Music has the power to heal, to comfort, and to connect us in moments when words fall short. This belief is at the heart of Music Is Medicine, a Canadian music initiative created by Robert Frances, CEO of PEAK Financial Group and member of the band N2O, in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Alan Parsons. What began as a tribute to a lost bandmate has grown into a powerful movement using music to support families affected by brain cancer.

A project born from loss, purpose and friendship

Music Is Medicine was created in the wake of profound loss. When N2O drummer and beloved friend David Tondino passed away from brain cancer, the band’s world shifted. David wasn’t just a musician, he was the heartbeat of N2O, a constant source of creativity, humour and energy. His passing left a void that reshaped the band’s purpose.
Determined to transform grief into something meaningful, Robert Frances partnered with Alan Parsons to create a project that would honour David’s legacy and help others facing similar journeys. The result is Music Is Medicine, five original N2O singles produced and mixed by Alan Parsons, with all net proceeds donated to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada to support research, education and patient programs.

Introducing “Radio” — The first single

The movement officially launches with “Radio”, released on November 19, 2025, and first introduced live at Place des Arts during The Alan Parsons Live Project concert. Written by David Tondino and composed by N2O, “Radio” draws inspiration from the Beatles, the soundtrack of David’s youth, and revisits the themes of memory, time, connection and the comfort of music.
Produced and mixed by Alan Parsons, the song carries emotional depth and honesty. Parsons brought his legendary touch, known worldwide from his work on The Dark Side of the Moon, Abbey Road, and the Alan Parsons Project, to craft a sound that bridges memory and hope.

Losing a close friend and bandmate to brain cancer deeply affected Robert Frances and sparked his determination to transform that grief into purpose. Collaborating with Alan Parsons on Radio became a way to honour that loss and channel it into something meaningful.

Alan Parsons, who produced and mixed the track, was moved by the story behind David Tondino’s lyrics. He felt it added depth and power to the song, reinforcing its honesty and its ability to bridge generations through music.

The recording includes performances by musicians from The Alan Parsons Live Project, brought together under Parsons’ direction to help shape the emotional sound and vision of the piece.

A movement already making an impact

Music Is Medicine is not starting from scratch. Earlier in 2025, The Alan Parsons Live Project performed a sold-out benefit concert at Place des Arts, raising more than $600,000 for brain cancer research and marking the official launch of the initiative.

Today, the movement is backed by:
• 5 original charity singles, produced by Alan Parsons
• 5,000+ supporters worldwide
• $600,000 already raised for brain tumour research
• Complete donation of net proceeds to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada

Every listen, download, stream, or donation continues this momentum, transforming sound into support for patients and families across Canada.

A band of lifelong friends, a legacy that lives on

N2O is more than a band; they’re a brotherhood. Morris Dascal (bass), Shawn Dascal (percussion), Rob Frances (keyboards), and the late David Tondino (drums) grew up making music together, united by passion, creativity and the joy of recording.

Their sound, a blend of rock, pop and emotional power ballads, reflects the energy of friendship and the honesty of lived experience. After losing David, the band’s mission became clear: carry forward his legacy by making the music he loved and using it to help others.

When Alan Parsons and his Live Project arrived in Montreal, the collaboration elevated N2O’s vision beyond what they imagined, turning raw emotion into art that could change lives.

Five singles, one mission

From November 2025 through March 2026, N2O and Alan Parsons will release one new charity single each month:
• Radio – Available Now (Learn more)
• Single #2 – December 2025
• Single #3 – January 2026
• Single #4 – February 2026
• Single #5 – March 2026

Each track explores themes of memory, resilience, strength, hope and the healing power of connection.

How you can support the movement

You can join the Music Is Medicine journey in several ways. Visit the Music Is Medicine site, follow N2O and PEAK’s #PEAKWithPurpose initiative, and stay tuned for monthly releases.

Spread the word across your networks.

Every share amplifies hope.

Visit the Music is Medicine Website