Reporoa College band 40 Watts Rising is taking to crowd-funding site Kickstarter to raise funds to produce an album promoting awareness and prevention of youth suicide.
The group plans to donate some proceeds from the planned album to suicide prevention and awareness agencies.
Lead guitarist Jake Croskey said the band first thought about the issue when they were asked to perform at a Suicide Prevention Day festival in Taupo.
"They had a world suicide day and we did a festival in town and decided it was a good cause," he said.
He said suicide prevention was an issue in Reporoa.
"You don't hear about it too much because people try and keep it on the down-low, but it happens more than people like to think," Jake said.
"If we can't get the funding there is nothing stopping us playing music," Jake said.
They said their song Kotahitanga was about unity, belonging and sticking together, which were messages the band wanted to put to young people.
"Music is a good way to express your emotions, and get the message out. You have got to have that drive to get there, and when you do get there you get rewarded with people hearing your message. You've got to want it and it's not a part-time thing."
The band has more than 70 songs and three set lists, and are gigging as a means to promote themselves and their message.
40 Watts Rising performed at this year's Smokefree Rockquest and while they didn't make it through the regional heats, they won the People's Choice Award.
To donate to 40 Watts Rising's Kickstarter, visit www.kickstarter.com and search for 40 Watts Rising.
For more information on the band visit their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/40WattsNZ.