As I sit down to write this, I’m reminded of the countless moments music has been my sanctuary, my voice, and my challenge. From the very first time I wrapped my tiny fingers around drumsticks at the age of three, to navigating the complexities of the music industry today, my journey has been deeply intertwined with both music and an ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy. It’s a path that has taught me resilience, compassion, and the undeniable power of merging these two worlds.
Early Echoes of Passion
My love for music was more than just a child’s fascination; it was a calling. Inspired by my grandfather, a bass player and composer, music was a language that I learned to speak fluently from a young age. But it wasn’t just about the melodies and rhythms; it was about the emotions they conveyed, the stories they told, and the connection they fostered with others. Music became my way of understanding the world and myself.
The Touring Test
Joining my first band, Mirth Remedy, and hitting the road at 13 was a dream come true but also a real test of mental and emotional stamina. The exhilaration of live performances was often countered by the loneliness of the road and the pressure to perform night after night. It was during these formative years that I first recognized the importance of mental health in the music industry—a realization that would shape much of my career.
From Performance to Advocacy
My time at Berklee College of Music and later, forming Viva La Hop, deepened my understanding of music’s impact. However, it also exposed me to the harsh realities many musicians face: anxiety, depression, and the struggle to maintain mental wellness in a highly competitive field. These challenges were not just professional but deeply personal for many, including myself.
This awareness propelled me beyond performance and production into advocacy. I wanted to create spaces—not just physical venues like Ellington Underground in Asheville but emotional and mental spaces—where artists felt supported, understood, and valued beyond their musical output.
The Beat of Resilience
Merging music with mental health advocacy is not about dimming the spotlight on performance but broadening its beam to illuminate the well-being of those behind the music. It’s about recognizing that resilience is as much a part of an artist’s repertoire as their musical talent.
Creating Supportive Spaces
In my journey, I’ve learned that one of the most impactful ways to support mental health is by fostering environments where openness and vulnerability are not just accepted but encouraged. At Ellington Underground, we’ve aimed to do just that—creating a venue that’s as much about community and support as it is about entertainment. It’s a place where artists can share not only their music but their stories and struggles, knowing they’re in a safe space.
Advocacy Through Action
Beyond creating physical spaces, I’ve used my platform to advocate for mental health awareness in the music industry. This has meant speaking out about the importance of mental health, sharing my own experiences, and encouraging others to do the same. It’s about changing the narrative from one of enduring in silence to one of speaking out and seeking support.
Through my work with Atomic Music Group, I’ve had the opportunity to push for change on a larger scale, ensuring that artists have access to resources and support systems that prioritize their mental well-being. It’s an ongoing effort to destigmatize mental health issues and create a culture of care within the industry.
The Harmony of Wellness and Creativity
One of the most powerful realizations in my journey has been understanding the symbiotic relationship between mental wellness and creativity. Nurturing one invariably benefits the other. A mind that is cared for is a mind that can create freely, explore fearlessly, and express itself fully.
This doesn’t mean that the creative process is always smooth or free from emotional turmoil. In fact, it’s often through facing and working through these challenges that some of the most profound art is born. However, having the tools and support to navigate these waters can make all the difference in the world.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, my hope is to continue breaking down barriers between music and mental health advocacy. The goal is not just to create a more sustainable industry but a more empathetic world where the value of an artist is measured not just by their output but by their well-being.
Music has the power to heal, to unite, and to inspire. By integrating mental health advocacy into the fabric of the music industry, we amplify this power, offering a beacon of hope and a rhythm of resilience to those who need it most.
Final Notes
To anyone reading this who might be struggling: know that your voice matters, your well-being matters, and you are not alone. There are people who understand, who care, and who are working tirelessly to ensure that the music industry—and the world at large—is a place where you can thrive, not just survive.