The Monkeys Aotearoa and ASB clinch prestigious Grand Clio for collaboration with BENEE and Youthline

AUCKLAND, Today: The Monkeys Aotearoa, in collaboration with ASB and Youthline, clinched a gold and bronze Clio earlier this month, courtesy of their 2023 project featuring Kiwi artist BENEE. Their innovative initiative, Bagels by BENEE, aimed at aiding youth mental health, has now nabbed a prestigious Grand Clio.

The project, a fusion of music and mental wellness, was crafted keeping Kiwi youngsters in mind. It’s more than a song; it’s a lifeline to help young minds combat stress, complementing Youthline’s extensive support network across New Zealand.

This accolade isn’t just a trophy; it’s a testament to the power of music in marketing. The Grand Clio, specifically under the music category, spotlights the trio’s stellar work in harnessing tunes for mental wellness.

Behind the scenes, Bagels by BENEE was a heartfelt response to the soaring mental health concerns among the youth. ASB, together with The Monkeys and Youthline, orchestrated this masterpiece, with Josh Fountain’s production prowess breathing life into it.

“We were chuffed with our gold and bronze Clio, but to take out the Grand Clio is a career highlight for the teams that worked on this project.” – Damon Stapleton

ASB’s Helen Fitzsimons expressed the project’s essence, “Through our work with Youthline, we identified the need for a practical tool to provide young people with immediate support in those stressful moments.” The recognition for ‘Bagels’ is not just an award; it’s a validation of their commitment to youth mental health.

A scientific lens reveals ‘Bagels’ as more than a melody. Its efficacy, backed by neurological studies on Kiwis aged 18-25, showcases its power to dial down immediate anxiety. The analysis, featuring billions of brain and nervous system readings, sets a new benchmark in understanding music’s therapeutic potential.

Even against heavyweight tracks like Marconi Union’s ‘Weightless’, ‘Bagels’ stands out, reducing anxiety more effectively, as endorsed by the journal Psychophysiology. Its calming effect on the brain is not just a claim; it’s a proven fact.

Damon Stapleton of The Monkeys reflects on this journey, “We were chuffed with our gold and bronze Clio, but to take out the Grand Clio is a career highlight for the teams that worked on this project.” The real triumph, however, is the song’s impact, touching lives and soothing minds, one tune at a time.

A fusion of creativity, compassion, and science, Bagels by BENEE is more than a campaign; it’s a beacon of hope, a melody that carries the promise of solace for young souls. It’s a victory, not just for The Monkeys, ASB, and Youthline, but for every listener it embraces in its melodious hug.

• Stream Bagels by BENEE on Spotify or watch the music video below