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Mental Health

Rich Vysion Interview – Unmasking the Self and Turning Vulnerability into Anthemic Art

Posted on 23 October 2025

From the weight of silence to the liberation of unapologetic truth, Rich Vysion steps into a fearless new chapter that tears down the walls he once built around himself. In this revealing interview, the artist opens up about embracing his sexuality after years of hiding in shame, and how that act of self-acceptance reshaped every corner of his creative world. Through unflinching honesty about mental health, raw accounts of self-harm, and a commitment to telling stories without filters, he’s found new ways to connect with listeners who see themselves reflected in his vulnerability. The conversation also explores how his music, poetry, and visuals now act as lifelines for others, and why he’s determined to build safe spaces for healing and empowerment. It’s a deeply human discussion that shows how art becomes most powerful when it is rooted in lived truth.

1. Rebrands can often reflect more than just a shift in sound. What inner changes or realizations pushed you towards this reinvention, and how does it mirror where you are now, both emotionally and creatively?

This is an excellent question. I put a lot of pressure on myself to finally embrace my sexuality. For a long time, I suppressed it because I was afraid of judgment. I no longer wanted to live a double life; it felt incredibly heavy. Deep down, I knew I was a boy who liked other guys but felt immense shame about it.
It was a moment of realization that I didn’t want to live in shame anymore. Hiding for so long was exhausting, and I wanted to be free. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t step into my full truth. Now, I’m living openly, being flirtatious, and not caring who sees it. It feels liberating to finally relax into who I truly am.
Creatively, this shift is also evident. For instance, in my new music video, I proudly wave the LGBTQ flag, fully owning my identity and writing music that is unapologetically me.

2. Your music has long held space for conversations around mental health. How has your message deepened or shifted as you’ve moved through your own healing, and what new ground are you exploring in this chapter?

In this chapter, I’m opening up more deeply about my experiences with self-harm and suicidal thoughts, moving beyond general mental health struggles. I’m also exploring poetry and video as alternative ways to share my message, hoping others can connect in a way that resonates with them. Through it all, my mission remains to remind people they’re not alone. As I progressed through my own healing, I found the ability to speak openly about difficult topics like mental abuse. It took time to process what I was going through before I could transform those feelings into song.

3. Vulnerability and power sit side by side in your new material. How do you approach writing from deeply personal experiences without compromising your own peace?

I am extremely transparent in my music because it’s a form of healing for me—it’s cathartic. For a long time, I suppressed my anger and sadness, which ultimately didn’t serve me. Now, I’ve found an outlet that helps me process my emotions and grow in self-awareness. Being open about my experiences feels like an intrinsic part of who I am—it’s in my DNA. I believe that’s what people connect with most. Additionally, I work through more challenging issues in therapy, so I’ve never felt that sharing my thoughts compromises my peace; it actually helps me find more of it.

4. You’ve spoken about stepping more fully into your sexuality. How has that openness shaped your presence as an artist and influenced the confidence behind your work?

I never imagined I’d be waving an LGBTQ flag in a music video—that alone speaks volumes. I’m no longer seeking external approval. Stepping into this more sassy, expressive version of myself feels like unlocking a part of me that was always present but constrained by the pressure I put on myself. Being more open has helped me come to terms with the fact that my sexuality is my truth—it’s my new reality. I refuse to compromise it or diminish myself to make others comfortable. This newfound confidence is evident in my energy, in my presence—it’s simply who I am now.

5. Expression goes beyond lyrics in your world. How do you approach translating your stories into visuals and performances that resonate with both empowerment and honesty?

I try to keep it simple. I don’t believe in diluting my message with excessive fancy effects or overproduction. I tailor my performances by simply being myself and bringing a lot of energy. Sometimes I use props on stage to enhance the experience, but everything is rooted in authenticity.
When collaborating on visuals, I always request real, human elements—people who are genuinely struggling, not just polished images. I believe in expression and its power to create a truly connecting visual. I often use live footage or stock videos of real people to capture that raw, emotional feeling I’m looking for. It’s about honesty and ensuring the message feels as genuine as it is.

6. Authenticity often changes the dynamic between artist and listener. Have you felt a shift in how audiences connect with you since embracing your identity more openly?

Absolutely—especially when I first came out on social media. The support was overwhelming, which I honestly didn’t expect. I genuinely thought I’d be judged for my sexuality, but the opposite happened. Now that I’m more open, I feel people connect with me on a deeper level because many are still struggling to find themselves.
What truly surprised me is how much people are living through my music—and, in some ways, through my journey with my sexuality. A friend recently shared that my choice to step into my truth gave her son the courage to do the same. That touched me deeply. I hadn’t even realized the real impact my authenticity was having in the world. I’m incredibly grateful.

7. Self-acceptance is at the heart of your work. How has your understanding of it evolved since you first began releasing music, and how does that inform the art you’re creating today?

Another great question. When I first started out, I outsourced my sense of acceptance—I looked for it in other people. It took a lot of inner work and positive reinforcement to shift that narrative and discover what self-acceptance truly meant for me, not for anyone else.
When I came out, I had a moment of realization: this is who I am, and I get to choose to live in that truth. I am bisexual/queer, and I no longer feel the need to apologize or diminish myself. That acceptance helped me finally feel worthy within myself. I started writing more honestly about how I felt, what I valued, and how I saw myself.
As for how it has informed my art—a lot of my work is now rooted in self-acceptance. I try to keep that at the center of everything I create because I’ve seen how it can inspire others to find their own sense of worth—and that’s a beautiful thing.

8. As this new era unfolds, what do you hope listeners feel when they encounter your music for the first time, and how do you see your purpose growing in the years ahead, creatively, spiritually, and personally?

I want my audience to always feel empowered, liberated, seen, heard, and understood. That’s extremely important to me—and it’s why I only create music that speaks to those core values. Everything I create stems from that place.
Looking ahead, I see myself doing a lot of work around men’s development and youth empowerment—using creativity and self-expression as tools to help young people process what they’re going through, and hopefully, to prevent suicide. I also want to host mental health events to continue raising awareness and creating safe spaces for real conversations.
Beyond music, I see myself continuing to write books, collaborating with other LGBTQ+ artists, and building community through every form of art and advocacy I can. This is bigger than me—it’s about healing, connection, and helping others feel less alone.
Discover more about Rich Vyison via his official website.
Connect with Rich Vysion on Instagram and TikTok.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast

Rich Vysion stripped prejudice of its power in his hip-hop anthem, DON’T NEED APPROVAL FROM YOU

Posted on 18 October 2025

Hip-hop has always been a conduit for empowerment and resistance against the oppression of the marginalised; Rich Vysion extended that tradition in his latest single, DON’T NEED APPROVAL FROM YOU. The infectiously high-vibe track strips the power from prejudice, flipping the script from a plea for LGBTQ acceptance to one that proves how worthless unsolicited opinions from strangers really are.

Written to reach out to anyone who is struggling to find pride in a society that enforces the heteronormative hegemony as a form of ground-level tyranny and as an all-out attack on the people who think their discrimination carries any weight, DON’T NEED APPROVAL FROM YOU is a juggernaut of social consciousness that locks into the psyche with its juxtaposition of Latin guitars, dancehall flavour and conviction of old-school boom bap beats.

Rich Vysion, a Bronx-born conscious rapper, has remained steadfast in his mission to create a safe space for the mental health community through unapologetic and introspective lyricism. By drawing from his own battles with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, he transforms vulnerability into unflinching strength and offers connection to anyone made to feel marginalised or silenced. His aim isn’t just to spark awareness but to celebrate authenticity, self-worth, and the right to exist loudly, regardless of background or sexuality.

DON’T NEED APPROVAL FROM YOU is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast

High Suicide Rates in Music: The Cost of Creativity and Calls for Reform

Posted on 31 March 2025
Suicide

The rising suicide rates among musicians have shocked the industry into confronting its long-neglected mental health crisis. Research highlighted in The Guardian reveals how pervasive mental health struggles are within the artistic community, painting a grim picture of an industry where depression, anxiety, and unresolved trauma are widespread. At the same time, psychologists have urged the sector to provide better mental health support to artists, as outlined in London Daily News. While these calls for change are promising, the broader context of the issue—and the deeply personal battles faced by artists—reveals a more complicated picture.

Many musicians turn to art not just as a career, but as a lifeline. For some, creating music is a way to process trauma, manage mental health challenges, or bring meaning to life’s more painful experiences. But when these same individuals are thrust into a competitive, high-pressure environment, the weight of these unresolved issues can become unbearable. As the industry grapples with how to move forward, it must reckon with the fact that the very qualities that drive artistic expression often leave individuals vulnerable to a range of mental health difficulties.

The Fragile Path of Artistic Minds

It’s no secret that creative individuals often experience a heightened sensitivity to their emotions. Many musicians have lived through personal hardship, trauma, or long-standing mental health challenges before stepping into the spotlight. Studies consistently show that artists are more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions than the general population. The reasons for this are complex: heightened emotional awareness, the pressure to maintain authenticity while meeting public expectations, and the isolating nature of the creative process all play a part.

Music, for many artists, serves as an emotional release—a way to channel pain into something productive. However, relying on creativity as a form of therapy can only go so far without proper support. When coupled with the stress of an unforgiving industry, even the most resilient individuals can find themselves overwhelmed. The tragic result, as the data makes clear, is that too many talented musicians find themselves unable to see a way forward.

An Industry Ill-Equipped to Support

The music business has long been known for its relentless demands. From touring schedules that leave little time for rest, to the unyielding expectation of public engagement via social media, the industry’s structure often exacerbates existing mental health challenges. For independent artists who lack label backing, the strain is even more severe. Without the resources for professional help or the support of a dedicated team, many musicians are left to fend for themselves.

This is where the calls for reform come in. Psychologists and mental health advocates have urged the industry to provide accessible, affordable mental health services tailored to artists’ unique needs. But implementing these changes on a large scale is no simple task. For independent musicians—who make up a vast portion of the creative workforce—the prospect of receiving adequate support remains slim. Financial barriers, stigma, and a lack of clear pathways to care continue to prevent many from accessing help.

Creativity as a Double-Edged Sword

What makes this crisis particularly heartbreaking is the fact that music itself often stems from an attempt to heal. Artists who have experienced trauma frequently turn to songwriting, performing, or composing as a way to process their emotions. This act of creation can be profoundly therapeutic, not just for the artists but also for their audiences. The shared vulnerability and honesty in their work provide solace and connection for countless listeners.

However, while music can be a powerful coping mechanism, it is not a substitute for professional mental health care. The Guardian article’s dismissal of creativity as a valid emotional outlet overlooks its importance in the healing process. That said, it’s clear that art alone cannot carry the weight of severe mental health issues. Without systemic changes and accessible support networks, the cycle of artists turning to creativity for relief—only to be crushed under the pressures of the industry—will continue.

A Way Forward

The recent calls for better mental health services are a critical step, but they must be accompanied by meaningful, industry-wide changes. It’s not enough to acknowledge the problem—tangible solutions must follow. This includes establishing affordable therapy options, creating safe spaces for open dialogue about mental health, and addressing the systemic issues that make the industry so damaging in the first place.

Most importantly, we need to remember that the people behind the music—their struggles, their pain, and their resilience—are just as vital as the art itself. By fostering an environment where musicians can safely process their emotions, we not only improve their well-being but also ensure that they can continue to create the music that inspires and heals so many. The world depends on their creativity; it’s time we offered them the care and understanding they deserve.

Conclusion

The intersection of creativity and mental health is complex and deeply personal, and the music industry must do more to support those navigating this precarious path. The high suicide rates among musicians are a stark reminder that the sector needs systemic change. By recognising the unique vulnerabilities of artistic minds and investing in meaningful reform, the industry can begin to reverse this troubling trend. Until then, we will continue to lose talented voices to a cycle of trauma, creativity, and isolation. It’s time to break that cycle and ensure that every artist can find both solace in their art and the support they need to thrive.

Article by Amelia Vandergast

The Music Industry’s Role in Musicians’ Mental Health: A Critical Examination

Posted on 11 March 2025
Mental Health

The recent article published by The Guardian on 7 March 2025, titled “High suicide rates show music industry ‘profoundly dangerous’, researchers say,” has reignited discussions about the mental health challenges faced by musicians. The article presents alarming statistics indicating that musicians have one of the highest suicide rates among occupational groups, both in England and the United States. While the piece attributes these rates to the inherent dangers of the music industry, it is crucial to adopt a balanced perspective that considers both the industry’s systemic issues and the individual mental health challenges that artists face.​

The Music Industry: A Breeding Ground for Mental Health Challenges?

The Guardian article highlights several factors within the music industry that contribute to mental distress among musicians:

  • Economic Insecurity: Many musicians grapple with unstable income, leading to financial stress and uncertainty.​
  • Performance Anxiety: The pressure to deliver flawless performances can result in heightened anxiety levels.​
  • Intense Touring Schedules: Prolonged periods away from home, coupled with demanding tour schedules, can disrupt personal relationships and lead to exhaustion.​theguardian.com+2theguardian.com+2scholarlycommons.pacific.edu+2

These challenges are corroborated by other studies. For instance, a 2019 survey by the Swedish digital platform Record Union revealed that 73% of independent musicians reported struggling with mental illness, with the figure rising to 80% among those aged 18-25. ​

However, attributing high suicide rates solely to the industry’s environment may oversimplify a complex issue. While the industry’s pressures are undeniable, individual factors, such as personal history, genetic predisposition, and pre-existing mental health conditions, also play significant roles.​

The Therapeutic Role of Music: Expression and Self-Awareness

Music has long been recognised as a powerful medium for emotional expression and self-reflection. For many artists, creating music serves as a therapeutic outlet, allowing them to process personal experiences and societal observations. This form of artistic expression can lead to (or be reflective of) heightened self-awareness and a deeper understanding of both personal and collective struggles.​

However, this heightened sensitivity can be a double-edged sword. While it enables artists to produce profoundly moving work, it can also make them more susceptible to mental health challenges. The constant introspection required for artistic creation may amplify feelings of anxiety and depression, especially when combined with external pressures from the industry.​

Systemic Issues vs. Individual Responsibility: A Balanced Perspective

The Guardian article emphasises the need for systemic changes within the music industry to address these mental health challenges. Recommendations include implementing a “zero suicide framework” and providing better support systems for artists.

While systemic reforms are essential, it is equally important to recognise the role of individual responsibility and proactive mental health management. Artists, like professionals in any field, must be encouraged to seek help when needed and to develop coping strategies to navigate the unique challenges of their careers.​

Moreover, the romanticised notion of the “tortured artist” can be detrimental, perpetuating the idea that suffering is intrinsic to creativity. This stereotype not only stigmatises mental health struggles but may also discourage artists from seeking help.​ Just think about the societal backlash faced by musicians who decide to go sober to improve their mental and physical health and how this is often met with resistance by people who think that artists should live up to the sex, drugs and rock n roll stereotypes. Musicians are expected to live a life of hedonistic excess, only for music fans to act surprised when living a self-destructive life leads to an early death.

Moving Forward: A Collaborative Approach

Addressing the mental health crisis among musicians requires a collaborative effort between the industry, mental health professionals, and the artists themselves:​

  • Industry Initiatives: Record labels and management companies should prioritise artists’ well-being by offering mental health resources, establishing reasonable work schedules, and fostering supportive environments.​
  • Mental Health Education: Providing education on mental health can empower artists to recognise signs of distress and seek timely intervention.​
  • Community Support: Peer support networks can offer a sense of community and understanding, reducing feelings of isolation among artists.​

By adopting a holistic approach that addresses both systemic issues and individual needs, the music industry can create a safer and more supportive environment for its artists.​

Conclusion

The high suicide rates among musicians are a grave concern that necessitates immediate attention. While the music industry does present unique challenges that can exacerbate mental health issues, it is overly simplistic to hold the industry solely accountable. A balanced approach that considers both systemic reforms and individual mental health management is crucial. Recognising the therapeutic potential of music, fostering open discussions about mental health, and implementing comprehensive support systems can collectively contribute to the well-being of musicians. By doing so, we not only preserve the lives of artists but also enrich the cultural tapestry they so profoundly influence.​

Article by Amelia Vandergast

Conner Eko is the ultimate advocate for defiant resilience in ‘Standing Up’

Posted on 24 January 2025

Conner Eko’s forthcoming single, Standing Up (Live in Studio), is an unflinching testament to resilience and defiance. Penned during a battle with suicidal ideation, the Vallejo, California-based astrophysicist and indie pop singer-songwriter channels his pain into a piano-driven power ballad that dares to shatter the silence around mental health struggles. The release, recorded live and uncut at Oakland’s 25th Street Recording Studios, marks another milestone in Eko’s deeply personal and professional evolution.

Eko’s performance, underscored by his strident piano chords and backed by the soulful harmonies of Marlo Goeller and Angel Syriah, achieves a seismic emotional force. The crescendos are sanctifying, surging with a zeal that carries echoes of Meat Loaf’s theatricality, tempered by gospel-inspired backing vocals. Each lyric resonates with the weight of someone who has faced the abyss and drawn a line in the sand, refusing to succumb to despair.

Filmed by independent filmmaker Aaron Japzon, the live session captures not just the music but the raw authenticity of Eko’s story. A short documentary, set to release shortly after the single, delves deeper into Eko’s journey, exploring his battle with depression and his transformative recovery through psychedelic integration therapy.

With its allegory of strength and refusal to wait for miracles, Standing Up doesn’t just advocate for mental health—it’s a visceral push toward hope.

Standing Up will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify and Bandcamp, from January 24th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

7ELIX found a new depth in intimacy with his emo rap vignette,  ‘CALLMEWHENYOUGETBACK’

Posted on 30 May 2024

CALLMEWHENYOUGETBACK taken from 7ELIX’s seminal LP, emergency exit, pt.3: death of a memory, is the perfect introduction to the Asheville, NC-born artist’s music which is offered as a salve for the outcasted soul.

The songwriter, producer and audio engineer created the ultimate testament to his motivation to advocate for mental health and suicide awareness by orchestrating this confessionally evocative emo-rap vignette of vulnerability. By illustrating the power of candid expression and giving an outlet for jagged emotions that become scars if they’re harboured for too long, he gave a lesson in catharsis in CALLMEWHENYOUGETBACK.

The light production work on the intricately melodic track ensures that none of the visceral sincerity from the recording was stripped away. Painted in nocturnal light that depicts the intimacy of late-night thoughts cascading into vocalisation, CALLMEWHENYOUGETBACK captures 7ELIX at his most uninhibited as he attempts to hold onto a relationship that is precariously hanging in the balance despite his tight grip on the affections that bring warmth to the bittersweet release.

It’s a heart-wrenchingly authentic release which is a clear sign of even bigger things to come from 7ELIX. We can’t wait to hear what’s lingering in the prodigy’s timeline.

CALLMEWHENYOUGETBACK is available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Deully – This Long Road: A Resilient Journey Through Rock and Recovery

Posted on 18 April 2024

Deully, the solo project of the independent Canadian rock virtuoso, Darren Sawrenko, has added to his accoladed discography by releasing his eagerly-awaited latest LP, This Long Road, and this time, his stellar songwriting stripes are bolstered by a lyrical intensity which provides a candour-fuelled exposition on his ongoing battle with mental health and recovery.

Each of the singles on the LP is a reflection of his psyche at the time of writing. The title single is entrenched in the agony and the glimpses of hope of acknowledging that the road to recovery necessitates fortitude and endurance. You can hear every ounce of the resilience mustered to stay on the long road, which is reflected as much through the fiery vocal performance as the visceral rock instrumentals.

The guitars don’t play; they battle cry through the monolithic hard rock production, giving everyone else walking the same, often lonely, road a sense of kinship and determination to keep moving towards the destination of redemption.

With This Long Road LP, Deully isn’t solely battling his own demons, he’s rebelling against the expectations and rock n roll cliches that lead so many down a toxically glamourised self-destructive path. In our book, he couldn’t be more of a rock icon.

This Long Road was officially released on April 12th; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Sarah O’Moore – Troubled Mind: A Soulful Reflection on Contemporary Tribulation

Posted on 8 April 2024

Sarah O’Moore’s latest single, ‘Troubled Mind’, from her upcoming debut EP ‘Social Paralysis‘, is a poignant exploration of mental health and the complexities of modern life. The powerful narrative challenges the listener to introspectively sit with societal expectations and personal struggles and proves that good songs make you feel, great songs inspire profound shifts of perception.

‘Troubled Mind’ is a testament to O’Moore’s exceptional ability to blend genres, fusing elements of RnB, Folk, and Soulful Jazz into an indie singer-songwriter production. Her vocal harmonies, reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Macy Gray, carry endless emotional weight, resulting in a hauntingly affecting delivery as the instrumentals complement her voice perfectly, creating an eye-opening soundscape which addresses the disconnect in conversations about mental health. She delves into the reality of living with the scars of trauma and facing an uncertain future, a theme that resonates deeply in today’s climate. Her music offers a space to sit with struggles authentically, without succumbing to the pressures of toxic positivity.

Inspired by James Joyce’s “Dubliners”, O’Moore’s upcoming EP, ‘Social Paralysis’, promises to delve further into themes of social stagnation and the struggles of today’s youth. ‘Troubled Mind’ sets the tone for this journey, inviting listeners to confront the unspoken and find solace in shared experiences.

Troubled Mind was officially released on March 29; stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

frekld cloud sang a lyrical lullaby in ‘Peter Pan’ ft Jxsie Beats

Posted on 22 January 2024

frekld cloud’s latest single, Peter Pan, featuring Jxsie Beats, is a mesmerising journey through a dreamscape where the boundaries of consciousness blur. This single, a harmonious blend of ambient, videogame-inspired instrumentals and delicate pop vocals, invites listeners into a world where music and the inner trappings of a melancholy mind meld seamlessly.

At 19, frekld cloud has already shown a profound depth in his music by intertwining sound with heartfelt emotion. The lyrical lullaby is a vivid illustration of his journey, evolving from a young artist sharing his creations on YouTube and SoundCloud to an emerging voice on the global stage. His commitment to exploring mental health through music, born from a childhood where expression was a challenge, shines through in Peter Pan’s ambient, videogame-like instrumentals, which cradle the narrative of a reflective mind.

Frekld Cloud’s vocals, both soft and resonant, glide over the dreamscape, painting a picture of emotion and introspection. The lyrics, forthright and poignant, draw listeners into the artist’s psyche, exploring themes of freedom, self-awareness, and the complexities of mental health. We can’t wait to join flekld cloud on his next ethereal journey.

Peter Pan is available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Areeyedee’s latest single Insomnia is a waking industrial trap pop nightmare

Posted on 1 January 2024

With a sound as dark as the mise en scene from The Machinist, Areeyedee’s industrial trap pop single, Insomnia, conjures the disjointing and reality-warping nature of the depression symptom which creates 48-hour days where we’re left to replay twisted thoughts on a loop.

By capturing the nature of the beast and refusing to downplay the psychological downfall of the rabbit holes insomnia can take us down, the Kansas-born and raised, Darmstadt, Germany-based artist created a razor-sharp cutting exposition of mental disquietude in his lyrics and his aptly maniacal vocal delivery. With every line, he washes away the stigma while the branding of his sonic signature glows red hot through the release.

After fronting a rock band in the ’90s and landing the role of a hip-hop artist in a feature film, which made him fall in love with the genre, Areeyedee effortlessly melds the alternative with urban aesthetics in his discography, which includes tracks created with the multi-platinum producer, Freek Van Workum (21 Savage, Tech N9ne).

Insomnia will drop on January 1st; stream the single on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast