The late songwriter and Sparklehorse leader Mark Linkous took his life over three years ago, and now Box Of Stars, a non-profit promoting awareness of mental health issues, is putting together Last Box Of Sparklers, a tribute album in Linkous’ memory. The Flaming Lips, Mark Lanegan, Mercury Rev, Cowboy Junkies, Califone, Brent Haviland, and Phantogram have already contributed music, with The Joy Formidable, Jason Lytle, Portugal. the Man, and others also scheduled to record tracks.
If that is of interest to you, the project has an Indiegogo page going to support completion of the record and marketing materials. Some of the contributors will take part in a PSA to combat the stigma of mental illness. With 10 days to go, the campaign has raised over $17,000, but has set the goal of $50,000, and plenty of great rewards are still available, from autographed vinyl and actual instruments owed by the contributors, to Ted Richardson offering to mix a song or an album for $300.