Interviews | STHR

Welcome to our Start Today Harm Reduction Interview series, where we’re connecting with bands, musicians, and others who have stories to tell about mental health and addiction, and how they intersect with life in the music industry.

8. As It May

What was the moment you realized that mental health and addiction are real issues in the music industry?

I was straight edge from 12 to 17, and I was super involved in the local scene even as a kid. Even then, I could feel how much people around me were dealing with stuff under the surface. But I didn’t fully understand how real it was until I got older—especially in college, when I started drinking and using more heavily. That was peak stress, peak burnout, and it felt like self-destruction was just part of the lifestyle. Coming back into music after all that, it was clear to me that mental health and addiction aren’t side stories in the music world—they’re deeply woven in.

Can you share how you or someone close to you coped with or overcame struggles related to alcoholism, drug use, or mental health issues?

A family member passed away from a fentanyl overdose after struggling with addiction my entire life. His son is my age, and the two of them used together regularly in the years leading up to this family member’s death. A lot of my extended family has dealt with addiction in some form. One side is more low-key but still unhealthy, and the other side is full of binge drinking and blackout behavior that’s treated as normal. So these patterns were around me constantly growing up. I’ve had to unlearn a lot of what I thought was “normal,” and I’m still trying to figure out what healthy coping even looks like for me.

Do you think the culture of touring/performing contributes to substance abuse in musicians? If so, how?

Yeah, it definitely plays a role. You’re on the road, you’re exhausted, you’re overstimulated, and the easiest thing to reach for is a drink or something to take the edge off. Shows can be this emotional high, and then you crash afterward. You want to keep that energy going, or maybe you just want to come down easier. Plus, most venues hand you drink tickets like it’s nothing—it’s just baked into the whole environment.

Have you ever felt pressure to drink or use substances in order to fit in or be creative?

Yeah—for sure. I started smoking and drinking as a way to loosen up and feel like I belonged. That carried into my creative process too. I still smoke before shows most times. It’s not something I’m proud of or trying to glamorize—it’s just where I’m at right now. I try to stay aware of when I’m doing it to connect versus when I’m doing it to avoid something. I’m not on the other side of it or anything—I’m still figuring it out.

What kind of support systems do you think musicians need that they currently don’t have?

We need spaces where it’s okay to not be okay. Therapy that’s accessible (plug for universal healthcare), support groups and organizations that aren’t corny, and mental health tools that meet musicians where we’re at. It would also help to have harm reduction services and mental health support embedded into venues and festivals—not just for artists, but for fans too (thank you Start Today Harm Reduction!).

How do you support each other’s mental health within the band?

We try to be honest. We don’t just check in about songs—we check in about life. If someone’s struggling, we give them space or shift plans. We’ve all been through different things, so there’s no judgment. We’re not a band that pushes each other past our limits just to keep things moving. We’d rather take care of each other and make music from a place that feels grounded.

What role do you think musicians can play in destigmatizing addiction and/or mental illness?

I think musicians can help just by being real about their own experiences. You don’t need to be some kind of spokesperson—you just need to be honest. People look to music to feel something, and when we share the difficult stuff and show humility, it opens the door for others to do the same.

Are there any local organizations or resources in your area you’ve partnered with or want to support to promote mental health within the scene?

Start Today Harm Reduction!!! I’d love to see more collaborations between artists and orgs like this. We need more community-led solutions—not just big nonprofits parachuting in, but people who are in the scene, who get it, and who are trying to build something better.

How do you use your platform—either on stage or online—to raise awareness about these issues?

We don’t always spell it out, but our lyrics are full of this stuff. The struggle, the guilt, the self-doubt, the panic—it’s all in there. And when it feels right, we talk about it at shows or online. We’re not trying to be preachy, just real. If someone connects with a line or a moment and feels less alone, that’s enough for us.

How has your music changed as you’ve worked through mental health or addiction challenges?

I wouldn’t say I’ve “worked through” it all—I’m still very much in it. But I’ve gotten more honest. Our new EP reflects that. *Animal* is about feeling alienated from yourself and questioning your instincts. *Miles Away* is literally about dissociating and being consumed by distraction and guilt. *Built For This* asks whether we were ever meant to function in a world this overwhelming. It’s not clean or resolved. It’s messy and ongoing—but it’s real.

Have you or your band written any songs or albums that were directly inspired by these experiences?

Yeah, this new EP is rooted in it. Each song is about different aspects of mental health—panic, escapism, feeling broken, trying to grow and not knowing how. These aren’t abstract ideas for us. They’re things we live with every day.

What advice would you give to younger artists who might be struggling with similar issues?

You don’t have to be perfect to make good music. You don’t have to be healed to be worth something. Take care of yourself in whatever way you can, even if that just means being honest about what you're dealing with. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re not alone in this—even when it feels like you are.

Is there anything you would like to plug or promote while you’re here?

We’re releasing a new EP May 30 called “Miles Away”, and we’re playing Midwest Friends Fest at Southgate House the same day! Come hang.

7. Heist

What was the moment you realized that mental health and addiction are real issues in the music industry?

Going to art school, I (Clouse) learned early on how glorified addiction and poor mental health are in a culture that rewards being a tortured artist over a healthy one. Almost every gig we play is at a bar, and we see people nightly drinking up to the point where they shouldn’t be driving home, or start harassing others. Whether people recognize it or not, the ubiquity of alcohol is compounded in a city where every show is at a venue that makes money from drink sales, and public transportation often isn’t available late at night.

Can you share how you or someone close to you coped with or overcame struggles related to alcoholism, drug use, or mental health issues?

All three of us have been on long journeys with therapy and medication. It’s a vulnerable thing to admit, but struggling with depression and ADHD, I would have personally been on a very dark path if I hadn’t found professional medical help in 2016. We are all works in progress, but our band is a safe space for discussing our mental health and providing a healthy outlet for negative and difficult emotions. Having that space while also needing to be in good shape to play keeps me motivated to live in a healthy, sustainable way.

Do you think the culture of touring/performing contributes to substance abuse in musicians? If so, how?

Absolutely! Long drives, exhausting schedules, and poor sleeping conditions also contribute to stimulant abuse just to keep up with the rigors of touring. The margins for most performers are incredibly thin and a lot of venues resort to using drink tickets as a means to supplement payment for performers; altogether the standard environment for touring in the US creates a recipe for disaster.

Have you ever felt pressure to drink or use substances in order to fit in or be creative?

Yes. Sometimes it feels like it’s difficult to let go of anxiety and be in the moment without using substances to help combat social anxiety and feelings of insecurity. Music culture glamorizes partying hard as a lifestyle, and we’ve received far more sideways glances when sober and not partaking than we have for being over served or too impaired.

What kind of support systems do you think musicians need that they currently don’t have?

On a global level, there are many great models internationally for how artists can be supported by their governments, both with finances and healthcare. Locally, we love to see bars that are careful about not overserving patrons and provide no-questions asked policies for anyone who overindulges or feels unsafe at shows. Free drug testing, readily accessible narcan, clean needle programs and supervised consumption sites are all also great steps toward harm reduction.

How do you support each other’s mental health within the band?

This is a very personal question. Last year our bass player Ty Hoiday died by suicide, and their partner Taylor Thodiyil stepped in to take their role. Since then our band has become a support group for one another. We’ve all had to navigate that extreme grieving process together, and rely upon one another to be honest about our mental health, whether good or bad on any given day. Health always has to come first within our band, even when it has to be at the expense of opportunities or doing more with the project.

What role do you think musicians can play in destigmatizing addiction and or mental illness?

A person with a microphone inherently operates from a position of power, and can set the tone for an entire group. When you have a platform to address a crowd, you can speak up and establish what is and isn’t okay behavior. Reminding people to drink water, take care of one another, and not glamorizing your drinking onstage all communicate what you expect from your audience.

Are there any local organizations or resources in your area you’ve partnered with or want to support to promote mental health within the scene?

We really love the work you do with Start Today! We are extremely passionate about trans mental health, and love supporting Transform (https://www.transformcincy.org/) to help provide clothing and gender affirming care to our local trans community.

How do you use your platform—either on stage or online—to raise awareness about these issues?

We try to be as honest as possible about our personal experiences and pride ourselves on not shying away from vulnerability in our art. Currently we’re working on finishing the album of music we were writing with Ty, and ask ourselves this question constantly when working with her lyrics, which focus on the mental health struggles she was wrestling with until her passing.

How has your music changed as you’ve worked through mental health or addiction challenges? (whichever applies here)

I try to keep in mind that the more personal art is, the more universal it becomes. When we started writing music as teenagers, I wrote lyrics for concept albums and fantastic stories that had little to do with me. As I’ve matured as an artist, my lyrics have become much more direct and vulnerable relating to my personal struggles.

Have you or your band written any songs or albums that were directly inspired by these experiences?

Much of our music is still in progress, but of what we’ve released, the song Refraction is about a very personal experience. In my 20s I drove recklessly [insert bit as to why that's linked to mental health issues or addiction] and it wasn't until I fishtailed my car on the highway one day that I realized that I cared so little about my life that I was driving in ways that could have ended it. The second verse of the song is about looking up at the sky with my best friend afterwards and realizing that I don’t want to have such little value for my own life.

What advice would you give to younger artists who might be struggling with similar issues?

It’s such a cliche, but you are not alone, and we are all more similar than we are different. Depression is a liar within the mind and will do everything in its power to convince you that you are by yourself and no one else can understand; or even worse, that you deserve how you feel. Nothing has impacted my mental health as much as finding a community around me of people who are also happy to talk openly about it. If you have healthcare, talking to a professional can change your life; and if you don’t, it’s an absolute crime that we live in a nation that allows for that.

Is there anything you would like to plug or promote while you’re here?

1) Midwest Friends Fest, obviously! We will be playing on May 30th at Southgate House.
2) We would love to bump https://www.transformcincy.org/ again!
3) We also have a new single coming out soon; the song is called Occupation and is about the Cincinnati police’s history of detaining peaceful protesters and refusing to respect their constitutional rights.

6. Cinema Stare

We interviewed Quinni of Cinema Stare.
They are also the stinkiest band in America!!

What was the moment you realized that mental health and addiction are real issues in the music industry?

It’s crazy because I don’t think I ever had a big realization moment. You grow up hearing phrases like “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.” It was so normalized in the ’70s and ’80s and even heralded as this exciting lifestyle. After experiencing it myself, it seems like these habits haven’t changed all that drastically. I see my friends partying every night on tour. I hear of bands I look up to getting drunk during the day. Some people can’t even perform without being inebriated in some way. Not that I haven’t fallen victim to some of these same actions, but it is scary to think the conversation is still stuck in the “sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll” era.

Do you think the culture of touring and performing contributes to substance abuse in musicians? If so, how?

100%. Touring is often seen as a vacation to new bands starting out—which, in some ways, it is. It’s fun to hang out with your friends and party every night. On the other hand, it’s incredibly difficult to find time to practice good health. You’re on the road most of the day, staying up late to perform, and sleeping in if you’re lucky. There are sometimes only a handful of minutes where you get time to yourself to decompress.

Personally, I really struggle with the social aspect of touring. A way I cope with my anxiety can be drinking or smoking weed. Especially at shows where you’re often given free drink tickets. Not that I’m complaining—but it’s an easy trap to fall into. How do you say no to a free drink? How do you recharge your battery if you don’t get much downtime? I definitely understand why many musicians turn to substances to ease these transitions.

How do you use your platform—either on stage or online—to raise awareness about these issues?

Honestly, I probably don’t talk about it enough. I’m definitely vocal about my humanitarian beliefs—like “Free Palestine” and “Fuck Elon Musk.” I’ve also taken polls with the crowd about how many of us have “mommy issues.” But I’ve never outwardly stated I have anxiety or depression, or that I feel hopeless constantly.

Talking about mental health and addiction is really personal. Society often makes it feel like a burdensome conversation—something you should save for your therapist. Right now, I’m still trying to figure out my brain and how it functions; sometimes I don’t even know how to describe what I’m dealing with. Music has been a huge help in journaling out a lot of pain. Still, there are experiences I’ve faced—especially with family and addiction—that I might never touch on. Maybe that will change once I’ve healed more. And if it helps someone else feel seen, I would gladly share my story in the future.

Have you or your band written any songs or albums directly inspired by these experiences?

Our whole first album touches on depression and feeling worthless or burnt out. In our song Anime Bath Scene, I talk about hiding from the world, feeling unequipped to handle life, and carrying a weight that I feel no one has ever seen. We have new music coming out as well, and one song I’m really nervous to release is about having an eating disorder. It’s a deep look into how I’ve viewed myself and my body throughout most of my life, which has significantly impacted my mental health.

From thoughts of wanting to tear it all off, to desperately wanting to love myself and failing to do so—this song dives into all of that. When I first recorded the lyrics for the demo, I actually broke down in the middle of the first take. I wish I could share more about the lyrics now, but it probably won’t be released until a couple months after this interview comes out.

All I can hope is that even one person hears our music and feels seen. Like the world is full of people who understand what you’re going through—and who love you, or will love you someday. Even if you don’t feel like you can do that for yourself yet.

What advice would you give to younger artists who might be struggling with similar issues?

Create! Find people in your scene! Love deeply! Take every chance and opportunity you can.

Rest! Don’t beat yourself up for resting. You’re human—and that means being complex and weird and imperfect. That’s what makes you so fing beautiful. That’s what you can offer to the world: your fing weirdness.

Is there anything you would like to plug or promote while you’re here?

Sure! We have new songs coming out in 2025, so follow us on Instagram or Spotify or wherever—@cinemastare on everything.

Also, look into your local harm reduction centers and donate or volunteer if you can! We have one in Connecticut called CT Harm Reduction Alliance (@cthra_org), and of course Start Today Harm Reduction if you live near or are from Kentucky!

5. Band Interview: The Board of Directors

Today we are interviewing Heather, Andrew and Alex from The Board of Directors!

Do you think the culture of touring/performing contributes to substance abuse in musicians? If so, how?

Andrew: I could definitely see this being a thing. Touring and playing, while having a 9-5, can get exhausting and lonesome at times. Taking substances to fill those voids is an easy (but hollow) way to solve these issues. Being in a band is tough.

Have you ever felt pressure to drink or use substances in order to fit in or be creative?

Heather: I wouldn’t say there’s pressure to drink or use substances, but there’s certainly prevalence. A lot (perhaps a majority?) of venues offer free drinks to performing musicians. It’s a nice perk and easy enough to decline if you don’t care to drink. But I do imagine it could be tough for someone who’s in recovery to have drink tickets preemptively thrust into their hands every time they load in to play a gig. I know I always really appreciate when venues offer credit that can be applied toward food or drinks. Musicians are hungry people.

How has your music changed as you’ve worked through mental health or addiction challenges?

Alex: I like the challenge of making really sad subjects into bubble-gummy pop songs. When you say something earnestly depressing or angry in the context of a happy song, it ends up. being kind of funny, and all of a sudden you're laughing to get it all out. I've always had kind of a dark, sarcastic way about me lyrically.

How do you support each other’s mental health within the band?

Andrew: Mostly through abusive comments and manipulative behaviors. Kidding. Respecting each other’s boundaries while still reaching out to check in on each other seems to have done well so far.

Heather: One thing we do particularly well is feed each other (yes, I’m talking about food again). Being on the road is hard, physically. There’s a lot of time in the van, a lot of carrying heavy gear, a lot of late nights, and not a lot of time getting quality sleep. That can all take a real toll on mental health, too. We always make sure we travel with plenty of nutritious snacks and water, and we pack things that we know our bandmates like to eat. We’re a very snacks-positive band. I think this habit of taking care of each other is equally supportive to our collective health as the actual nourishment itself.

Have you or your band written any songs or albums that were directly inspired by these experiences?

Alex: We have a new LP coming June 27th called *Flightless*. It's essentially a series of vignettes that are allegories for various mental health issues that I've either dealt with or witnessed. The thesis is that those issues may never truly subside, but that fighting those battles every day is the human experience. The record doesn't have a traditional happy ending, because I don't think most things in life do. It's about learning to find peace of mind within that struggle.

Are there any local organizations or resources in your area you’ve partnered with or want to support to promote mental health within the scene?

Alex: They're not officially partnered with the band or anything, but the Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen in OTR is near and dear to me. I've been working with them for several years now and I know it's a resource a lot of people in the city rely on. Kathy and the whole staff there do great work.

Is there anything you would like to plug or promote while you’re here?

No, we'd prefer to just get right into it.

4. Jeff Russell

Today we are interviewing Jeff Russel, the guitarist from Cleveland, OH’s Signals Midwest!!!

Can you share how you or someone close to you coped with or overcame struggles related to alcoholism, drug use, or mental health issues?

I became sober February 28, 2022. I drank and used random drugs, but booze was always my D.O.C. My rock bottom was that I got completely wasted here in Cleveland and sent some unfaithful texts to a mutual friend of my fiancée and mine, which resulted in canceling our wedding. It was definitely the worst few months of my life, realizing I had ruined the relationship with the person who I cared about most. There was no one to blame but myself. Rock bottom is a very dark time, but once I realized that I could stop digging myself deeper into a hole, I could start climbing out.

I spent the first month of sobriety calling and texting friends and family that the wedding had been canceled due to my drinking and me not being the type of partner my fiancée needed. On the recommendation of one of my best buds, Christine, I signed myself up for an outpatient program here in Cleveland through University Hospitals where I met some like-minded folks struggling with the same addiction I was. I learned real quick how much alcoholism and drug use is tied to mental health.

The more I participated in the outpatient program, and the more involved I got, the quicker it was for me to realize how much easier life is sober—if you make sure to prioritize your own mental health. During that outpatient program I learned about breathing exercises, mindful meditations, and other tricks I keep up my sleeve if I ever get a craving or am feeling low. I used to think getting inebriated would help with my daily anxieties and rocky mental health, but this program showed me how opposite that thought was.

Do you think the culture of touring/performing contributes to substance abuse in musicians? If so, how?

Oh absolutely. Substance abuse is so romanticized in our society, especially in the touring scene that we find ourselves in. I think a lot of my generation (almost in our 40s) grew up listening to bands like Alkaline Trio and Lawrence Arms that just make you want to get absolutely tanked and rip up a photo of your ex, or whatever. Sad Bastard music. It's just so easy to think about punk rock tours being associated with PBR, cocaine, and sleeping on someone's piss-covered floor. I think there's probably a few years’ worth of my life in total where I woke up in Kalamazoo or wherever having no idea where I was, wondering who had pissed my pants, and asking myself if I even had fun last night. Being almost 40, we grew up idolizing bands that were famous for trashing hotel rooms and drinking whiskey and blah blah blah.

I mean, I still think Keith Moon is cool and all, but after 3 years of sobriety, it's insane how different tours are looking through the lens of a clear mind. It's night and day. Signals has played Fest I think 11 or 12 times, and the 3 I've done sober have been my favorite ones. And by far the cheapest ones. Now that I tour sober I feel like I meet people and form genuine friendships, as opposed to drinking buddies, ya know? If I would have met Jared during my partying days, I don’t think I would have understood how truly awesome that dude is!!!!!!!

How do you support each other’s mental health within the band?

Well, luckily I hit the jackpot with dudes who are super chill and down to earth. Like mad chillers, bro. Signals turns 17 in 2025 which is insane. When you spend almost two decades with someone, you grow up with them, ya know? I feel like when I joined Signals in 2010 I was the complete opposite person that I am today in 2025. I prioritized partying first and foremost and took for granted the opportunities and friendships that were right there in front of me. Hindsight is always 20/20 I suppose.

During COVID the band had to quickly adapt to the new way of things. We were in the process of writing *DENT* and only able to practice once every month or two, so our texting and calling started to increase. It was such a gnarly time, and the Signals group chat was more than just talking about *DENT*, it was also “how are you doing, dude?” or “how is everyone holding up?” I think the fact we weren't able to tour, play shows, or barely even practice made us all realize how much we missed each other. Around that time is when I realized I missed Max, Steve and Ryan as friends first, and band members second (awwww!). When something or someone gets taken away from you, you realize how much it means to you. Since I got sober in 2022 I've really been working on myself and my mental health, and I've seen a huge increase with that in the other guys as well. I talk to Max on the phone at least once every few weeks. Anytime I start a new project around the house I have to text Ryan to let him know, and Steve and I have legit the most therapeutic conversations I have ever had in my entire life when we drive to Pittsburgh for practice. The best part of band practice is the drive with Steve.

I also want to give a shout out to my dawg Steve because he unfortunately got stuck with drunk me for the first decade of our band, and man, that couldn't have been easy. I wouldn’t have made it to Australia for our 2018 tour if he hadn’t gotten me on that plane. Saint Steve, as he's known around my inner monologue. Him and I are also talking through my past transgressions and have these heavy, deep conversations about things I have done that weren't things best friends do. I don’t think if we knew how to prioritize mental health and talk through emotions we would be able to have the conversations that we have. Now that I'm rereading this I'm realizing my answer is probably a bit too long, so a quick TL;DR is that the Signals Midwest mental health game is top tier. I support them and they support me, and if Fanduel ever allows you to gamble on “band who is most in touch with each other” put your life savings on us.

What role do you think musicians can play in de-stigmatizing addiction and/or mental illness?

Talk about it and be there for each other no matter what. Talk about it with each other, talk about it with anyone who's sober curious, and talk about it with anyone that's been sober for 200 years. Us musicians have such a unique opportunity since we are lucky enough to travel and meet so many new people on a daily basis. Say we do a 14-day tour and 20 people come out to each show—that's 280 new homies we get to meet for being in this silly little band. At least two people at the show will be struggling with addiction or mental illness, so if a traveling musician seems to notice the struggle, we should take the lead and reach out to them and remind them they're not alone in this. There's at least 10% of this room that is statistically an alcoholic, but I bet you there is more. Sobriety is crazy because statistically speaking 10% of us in the entire world are alcoholics, and out of that, 80% of us relapse at some point. Sobriety is never “achieved,” it’s an ongoing battle. In AA they refer to anyone in recovery as a “fellowship,” so to me that means we are all in this together—a bunch of Aragorns, Gimlis, and motherf***ing Frodos—and we got this, as long as we hold each other accountable and reach out to one another if we are struggling.

Are there any local organizations or resources in your area you’ve partnered with or want to support to promote mental health within the scene?

We should all take a day and go visit a random stranger at the VA. The VA is full of folks who are doing the right thing, and are under-supported by our current government. Everyone from the vets to the nurses to the staff could all use a pick-me-up. Maybe if every one of us went to our local VA, we could bring a $5 Hot-N-Ready pizza, meet a stranger and just hear their story. PTSD wasn't really “a thing” for some of these vets, and mental health is still not talked about enough. The VA is a place I think everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

3. Daniel Hart

Daniel Hart is an environmentalist, musician, and writer who’s spent the last decade leading sustainability, climate justice, and community planning initiatives at the university, city, and nonprofit levels across the country. He plays guitar and sings in Old Pictures / New Pictures and The Slow Go Oftens, as well as in Richmond, VA-based bands Midlife Pilot and Hard Count.

What was the moment you realized that mental health and addiction are real issues in the music industry?

Mental health is such an important issue not only in the music industry, but also in the broader culture. For me, I see many of our culture’s substance abuse and mental health issues as being related to the effects of industrial culture and colonization—that’s not only showing up in the degradation of people, but also in the way that humans have treated themselves as separate from nature, resulting in the degradation of the natural world. Outside of being a musician, I’ve spent the last 10+ years of my career helping people connect to the natural world in more meaningful ways, mostly through leading organizational change efforts toward sustainability and climate justice in higher education, city-level policy, and grassroots nonprofits. For me, the healing of Earth and the healing of human culture is one and the same.

What kind of support systems do you think musicians need that they currently don’t have?

I love the work of Start Today Harm Reduction, which one of my closest friends and bandmates in Old Pictures / New Pictures co-founded. I see it as an incredible organization getting young people stoked that it’s actually cool to not get super fucked up, because for us to be able to be the best human beings we can during these times of climate crisis, unraveling, and geopolitical tensions, we need to be taking great care of ourselves.

How do you use your platform—either on stage or online—to raise awareness about these issues?

For me, I teach college classes focused on sustainability and environmental studies, and I work to integrate contemplative practices like meditation into the classroom. I feel like this culture is moving so fast, and we can have agency over our lives through slowing down, breathing, being there for other people, and being real and decent human beings.

Is there anything you would like to plug or promote while you’re here?

Life’s so short. Have fun. Be there for your friends. Be kind to strangers. Explore new opportunities. Be the kind of person that you’d want to be in love with.

2. Benjamin Lee - Scenario

What was the moment you realized that mental health and addiction are real issues in the music industry?

That’s a little hard to pinpoint, but I think I made the connection pretty early in life. I grew up watching a ton of VH1’s Behind the Music and there were always a lot of tragic stories about mental health and substance use. Little did I know, that path would be one I would travel myself.

Can you share how you or someone close to you coped with or overcame struggles related to alcoholism, drug use, or mental health issues?

I struggled for a LONG time with my substance abuse. It took several court ordered trips to rehab, a lot of time incarcerated, and all the pain that I both experienced and caused to the people around me to culminate in the place I am today in my recovery. The only way I found any success was to accept that I was an addict, that I was the problem, and to work a 12-step program. I’ll always be an addict but with the tools and relationships that I’ve been given in my program, I don’t have to ever use or go back to that way of life if I don’t want to.

Do you think the culture of touring/performing contributes to substance abuse in musicians? If so, how?

Definitely. If a musician has any kind of substance issue and doesn’t have a network of support, or the tools to cope with being around drug/alcohol use things could get dicey even just playing locally/regionally. Add to that the chaos and stress of touring in larger chunks/further distances, and it’s just another level of risk if you’re not dialed in.

Have you ever felt pressure to drink or use substances in order to fit in or be creative?

When I was younger, I think there was definitely an element of wanting to fit in. The creative part, I just dealt with that when I got clean in 2023. I had such a strong connection between substance use and my creative output that I was really afraid that I wouldn’t be able to even enjoy making music anymore or be any good at it. I’m happy to report that’s not the case, but it was a real fear that I had to deal with and overcome.

How do you support each other’s mental health within the band?

I’m extremely fortunate in that I’m not the only member of Scenario. that’s in recovery. Since I rejoined the band last year, it’s been a hugely positive experience for my mental health. We’re all pretty open with each other as far as any kind of personal issues that we’re dealing with. Being in a band again is extremely rewarding for me, and I’m very lucky to be playing and creating with the rest of the guys in the band. I think they would say the same.

What role do you think musicians can play in de-stigmatizing addiction and or mental illness?

Probably one of the biggest things is not glamorizing the substance use/pain of mental illness. Also, don’t sidestep around it. Being honest about the role that either issue has played in your life is the key. I think people relate to that and it builds connection. That’s what life is all about. Deep down we all just want to have real connections with others.

Are there any local organizations or resources in your area you’ve partnered with or want to support to promote mental health within the scene?

I feel like these journeys are so deeply personal that it’s hard for me to advocate any one particular pathway to wellness and recovery. What works for one person may not for another. I think open lines of communication are the biggest asset and resource in any community.

How do you use your platform—either on stage or online—to raise awareness about these issues?

I’m not really one of those people that puts a big emphasis on my recovery in my social media, but I’m very open about it if I’m asked. I think avoiding the conversation is a huge disservice to all involved. Honesty and open-mindedness are the keys to understanding.

How has your music changed as you’ve worked through mental health or addiction challenges?

My relationship with music and the messages that are conveyed through it has evolved. It’s really a perspective thing. Before, it was pretty surface level I think. Now, it’s about a deeper meaning to the emotions that are being expressed. I can write an angry or sad song, but I want it to come with a message of hope or resolution. I don’t want to just stew in the negative.

Have you or your band written any songs or albums that were directly inspired by these experiences?

I’m in a new role in Scenario. now as a vocalist/lyricist, whereas before my contributions were just musical. Our last record, “When All Is Said And Done”, has a good bit of lyrical content that deals with our friend and former bandmate Mike’s own journey in recovery. I’ll definitely be covering my own experiences in our new material and I’m sure it’ll end up being a big theme in my lyrics.

What advice would you give to younger artists who might be struggling with similar issues?

No matter what you’re going through or how bad you think it is, as long as you’re still alive and breathing there’s the opportunity to get better. It’s not easy but it’s pretty simple. There’s life on the other side of the pain if you’re willing to listen to suggestions and put the work in.

Is there anything you would like to plug or promote while you’re here?

You can find any info on the band through our Instagram @scenariopunk. We’ve got a couple cool shows locked in for the summer that we’re excited for. We’re playing Covington MetalFest in June and Fairview Fest in August. Other than that, I think the focus will be mostly on writing the next record right now. In the meantime, you can stream our music on Spotify, YouTube, or directly through our bandcamp scenariopunk.bandcamp.com

Thank you Start Today for the opportunity to discuss recovery and it’s role in both my personal life and the music community!

1. Jet Turner - Boys Night Out

We’re excited to kick off this series with a great read from our new friend, Jet Turner, guitarist for long-running Canadian band Boys Night Out. Below, he tells his story in an open, honest, and humble manner, and we can’t thank him enough for taking the time, being so vulnerable, and really getting into some of what Start Today Harm Reduction
is here to help with.

Take it away, Jet…

I come from a pretty successful family who were trying to set me up to be successful. I went to a private school on a small island off the coast of where I grew up (St. Simons Island) and lived in Brunswick, GA (the mainland) in middle school. When outside influences started to appeal to me, I found myself getting along less and less with people at my small private school. It was very elitist. Myself and my brother and maybe one other person were the only students who didn't live on the island we went to school on. We were always considered outsiders. By 8th grade I had discovered punk rock and was in full on rebellion against the school, the people that went there, and my parents. I begged to go to public school but I ended up getting kicked out.

I hit the ground running in 9th grade. I was so ready to make a name for myself and I quickly ran across a group of people who were privy to chemically changing the way they felt. This quickly became my MO. By 12th grade I was already into pretty much everything and was a known party guy. I was also a known musician and by 12th grade, I already had a band doing bigger things.

At my dad's request, I gave college a chance but I dropped out really quickly when my band at the time was offered a tour. This became the central theme to my life - giving up anything to chase music. My 20's were a blur of touring and throwing home shows and different business ventures, but the most common themes were - doing anything it took to keep the band going and getting as fucked up as possible along the way. This continued well into my 30’s. I had to have a couple surgeries along the way, and I was no stranger to opiates. They were always my favorite. In my mid 30's, the band I was in that was probably the closest to doing something real broke up and I took it so hard. I had poured my entire soul into that band and we had come really close to doing something with a major label.

I was devastated and my use afterwards ramped all the way up. I eventually pawned all my gear and graduated to IV heroin. I wanted to die and I was trying every day. I did this for like 6 sad years before I finally admitted I had a problem. I tried and tried to get clean in my hometown but nothing ever stuck. It took getting arrested the last time and taking someone’s advice to get the fuck out of my home town. I was lucky enough to meet the girl I would marry while I was living in a halfway house in this time period. We started talking nonstop and I started finding reasons outside of music to stay clean. She had kids. I can't have kids. I wanted a family. She was my dream girl. Literally out of my league. But we kept talking and talking and started dating and we were married 6 months later.

She saved my life. Her and the kids literally saved my life.

Being in recovery and in Boys Night Out has honestly been amazing. The two are directly related. I have been off heroin for about 5 years and I'm so proud to say that, but that doesn't go to say that my entire recovery since leaving my hometown and getting married and moving away has been without incident. I've had a few relapses and had to learn the hard way that I have some other mental issues going on. I was diagnosed with Major Depression and generalized anxiety about two years ago. I've been treating those disorders with meds and I've been an active member of NA and HNI. Joining BNO, who is literally my favorite band of all time, was just more evidence than anything that the person I am when I'm working a program in recovery is capable of anything.

There hasn't been too much to navigate, everyone in my band is super respectful of my stance on recovery and mental health. I'm what I guess most people would refer to as "Cali sober," as I just quit doing the poison that was killing me. I still smoke. I still have a good time. But I'm a super advocate for anyone doing any version of recovery that they feel safe with. My message is simple: "recovery isn't cookie cutter." What works for me won't work for anyone else - we just all have to be really honest with ourselves about what we can handle and what is best for our recovery in the long run. For me, smoking weed is part of the process. I wouldn't have found my higher power without it.

The best advice I can give anyone who's trying to get or stay clean is really simple - don't lie to yourself. I used to do it all the time and am still very capable of doing it now. You have to be really honest with yourself. While we were on tour, I was pretty much in my sponsor's ear all day long and I did bare minimum one zoom meeting a day. I was lucky enough to catch a couple in person meetings in cities that I had recovery friends within.

[This] tour was insane from beginning to end. And not even in a "crazy party stories" kinda way. We did everything ourselves. We managed it ourselves, we handled the logistics ourselves, loaded our own gear, did our own tech. It was such a cool experience, but it was challenging to both my recovery and my mental health and I'll definitely need to keep the entire experience in mind if we ever set out to do it again."