Back in 2020, I wrote a piece about music but to be perfectly honest, I don’t think the post even touched the surface on how much it means to me.
There’s a lot behind my reasons for loving it and a period where I fell out of love with it. I listen to so many genres and sub genres with mainly rock (emo, pop punk, metalcore, metal, indie) as the forefront of my music taste. I also have used certain songs, albums and artists to relate to certain situations I’ve been in such as grief, joy, celebrations or even times where my mental health was it’s most desperate.
Growing up, my household wasn’t a musical family in the sense that we played instruments but there was always music being played. My older sister was a massive influence by playing Take That obsessively until they split up (sore subject), then moving onto the Britpop era by listening to Blur, Oasis and other bands of that timeframe.
As we went into the 2000’s, she introduced me to bands/artists like Limp Bizkit, Blink 182, Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park and so many others. A lot of her CDs were handed down to me where I’d play them religiously even though some of the lyrics were a bit risque for a then 9 year old boy!
My parents had their input too. My Dad is a huge fan of the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush, The Police and Wings. Plus he is probably one of the biggest connoisseurs of disco music which has caused me to be a fan of the likes of Earth, Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, Boney M and others.
My Mam loves Motown plus Queen, David Bowie, John Lennon and also dabbles in the disco genre, particularly the genius tunes from Nile Rodgers and Chic. The only baffling thing is my parents like Wings and John Lennon but don’t like The Beatles. That’s one thing for sure which didn’t pass on to me because I love everything about “The Fab Four” from ‘Love Me Do’ to ‘Yellow Submarine’.
Where the heavier stuff comes in is quite simple. 12 year old me was overjoyed when my parents finally got Sky TV installed as I got to watch football, wrestling, films and newer episodes of The Simpsons. Also, unlike now there was loads of music channels with one in particular that stood out, Kerrang! TV.
Through that channel it introduced me to many of my favourite bands and it also pointed me in the direction of the magazine of the same name. Without Kerrang! I may have never discovered my favourite bands such as Funeral For A Friend, The Blackout, You Me At Six, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, My Chemical Romance and so many others. I could have gone towards whole other genre entirely. Some of my friends were already into rock and its subgenres plus it also helped me start friendships with so many others.
When you connect with someone over a mutual love of something is amazing. It’s said to happen naturally due to shared rhythms and lyrics triggering brain chemicals that build trust, empathy and a deep sense of belonging. Going to gigs with friends and seeing hundreds or thousands of people singing along is an amazing experience that never ever gets old.
The links between music and mental health has been studied all over the world. Listening to or making music lowers the stress hormone cortisol while releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. This process helps reduce anxiety, lifts low moods, and offers a safe way to process difficult emotions.
There are also potential risks as sad or aggressive music can sometimes fuel negative moods if the intention is to isolate instead of processing certain feelings. On a personal level I use these types of music in a positive sense as a lot of lyrics based in emo/alternative music are based on real life experiences from the perspective of the artists. A lot of fans find this relatable including yours truly.
The therapeutic value of emo music has influenced and impacted me massively for the majority of my life. Raw lyrics and the intensity show us listeners the all important message that we’re not alone in our pain. It also promotes a positive space where people can openly discuss trauma, mental wellbeing and create bonds, friendships etc as a result.
Songs like ‘The Taste of Ink’ by The Used is an example of the values I’m highlighting. Lead singer Bert McCracken’s anguished voice captures a struggle he’s dealt with throughout his life that resonates with countless listeners. Bert has described the song as “breaking free from a monotonous, unfulfilling life, escaping a small-town trap, and chasing dreams against the odds.” It was written in reference to his battles with addiction, depression and periods of homelessness.
The song’s powerful chorus is a declaration of survival, determination and for living out a dream. “So here I am, it’s in my hands, and I’ll savor every moment of this”. It’s cliche I know but you couldn’t help but resonate with lyrics like that. So many fans over the world have praised Bert and the band for this song which remains a staple of their live repertoire and will forever be remembered as an emo anthem that holds a special place in many people’s hearts.
Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba has also contributed to these topics. With songs like ‘Hands Down’, his songwriting and performances highlight periods where he’s experienced heartbreak and vulnerability. His lyrics speak volumes of these matters as well as emotional pain.
“I tossed and turned in my bed, I couldn’t sleep”. Those who suffer with anxiety and similar conditions will find a rapport with Dashboard’s music as a link between sadness and sorrow. Chris Carrabba’s created a community amongst where he continues to promote open conversations around mental health and support.
It’s more than fair to say that emo music has made a massive contribution to destigmatise mental health conversations. By openly discussing topics such as mental illnesses, trauma, therapy and recovery, bands like The Used, Alkaline Trio, Dashboard Confessional, My Chemical Romance and so many others have helped create a culture that encourages vulnerability.
Through their music, they’ve reasonated with their fanbase, especially those experiencing times where they’re grappling with emotional struggles. Another massive benefit is forming a supportive community where mental health can be openly discussed.
A lot of these connotations can be said for the sub genre of pop punk. It’s been described as a benefit towards mental wellbeing as songs can address painful feelings like self doubt, sadness and pressure to be “fake happy”. The fast tempos in these songs can allow listeners to safely channel frustration, angst and other emotions.
The Welsh pop punk band Neck Deep have openly spoken about mental health and have promoted their music as a relatable spectrum where their listeners can feel seen, even in their darkest moments. Frontman Ben Barlow has spoken about his own struggles where he views music as a life saving outlet.
The band’s albums ‘Life’s Not Out To Get You’ and ‘The Peace And The Panic’ provide rallying cries in the songs whilst acknowledging that anyone can experience these difficult days. By confronting these negative thoughts with positive influences there is a way to a healthier mindset.
The band’s song ‘In Bloom’ is a massive highlight of their positive message. It uses the metaphor of a plant to capture the heavy and numb feelings which surround depressive episodes. “Stop digging it up or we’re never gonna see it all in bloom” are lyrics which argue that constant focus on the bad stuff or “dwelling” on it prevents personal growth and recovery.
Neck Deep are further examples of just how beneficial music can be. In my experiences seeing them live or listening to their albums, and hearing the lyrics it does help me relate as well as reflect on my experiences. Songs such as ‘In Bloom’, ‘Gold Steps’ and ‘Fall’ are essential listening for me and I will always thank them for continuing to spread the message.
Another example of the benefits that pop-punk offers in relation to mental health and destigmatising the conversations around it is the American band State Champs. Over the years, albums such as ‘The Finer Things’, ‘Kings Of The New Age’ and their more recent self titled release address personal hurdles, self doubt and the strength to move forward. Their honest and raw songwriting has created a bond with their fanbase to the point where the band themselves have even admitted how they didn’t foresee how much of a positive impact they’d have.
Even the biggest bands in the world offer a gateway into these topics. One of my all time favourite bands, Blink 182 released ‘Adam’s Song’ in 1999, a song that was inspired by co-frontman Mark Hoppus’ loneliness that he experienced whilst on tour. He also came across a letter from a teenager who sadly took their own life.
The song itself takes the form of a suicide note and Hoppus has since admitted that writing it helped him overcome coming to grips with the fact that he struggled with depression and anxiety. The band have always ensured the song is an anti-suicide anthem. Towards the end of the song, the mood changes to more of a sense of survival, positivity and strength.
“I never conquered, rarely came, Tomorrow holds such better days. Days when I can still feel alive, When I can’t wait to get outside. The world is wide, the time goes by, The tour is over, I’ve survived”. This reflects on a powerful shift from deep suicidal depression to survival, hope, and emotional recovery.
I could carry on forever talking about this and I’ll probably write about it again but this is just a snippet of how important music is to us, our wellbeing and identity. Without it, I am pretty sure I wouldn’t have some of the tools I have to help me get me through some tough times. I’ve mentioned previously how I have an “anthem” to help me which is ‘Move Along’ by All American Rejects. From the my teens to my current ripe old age of 35, the song gives me a boost and puts a smile on my face whenever I hear it.
I’ve also referenced how I even fell out of love with rock music in my darkest times. When I was masking my insecurities by drinking heavily and “putting on a front”, I convinced myself the music was sort of hindering me and was why I felt rubbish about myself. In reality I was letting the negativity impact me and I have since accepted the fact that we’re all different in terms of tastes in music etc.
Going to concerts is massive for me. Recently I saw another all time favourite band of mine, The Blackout celebrate their 15th anniversary of their 3rd album, ‘Hope’. Now this is an album with a strong message with songs like ‘This Is Our Time’, ‘You’re Not Alone’ and ‘Hope (Scream It Out Loud)’.
The band have always been welcoming to their fanbase and lyrics such as “Never give in, Hope is all we have and all we’ve ever known. Never fear it, But you’ve got to hear me out. So scream it out loud” are powerfully and still cause fans to quite literally scream them out loud in support of the band and their music.
I experienced a bit of a comedown after this gig but also realised it was also due to the excitement that built up to it. The show was incredible that featured highlights of years gone past where the band had performed/met fans etc. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the band many times and co-frontman Sean Smith’s ‘Sappenin Podcast’ that he hosts with fellow lovely emo human, Morgan Richards has helped me meet some amazing and now close friends through our love of alternative music.
Sean and a few of the “Sapp Fam” even came to my wedding party and it still wows me that I can talk to one of my favourite musicians like “one of the boys” as he’s always been kind, approachable and a truly lovely human being. That’s further proof of the inclusivity that alternative music provides and the benefits are clear as day.
All types of music can help us feel good about ourselves. I find the classic Earth Wind and Fire hit ‘September’ to be one of my “happy songs”. Same applies to legendary music of Sir Tom Jones. Sometimes it’s fun to get up and have a bit of a dance and enjoy this type of music.
Anyways, I can harp on forever but it’s time to wrap this up. Music has multiple meanings to us and this particular post was written to highlight some of the benefits behind the music I love. If you ever want to discuss this with me, feel free to drop me a message.
I’ve also provided some links to some great organisations that offer support during times of struggle. You’re never alone in this fight and people do care.
So please, stay safe, take care and most importantly keep being you!
Mind – 0300 123 3393, http://www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans – 116 123, http://www.samaritans.org
Anxiety UK – 03444 775 774, http://www.anxietyuk.org.uk
PAPYRUS – 0800 068 4141, http://www.papyrus-uk.org
SHOUT – Text SHOUT to 85258, giveusashout.org
#MentalHealthMatters #NeverGiveUp 🖤
MIND OVER NOISE 