“Insane” is an intriguing take on the inside of your mind. Why is it necessary to cover mental health topics in your music?
Mental health is a very important topic to cover because so many people still have such a negative view on those who struggle with mental health. It’s something that people don’t take seriously until it’s too late. Many people keep their struggles to themselves because they are scared that they won’t be accepted or they will be told they are crazy or insane. More people on this planet struggle with mental health than society would like to admit. I want to make sure our future generations get the help and love they deserve. People need to know they aren’t alone.
What is your favorite element of music creation? What part of the production process do you enjoy the most?
My favorite part is sitting down with the band and writing everyone’s parts. We all have such an amazing time together when we write.
You mentioned: “People’s response to my music brought me some answers.” What has the response been like and how have you grown as a person and artist as a result?
When people hear this song they are always so impressed with the raw honesty of it all. When I started sharing this song with others, I got responses that led me to researching my own symptoms and habits to understand what mental health issues I struggle with. Many others who struggle with mental health have thanked me for writing this song because it makes them feel seen and understood which is what I wanted for this song. I was able to understand more of myself and learn how to go about daily life using tools I’ve learned from friends.
Can you describe what it was like working with directors Chris Brice and Ronald Spatafore? What made you want to include the haunting story at the start of the music video?
Working with them was so much fun! Their creative process is so beautiful. I love watching the way other artists’ brains work. Chris and Ronald knew exactly what the video needed visually. I’ve always wanted to add a spooky aspect to the song to really highlight the insanity. I’m a huge Scooby Doo fan so I wanted it to be a little bit like that as well. It just so happened that the Georgetown Hotel and Saloon was already haunted. We wanted to add a little bit of the hotel’s history in the video as well.
What is the music production process like between yourself and your long-time collaborators Jesse Szabo and Jesse Hanes? Do you all have similar musical tastes?
Producing with them is one of the happiest times of my life. I know that when we get together, it’s going to be a fun time. They understand me without me needing to over explain myself. They are the best friends anyone can ever ask for. We all have really similar music tastes but we all also listen to so much music that we are constantly introducing each other to new artists we’ve never heard before. When we get together and write, I’m able to communicate what the song does and doesn’t need and they know exactly what to do. I love giving them total artistic freedom with my songs because they are just magic men when it comes to making music. I can’t explain it, they are just so darn talented!
What message would you like to share with your audience? Any projects in store that you can announce?
I want anyone reading this or listening to our music that it’s ok to not be ok and it’s ok to be yourself. If anyone can’t handle you, that’s their problem! Live your truth and be your own happiness. Take care of your mental health and NEVER put your mental health on the backburner to make everyone else happy. We have so much in store for the near future and can’t wait to share it with everyone.
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