LISTEN: Fears – ‘two_’

**Content Warning: Talk of self harm and mental health issues.**

A poignant meditation on some of her darkest hours, Constance Keane aka Fears has shared her latest single ‘two_’. The experimental pop artist has transformed her struggles with self-harm into a gentle, cathartic new offering, specially commissioned for the Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts Festival.

Today marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week here in the UK & Northern Ireland and Fears is helping to raise awareness of this with the self-directed accompanying video for her track. The visuals feature repurposed footage of Fears and her family, depicting the non-linear path of recovery from trauma. She tenderly confesses in her lyrics “If not for my family / I’d never have healed,” a sentiment that’s reflected in the footage she’s chosen to share.

Two years on from receiving inpatient treatment in a hospital in Dublin, Fears now uses her musical creations as a form of therapy. “Creativity was, and still is, such a huge part of recovery for me,” she explains. “So to be part of a festival showcasing the creativity of people with mental health issues is incredible. I think when it comes to budget cuts for the mental health sector, creative resources are too often the first to go, so it’s great to see a group celebrating the significance of being creative in maintaining positive mental health.”

For many who suffer with mental health issues, the road to recovery requires immense amounts of patience and a huge shift in perspective. Fears extrapolates on this further: “For me, there is no final point where I’ve ‘gotten better’. I am better than I was before, but ‘better’ isn’t a destination. It’s about learning, maintenance and forging trust in myself.”

“It’s important for me to discuss the topic of self harm; it’s something I’ve been trying to figure out how to approach for a while now. I don’t endorse self harm. It’s an unhealthy coping mechanism when you’re distressed; but it’s also incredibly common. Within the improving awareness and discussion around mental health, I feel self harm still carries the weight of secrecy and shame. I have lines on my leg from hurting myself a few years ago. They’re most likely going to be there for a very long time. I want to wear shorts in summer. I’m going to wear shorts in summer.”

Fears’ determination and honesty in the face of adversity makes listening to ‘two_’ all the more poignant and necessary. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues discussed in this post, please reach out to Mind or other mental health charities.

Follow Fears on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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LISTEN: Little Pale – ‘Don’t You Know U’

If you’re yearning for an online world without filters and false narratives; Little Pale‘s new single ‘Don’t You Know U’ will help to lift your spirits. The South East London artist has created an alt-pop tune gently criticizing the damaging effects of social media, and the impact it’s having on our mental health.

“Got a feeling, streaming for you”, muses Little Pale, over clicking beats, poppy synth textures, and grooving bass lines. Her soft vocals reflect the ease with which social media users can be seduced by the never-ending “shiny, spicy, pixel fortunes” they’re presented with on their feeds.

Little Pale explains the premise of the track further: “I wrote this song last year about social media being this new aesthetic asset to a lot of people. My recent songwriting has been inspired by technology that aids our communication, as for more introverted souls, constant “Online” is not always something that is fully welcomed! The point I’m making is definitely not original, but lyrically, I wanted to portray how this cultural shift has caused people to seek validation virtually, and that such thrills can cheapen the complex originality of the individual into a sort of sameness. I think this is especially true for the younger generation and I hope that the music video that is to accompany this song in the coming weeks reflects that.”

We hope that Little Pale’s new single provides a distraction for anyone feeling a little overwhelmed online at the moment. Listen to ‘Don’t You Know U’ below, and follow Little Pale on Spotify & Facebook for more updates.

 

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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PREMIERE: Naoise Roo – ‘Sick Girlfriend’

A slow-burning guitar tune that satirizes the representation of women with mental health issues; ‘Sick Girlfriend’ is the latest single from Irish artist Naoise Roo, set for release on 27th March. The track is lifted from her upcoming EP of the same name, due on 24th April.

Produced by Liam Mulvaney (Girl Band, The Radio, Fionn Regan) and featuring Daniel Fox (Girl Band) on bass and Rian Trench (Solar Bears) on drums and synths; Naoise Roo’s new EP is an exploration of women’s experiences in the music industry, and the stereotypes that continue to burden women who struggle with poor mental health.

Speaking about the eponymous track, Naoise explains: “I wanted to write something that showed the objectification that I’ve seen depicted, and in turn, the reality I’ve experienced within relationships having suffered with mental health issues all my life”. Despite these setbacks, Naoise continues to move forward by creating relatable, optimistic indie offerings.

Listen to ‘Sick Girlfriend’ below, and follow Naoise Roo on Facebook & Spotify for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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Track Of The Day: Grizzly Coast – ‘High-Functioning’

If you’re struggling to keep your head above life’s turbulent waters, then Grizzly Coast‘s latest single ‘High Functioning’ will resonate with you. The Toronto-based indie musician has documented her personal struggle with OCD via buoyant guitar riffs and relatable lyrics.

Grizzly Coast (aka Alannah Kavanagh) has spent most of 2019 releasing singles – including the brilliant ‘Half Light Boy’ – and putting together tracks for her debut EP which is set for release in 2020. Her refreshing indie-pop sounds are often underscored by emotive contexts (break-ups, dealing with OCD), and ‘High Functioning’ showcases her resilience as a woman and a songwriter.

Speaking about her new track, Alannah explains: “’High-Functioning’ is a song about holding your life together in every place but your own head. When I wrote the lyrics, I was going through a difficult time with my OCD. During that period, nobody in my life could tell that my inner world was overwhelming because I was right on the ball in so many other capacities. One particular night, I thought to myself – “I may as well try to write instead of just sitting and stewing in these uncomfortable feelings”. By powering forward and working towards my goals in the face of struggle, I built a solid foundation to stand on where I found both the purpose and drive I needed to stay confident through it all. I was ‘High-Functioning’ in every sense of the term”.

We’re glad Alannah is able to function in the face of adversity, and we’re looking forward to hearing more of her poignant work. Watch the video for ‘High Functioning’ below and follow Grizzly Coast on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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