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. 

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!