Music and Mental Health ❤❤❤
Hello Internet,
I hope you are doing well today.
My apologies for the slight gap in posting proceedings
recently. As you will figure out as you read on, there's mental reasons for that. Writing has also been a bit difficult
for me recently because university assignments took priority and I’ve been battling
a little bit of a creative block.
But this has taken a bit of
time for me to get together because sometimes I get nervous to write down more personal
stuff. Putting how you’re feeling into words is quite a confronting thing, and it
makes those feelings you’re going through seem all the more real when you manifest
them in word form.
But the messages are important, the
songs are cool and I’m really proud of the final product. So here we go...
The past couple of months have been
really weird for me emotionally. I don’t want to get into specifics right now,
but it’s been a mix of challenging, confusing and strangely enlightening.
Usually my anxiety and general emotional weirdness comes and goes for days at a
time, but this particular batch of low feelings hasn’t really gone away since
the beginning of August.
What I experience is probably
really minor compared to other people, but it feels like something important
that I can’t ignore. Whilst my anxiety does manifest itself in physical
reactions like shaking and panic attacks, it can also simmer beneath the surface
of my mind.
I can still function and go to university,
do my assignments, talk to my friends and family. But these thoughts follow me around,
and I’ll be honest, I’m still dealing with them at the moment. These ones are a
little bit deeper than a lot of the other stuff my brain decides to throw at
me, and it takes time to work through that.
For a lot of people, mental health
is not a quick fix. It takes a lot of love, support and hard work to be able to
identify what’s going on in your head, be able to open up about it to both
yourself and people around you, and then implement steps that are going to be able
to help you improve. Improvements might only be small and take a little bit of
time, but when they happen they are golden.
One of the things that I’ve lent on
a lot over the past couple of months is music. I’ve talked a lot about my personal
connection to music on this blog in a number of my previous posts, and now is
no different. Music is powerful, and it helps me wallow in whatever emotion I
happen to be feeling at the time. Happiness, sadness, determination – you name
it, I probably have a song for it.
So I thought I would share with you
some of the songs that have helped me this odd little mental period. I hope
that they are either useful for you in the same way they are for me, or that
this encourages you to find that special thing in your life that you can lean
on in times when you need that kind of strength:
✨BREATHIN’ (Ariana Grande) ✨
Track number 9 from Ariana Grande’s
4th studio album Sweetener, this song is the definition of
perfection for me. I have trouble properly articulating how much love, joy and
warmth this brings me everytime I hear it. It’s utterly genius for so many
reasons, and one of those is how genuine and amazing the lyrics are. This story
means the absolute world to me. As someone who has had anxiety in their life
for a very long time, Ariana made my heart so full because it perfectly articulated
what my anxiety feels like. When I’m anxious or freaking out, the first thing
to go is my breathing. So I need that reminder to just keep breathing, even in
my anxious and emotional moments; and I know a lot of other people appreciated
that too. Topics like this are something I would love to see more in lyrics because
they connect with people on such a deep level and creates such a powerful piece
of music. Production wise, there isn’t a whole lot going on, but I think that
allows the lyrics and the message to shine even more. It’s easy listening, but there’s
still a spunky beat in there too. Honest and brilliant, this is definitely one
of my favourite Ariana Grande songs of all time.
❌IN MY BLOOD (Shawn Mendes cover by Kurt Hugo Schneider ft. Will Champlin and Kirsten Collins) ❌
Shawn Mendes released this song as
the lead single off his 3rd studio album ‘Shawn Mendes’. His version
is amazing, but what YouTube producer extraordinaire Kurt Hugo Schneider was
able to do here elevated it to a whole new level. Lyrically, it talks about
themes and feelings related to anxiety and the contrast between the more
difficult moments where you want to give up, and resolving to push through and
not give up. Between the softer verses and the hard-hitting chorus, Schneider
has been able to really showcase that emotional journey and the heart of what
the lyrics are trying to convey. Kirsten and Will’s vocals are freaking
amazing, and they give me goosebumps every single time I hear this song.
Melodically, they nail their solo sections and their harmonies are so
well-balanced. But the real hero of this piece is all the layers and textures
underneath. That comes from the combination of the 2 voices with Schneider’s
signature piano playing, the drums and the phenomenal string section. The
strings in particular added an extra dynamic and edge to the composition that I
don’t think is utilised enough in today’s pop music. I am so obsessed with
everything in this cover, it’s so great!
🌟 LIE FOR LOVE (Sabrina Carpenter) 🌟
One of the tracks off the
soundtrack for Netflix Original romantic comedy Sierra Burgess is A Loser, Sabrina Carpenter has knocked this well
and truly out of the park. I haven’t seen the film yet (it is on my
Must-Watch-Once-I-Get-Netflix list), but I think the song also stands well on
its own. The production is a tech-inspired, funky dancepop situation that I’m
obsessed with. It has this playful, youthful, fun essence about it that makes
you feel like dancing. Sabrina’s trademark thick and gorgeous voice is on show
here too, and although the melody doesn’t seem too difficult for her diverse
range to cover, it does allow for her lovely lower register to be the
centrepiece. For a younger lady, her voice sounds so mature and the confidence
dripping off this melody is everything. Lyrically, it is cleverly written and
ties in with some of the movie’s main themes. It probably isn’t as deep as some
of the other songs on this list, but I love how it never failed to pump me up
and give me energy. No matter how you feel about the film itself, this song totally
rocks 😊
💎 NEW (Daya) 💎
Released in October 2017, this is
American singing sensation Daya’s first single as a member of Interscope
Records. I do think the dance beats and certain production moments overpowered
her voice at certain points, but it still creates this really stimulating vibe
and listening experience. But I like the build of energy throughout the song,
and the contrast between the verses and the chorus is super cool. It’s quite a
fascinating rollercoaster of different sounds and feelings, and I love that it
makes me sit up and pay attention. I’ve really enjoyed this confident new
musical direction, and the maturity and growth from her previous stuff is nice
to see. Although the production is quite upbeat and pop-driven, the lyrics are
emotive and raw. That moment of missing someone who’s not in your life anymore
is a relatable story that I think Daya has conveyed well. I would have liked a
little bit more variation in the later choruses, but there are definitely
clever lines that will stick in a listener’s mind. I’m also a big fan of the
melody, and the fact that it is so complex and unpredictable heroes the cool
little perks and quirks of her fabulous voice.
🌊 BE ALRIGHT (Dean Lewis) 🌊
This is the 2018 single from
Australian singer/songwriter Dean Lewis. It’s beautifully melancholy, so expect
some serious feels. When I first heard this song, it almost made me cry. If I
listen to it when I’m feeling particularly emotional, there are times where I’ll
shed a tear. The simple instrumentation on the full studio version is beautiful
and well-balanced, but the acoustic version is so raw and the more vulnerable
of a listen. It’s stripped down to its
bare bones, but it doesn’t lose an inch of its power. I would also attribute
that to Lewis’ even and mellow tone, because his effortless smooth texture is
heavenly. He makes the melody pop in all the right places, and he leans into
certain words to give them that extra edge of passion. Lyrically, it’s a
healing song that talks about painful but necessary advice that a friend might
give in a time of heartbreak. There’s a lot of pain, but there’s optimism in there
as well. Sure, something hurts a hell of a lot right now. But eventually it
will be alright. Simple and full of emotional self-reflection – how good music
should be.
💃 FALL IN LINE (Christina Aguilera ft. Demi Lovato) 💃
2 divas rocking out, and I am here
for it! The lead single from Aguilera’s 8th studio album
‘Liberation’, I’m not afraid to say that this song makes me feel proud to be a
female. It’s an empowering mid-tempo ballad, so it is understated in a way, but
it still does pack a potent punch. The sly, percussive drum beats form the
backbone of the track adds this drama and mystique to the song that really
makes it unique. But really, this is 4 minutes and 7 seconds of raw, feminine
power. Christina and Demi definitely don’t hold back, and the vocal gymnastics
that happen are crazy, especially in the back half. But aside from the killer
vocals and tango-esque instrumental vibe, I’ve been in love with the message of
this song most of all. It’s a strong message that I’ve really connected with
and the subject matter is also very relevant in our current societal climate.
There could always be more songs about girls being strong and confident in
their individuality, and not necessarily conforming to society’s expectations
or ideals about what a female should be. This is an awesome track, and I want
to hear more like it please 😊
👥 SILENCE (Marshmello ft. Khalid) 👥
I was surprised I enjoyed this song
as much as I have. On paper, it’s not usually a combination I would go for and
I’m not familiar with either of these guys in great detail. But this one is particularly
poignant, and it touched me on a really deep level from the first listen. Released
in August 2017, the American DJ Marshmello and American singer/songwriter
Khalid have created a dance ballad that struck a good balance between the beats
and the big emotional messages. It’s lyrically powerful too, and I think the story
of struggling with confidence in relationships, but eventually overcoming fears
and breaking a ‘silence’ is something quite relatable. Subdued dance tracks are
some of my favourite songs, and it is quite raw compared to other DJ tracks
making the rounds. But it’s powerful and full of warmth and heart, despite the
melancholy lyrical themes. Khalid’s tone also fascinates me and adds another unique
level to the composition.
⏰ HAPPY NOW (Zedd cover by Kurt Hugo Schneider ft. Madilyn Bailey
and Matt Slays)
American singer/songwriter Elley
Duhe joined Russian/German producer powerhouse Zedd for this collaboration.
Their version is super cool, but Schneider has done it again with elevating
amazing to a whole new level. As a post-breakup pop ballad, it tells the story
about thinking of an ex and wondering if they’re happy with their choices. The
original has this easy listening, not too hectic vibe and Kurt adds even more
complexity to that. I am obsessed with the layering and Kurt’s production
choices throughout the song, and the piano line is particularly beautiful. Madilyn’s
vocals are always incredible and her silky textures add a cool extra element. Matt’s
voice is also strong, full of power and balances the sound well. Overall, I
love how chill it is while still having an energetic spark about it.
🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵
I believe that music will get me through
anything. Music has allowed me to both escape the crazy thoughts going on in my
head, but also to tackle them head on with the help of music and lyrics. I feel
so lucky that I’ve been able to find this thing that supports me in my tough times,
because support and openness are so important in discussions to do with mental
health.
We need to be more open in having
these conversations and supporting one another anyway we can. World Mental Health
Day was 3 days ago, but these types of conversations are for anytime you want
to talk. I guarantee you someone will want to listen and love you regardless.
You are not alone, your thoughts and feelings are valid, and it is perfectly OK
for your mental health journey to take as long as you need it to.
I need music for my mental health.
What do you need for your mental health?
★☆★☆★☆★
I hope you got something out of
that long and convoluted piece. It felt good to get that off my chest. Thanks
for listening.
If you want to keep up with new blog
posts, remember to follow me @miss_memphis98 on Instagram and/or Twitter.
Thanks for reading,
Love and being open to have
conversations about important life things, Emily xx 💛
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