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. 

Cinema Stare Interview

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!