The duty brought together Elizabeth Powell of Land of Talk, Emma Beko, Mayfly and Gus Englehorn, musicians who care about mental health, during a conversation where each took the time to expose their vision of the subject. What place is given to their mental health in their art? How to talk about it when the industry does not always assume such a frankness? What lessons can be drawn from their commitment? Questions that were all addressed during this constructive and inclusive discussion.
“In 2022, we take a risk by speaking publicly about our mental health, because at any time our words can be turned against us. For Elizabeth Powell, of the aptly named group Land of Talk, expressing her moods through her art is not a long calm river. On the contrary. “Because I dare, the consequences are real. I know that I have often lost work opportunities, by not being programmed in certain festivals in particular”, explains the artist who, in twenty years of career, has only noticed a – tiny – freedom of speech in the music industry only very recently, in the last four years.
Elizabeth Powell remembers, for example, that at the time, the suicide of Kurt Cobain interested the media more for the sensationalist label that they did not hesitate to affix to him than for the state of mental health of the singer. and guitarist of Nirvana. A paradox that persists, therefore, since the musicians are generally acclaimed for their sensitivity and their emotional exposure. “It says a lot about what the environment expects of us: we are asked to be transparent, but when it comes time to talk about how we are doing on a daily basis, nobody wants to know and we should be ashamed of our mental state, hide it. »
While promoting his latest EP with Land of Talk, Calming Night Partner, in 2021, Elizabeth Powell was also asked to water down her statements about her mental health. “ Leave Life Alone is a song that clearly addresses my experience of suicidal ideation, but I wanted to be more vague because it could seem daunting. That’s exactly what I don’t want to do! I want to be able to talk about it and not be afraid. If we are bombarded with commercial mental health awareness campaigns, we too, as artists, must be able to speak freely without fear of censorship. »
Speak out loud and clear
Coming from the next generation, Charlie Kunce and Emma Cochrane, of the duo Mayfly, as well as rapper Emma Beko share with Elizabeth Powell the same instinctive desire to write about mental health. Emma Cochrane is amazed to see how the extreme loneliness caused by mental health disorders affects so many people today. “In the industry, it sometimes feels like the less said the better, especially when it comes to suicide,” she points out.
“In the world we live in, it’s normal to be sick and to suffer,” says Emma Beko, who suffers from depression and anxiety. Having mental health issues isolates us, so whenever I get the chance to talk about it, I do. It’s heavy, but it’s part of me and the music allows me to get rid of it. She also regrets that some people are still ashamed today of speaking out about these troubles.
Since there is no single way to transpose mental health issues into music, Quebec-based singer-songwriter Gus Englehorn, whose theme recurs throughout his compositions, is fascinated by the approach that sense of Daniel Johnston, Frank Black and filmmaker David Lynch. “It is clear that something is wrong with them! Unlike more direct artists like Elliott Smith, they do it in a roundabout way, strange and confusing, but so beautiful,” he says. For him, the exteriorization of his emotions and the existential questions that inhabit him, however difficult it may be, involves mystery.
Go forward
According to Elizabeth Powell, coming together around stories of mental health and intimacy allows for individual and collective healing. “We are all looking for a connection, to embrace our emotions. All my songs name the depression and this vulnerability that bring us together with the public during concerts. Music is, in fact, there to counter the stigma that makes depression unbearable and can sometimes lead to suicide,” the artist believes.
We want those who listen to us to know that they are not alone, that they can put words to what they are going through
The proof is with the piece It’s Okay, released in 2008 on the album Some Are Lakes of Land of Talk, which Emma Beko cites as a reference, almost like a saving hymn in the face of the trials of life, and which has never left it since the first listening. “This song now belongs to everyone,” rejoices Elizabeth Powell. I wrote it about 20 years ago to comfort me when I was broken, and people still tell me about it because it resonates with them. “Would it be the same with crazy by Emma Beko? “When the public sings it with me, I feel that we are all stronger together, assures the rapper. There’s no better feeling than knowing that our music feels good. »
“We want those who listen to us to know that they are not alone, that they can put words to what they are going through,” adds Emma Cochrane. Making music a therapy is therefore one of the missions that Mayfly has given itself, which believes in the power of mutual aid to overcome trauma. “Maybe we all need to talk about what’s wrong and make music, and art in general, unconditional support,” says Charlie Kunce.
For his part, Gus Englehorn continues in his distinct, but equally effective approach, tinged with humor with Oh Well Unwell (Dungeon Master, 2022). “I relate in this song my own experiences and those of my autistic little brother when he was hospitalized. And he only hopes for one thing: to tell people that everything can, one day, be better.
Elizabeth Powell is undoubtedly the embodiment of this luminous renewal that Gus Englehorn describes in his music. After having put his career on hold due to exhaustion and sexual harassment, the artist is relishing this return to the front of the stage. “I came back with a lot of gratitude, first for my music and my audience, and finally to try to break this taboo that surrounds mental health. »