Dear Troy,

Summary: In the aftermath of such tragedy, Connecticut Musician, Belle Vex, is reminded of his darkest days battling depression and thoughts of suicide and wants to share his story of survival and hope to other teens and young adults suffering with mental illness. No matter how alone they may feel, they are not alone! Belle Vex is paying it forward through his story of how music saved his life giving inspiration, support and reason for others to do the same through any passion they may have.

Please read our news release below to help us get the word out. Please contact me if you need any additional information. Thank you for your interest in Belle Vex.

Warm Regards,

News Release Text:

He Shares His Story of Hope and Survival to Pay It Forward

Bridgeport, CT -- Dec 20, 2012 /  -- As we all try to process and cope with the horrific tragedy our neighbors in Newtown, CT endured, local Connecticut musician Belle Vex (aka Barry C. Fernandez) is reminded of his dark, downward spiral of depression, homelessness and suicidal thoughts. Music saved Belle Vex's life and helped him overcome his darkest days; now he is giving back to other teens and young adults who are suffering with mental illness an d hopes to be a positive role model for those who feel like they are alone. Belle Vex has pledged to donate 10% of 2012 sales from his recently released album "Urban Legend EP" to the Foundation for the Homeless and to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Many of us feel overwhelmed with questions of why and offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to all those affected by the horrific and unthinkable events at Sandy Hook Elementary. In the wake of such tragedy, Belle Vex is now even more determined to get his story out and extend a hand to other teens and young adults suffering with mental illness, feelings of isolation and thinking there is no one to turn to. As a role model, Belle Vex wants to pay it forward and if he helps just one person it will all be worth it.

Any teen or young adult who feels alone, you are not alone! Reach out to Belle Vex via his Facebook Page <http://www.facebook.com/BelleVex> -- send him a message directly.

To support Belle Vex in his mission to help those suffering with mental illness click to download his songs from Urban Legend EP <http://itun.es/i6DK7RZ> -- 5% of proceeds this year will go to Foundation for the Homeless as well as 5% to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

URL to download:  http://itun.es/i6DK7RZ  ABOUT BELLE VEX'S MUSIC

Belle Vex has a unique alternative electronic pop music style with a huge alternative rock influenced sound shaped to be catchy and appreciated by all, but reflect that angst and rebellion feeling. It uses a lot of electronic instruments to get the dance feeling. Whereas the sound is upbeat, the context is more poetic and reminiscent of E. Allen Poe in a sense. Dark and ironic some might say. It pushes the lines of controversy a bit, but just enough to let others form their own answers. It's also very theatrical, almost like a movie sometimes. Very dramatic, edgy and original.

Belle Vex released his first song "Gurney" on March 5, 2012. This song is about revealing the lies of the people you cared about most only to be left wondering if they cared about you at all.

Belle Vex CT Musician Gurney Single Release.jpg <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wwxoshzZFE>  Link to video is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wwxoshzZFE  Next came his CD release of "Urban Legend EP" featuring four songs: "Lipstick & Lightning", "Tonight", "Gurney", & "Forever Plus." 

An intro video to showcase the EP release is here:  Urban Legend EP - CD release Belle Vex.jpg <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnnIx3WYs20>  Link to video showcase of album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnnIx3WYs20

ABOUT BELLE VEX -- STORY OF HEALING AND SURVIVAL

Born in New Bedford, MA, Barry C. Fernandes began his music career at a very early age playing cello from third to tenth grade while heavily being tuned into MTV and BET. Music was his clear passion. From creating beats electronically, playing in two live bands, mentoring numerous artists, and even acting in two short films, Fernandes' creativity has always guided him.

Life wasn't so easy for the young musician, however. Fernandes escaped from a broken, abusive household and dead-end relationship to attend college for a double major in audio and film while studying acting at Boston Casting all throughout college. He earned his BS in Audio but after running out of money, he dropped out falling 17 credits short for his BS in film. After a brief stint in California and even releasing a music album under an old name, Fernandes suffered major injuries in two car accidents.

Heavily medicated, he remained bed ridden and was both physically and mentally damaged -- Fernandes had lost all hope of being an actor. He was disinterested and overcome by pain he began a vicious downward spiral.

A glimmer of hope came when the music he had put out in April picked up with some of the anime/comic book fans and he was invited to perform at conventions. Fernandes enjoyed this, but was still on the plunge into depression.

After being put on even more medication, this shut him down. He had SEVERE DEPRESSION. Fernandes eventually became homeless and had to live with people who could take care of him. Unwilling to accept everything that was happening, he started attempting suicide.

In April of this year (2012), Fernandes had finally lost it completely and tried to throw his life away one last time. He made a deal with himself that if it didn't work, that was it; if he survived, he had to do something other than just give up because there was nothing else to give.

THE AWAKENING OF BELLE VEX

Having survived his last attempt (and gratefully so), Fernandes re-dedicated his life to music. It was the only thing he felt comfortable with and the only thing that made sense. He promised himself that his new life would not be for me, but rather a symbol for everyone who has ever experienced what he went through. He would make something out of himself and turn it all around to show how possible it is without having to "sell out." He made a decision to take it serious with all cards on the table - and not hide who he is.

Fernandes locked himself into a small room big enough for him and just wrote music nonstop for two weeks. When finished, he had something for others. He couldn't save himself and no one came to save him so it had to be for others. That's why giving back is so important to Belle Vex.

Still homeless and practically disowned by his hometown family, but with a deep awakening for purpose and a rekindling of his passion, Fernandes took his laptop and the clothes on his back to Bridgeport, Connecticut where he's been ever since. He has made some friends and has managed to survive by picking up a part time job as a studio manager in exchange for room and board. Plus now he is being booked up and down the eastern seaboard at various venues. Any money he earns goes into this music career. He is all in.  ###