me to reach out to people when I’m low which always helps.”

BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens has championed the Torch Songs campaign, saying: “Music is a constant, a saviour in the world which is unique to everyone. The artists involved, sharing their unique cover versions of their personal Torch Songs, are magnificent. The songs strike the right note; give you hope; remind you of the possibilities; remind you you're not alone.”

James Scroggs, CALM’s Chair and creator of Torch Songs, said: “It’s normal for all of us to encounter tough times. We also know music is a universally powerful tool to lift the spirits. So we hope Torch Songs provides the inspiration men need to find a way through."

All Torch Songs tracks will be available at torchsongs.co.uk, as well as Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube.

You don’t have to be a musician to get involved — fans are encouraged to spread awareness by sharing their own Torch Songs online with the hashtag #WhatsYourTorchSong.