The Suicide Watch, a collaboration of producers and hip hop artists from the Border and across Australia, is in the final stages of putting together a mix tape with suicide prevention as its theme.

“Not talking about it makes it worse,” project leader Heidi McAlpine said.

Ms McAlpine, a Walbundrie farmer, was spurred to develop the idea after volunteering for Lifeline.

Her experience made her realise she subscribed to common, but false myths around suicide, including the idea that it should not be talked about.

Talking to people about mental health she learnt that putting her head in the sand didn’t help anyone.

She combined her love for hip hop music with her business and band management background, seeking out artists locally and nationally through triple j Unearthed

More than 10 artists and five producers have worked all year on eight tracks to be released in the tape on September 7.

Last week Matthew Daily and Jacob Brizzi, both of Myrtleford, joined Ms McAlpine and Albury sound engineer Adam Boon to record the opening track You’re Not Alone.

“If we make a difference to one life, then I think we will have achieved something,” Ms McAlpine said.

The mix tape will be available through a free digital download from website crazybandplans.com/SWV1.htm.

To listen to some tracks go to facebook.com/TheSuicideWatchVolume1.