Start Today Harm Reduction Interview Series: As It May

Interview Series

Start Today Harm Reduction Interview Series: As It May

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.

Interview with 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?