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Why I’m Sharing This Cover of Chalk Outlines

During the pandemic, I tore my knee and suddenly couldn’t exercise — something that had always grounded me. While I wasn’t struggling with mental health I was very aware of how hard that period was for so many.

With more time at home, and being unable to excercise I drifted back to music and songwriting — hobbies I’d set aside years ago. Creativity became a positive passing of time during lockdowns in particular.

Then I saw Ren and Chinchilla’s performance of Chalk Outlines in 2021 it absolutely floored me. I also know this song resonated deeply with so many others, and I knew this was the piece I wanted to reinterpret.

My Version of a Marathon

Since I still can’t run, cycle, or take on a physical challenge, I poured my energy into something I could do: music.

Over eight months, I:

• Re-arranged the song from the ground up as best I could with the new skills I had been learning during covid

• Gathered world class singers and musicians from across the globe (Italy, Canada, and Brazil)

• Created a warm, soft, sunny hybrid bossa nova pop sound to contrast the dark, vulnerable lyrics — a musical metaphor for faking smiles

• Paid for professional mixing and mastering

• Secured all the proper licences so the track could be shared publicly and ethically

This project became my marathon — a creative effort built with intention, collaboration, and deep respect for the original artists.

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Where the Song Will Live

This reinterpretation will eventually be released under my new music project Misto Quente. For now, though, it exists purely to support Mind — and I’m proud that its first purpose is to help MIND help people.

I was fortunate to work with incredible singers and musicians from around the world. And every contributor brought real heart to the project and helped shape its warm, sunny tone.

And since I know this song — and Mind — have helped so many people already, I hope my interpretation on behalf of Mind continues to help people for quite some time to come.

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Why Your Donation Matters

By donating, you’re supporting Mind, a charity that has been there for people before, during, and after the pandemic. Their helplines, local services, advocacy, and life saving information reach hundreds of thousands of people every year. The mental health crisis didn’t end when lockdowns did — and Mind continues to meet that need.

You’re not “buying” a song.

You’re contributing to a cause that changes lives.

The track is simply my way of saying thank you to MIND and to those donating.

In addition to receiving a link to the song as part of your donation, you'll also be able to download the chords, and an extended brief about the track with information about the singer.

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Why Chalk Outlines?

The song speaks to vulnerability, survival, and the weight people carry quietly. Ren’s openness about mental health and chronic illness has helped millions feel seen, and his advocacy — including his work highlighted by Mind — shows how powerful honesty can be.

This cover is my way of honouring that message and turning it into something that helps others.

When you donate, you’ll receive a thank you message with a link to download the track — a small gesture of appreciation for your generosity.