We all have that favorite band, album, song, or lyrics that pick us up when we're down. You're probably listening to one of them right now, aren't you? I want you to stop and think for a second now: we follow all these artists in their musical journeys, go out and see them at concerts, festivals, shows, etc. Some people never stop and think about the songs they're listening to, what the lyrics are, what the story is about, but we rarely think of what these artists might be going through to write what they do.
Every musician is in the music business because they know they are talented and they love what they do. However, with touring and recording albums, often they have to sacrifice comfort, health, and even relationships sometimes for their art. All of this can be a big strain on their mental health in general, especially for those artists who have debilitating mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc. Most artists who do have these illnesses are typically quite open about it and use their fame as a platform to elicit talk and a change to the stigma associated with mental illnesses.
“Mental illness isn't something that's always there, but it is there… and I can't control that. A big part of this music, if you don't perform it, you listen to it and you understand it. It relates to you. Whenever you go to a show, or you see music happening, you should take every anxiety you have and leave it there, get it all out. So that way, when you leave a show there's this element of catharsis that says: That helped me so much; and that's what music is there for. Whether you play it or don't.”- Cameron Boucher, lead singer and guitarist for Sorority Noise, during an interview with Washed Up Emo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3w5w0rx69o
“I've learned that hardcore music is not for happy kids with perfect lives.”- Being As An Ocean via Twitter. https://twitter.com/beingasanocean/status/309526375990173696
Through statements like these, and numerous others present not only in interviews but in lyrics also, we realize that these artists fight the same demons we combat and struggle through the same battles. We learn that fame and wealth can't calm the ever-growing hunger that is mental illness scratching to get out of its cage inside your head. Which is a misconception about many mental illnesses, that if you're rich, famous, and well-liked that you'll be cured. When in reality, this often stresses out the artists even more, and puts a further strain on them. As a musician myself, I know how hard it can be; you fight with the deepest, darkest parts of yourself and tell it to the world in hopes they'll appreciate it. Which can be draining, both physically and mentally. A few lyrical examples:
“Call me depressed. And tell me to get over it. It's not in my head but It's in my blood. So I called to apologize. For every night I told you I didn't want to live my life. But I hung up. Before you pick up. Because I changed my mind. And I've gotten better. At getting better...”-"Mononokay" by Sorority Noise, off of the album Joy, Departed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alEy3hgzpLM
“And I couldn't stand the person inside me. I turned all the mirrors around...And I've grown familiar. With villains that live in my head. They beg me to write them. So I'll never die when I'm dead...”-"Control" by Halsey, off of the album Badlands. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so8V5dAli-Q
“We are all given dark and light, beautiful contrast, black and white. You can hide in the darkness or strive for healthy progress. Forgive what makes us human...”- "St. Peter" by Being As An Ocean, off of their self-titled album. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2Le976WljU
Through the art, we better understand the artists behind it. We learn of the overall catharsis brought by music to not only the people who listen, but the people who make it. That finding an outlet for your illness can be one of the greatest steps towards living mentally healthier and managing your illness better. That outlet being art of any kind, not only music. In the fight for, and through, mental health, everyone has different coping mechanisms, and art is one of the few that is universal. Not everyone understands when you try to explain to them, but show them a quote, a picture, an illustration, a song, they can explain all the content that's too difficult to say.
To add an addendum to a great saying, “Where words fail, art speaks.”
