Greetings friend,
Hope all’s well with you. It’s Mental health awareness week in Australia, along with World Mental health day on October 10th every year. Here’s a podcast i did late September 2017 with my mate Matt where we talk a little about good mental health, and the week ahead.
Greetings friends. Hope you’re good.
I went to Australia’s capital Canberra on Sunday September 3rd and met with local metal music legend Adam Argius. Adam was very generous to give me his time especially on such short notice. He was front man for Aussie metal band Alchemist, and now fronts Levitation Hex. Follow the link below to the podcast of our chat. Take it easy. Greg \MH/
The Levitation Hex Music page links:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Levitation-Hex-170038509738897/
Greetings reader. I had a nice yap to Within these Walls from Tasmania, Australia earlier today. See below –
METAL HEALTH INTERVIEW with Within these Walls. June 2017.
– Hello Kelly, vocalist from Australian band Within these Walls, Welcome to Metal health and thanks for being here.
“Hey Greg, glad to be here, thank you for taking the time to chat.”
– What does good mental health mean to you?
“Good mental health means a lot to both myself and the band. We have all had ups and downs in our lives, (as have a lot of people) so we really understand the importance of hanging onto that good mindset, or mentality. Remembering that it can often be hard at times, yes. But also remembering that with the right people around you and the right mindset, you can overcome almost any obstacle.”
– How is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Especially after a tour or big event, is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? If so, how do you adjust/cope?
“I think its always hard coming out of a show and sitting back down to work or study. And that doesn’t really just apply for travel sometimes. even after a local show we will all be really hyped up for the afternoon and we will hang out and what not, but then that first day back at work/study afterwards is so daunting. Mainly because you just wish you were out there doing it again!”
– What motivates you? What keeps you going?
“For a lot of us in the band i feel its the enjoyment of it all. When we play we all have fun, we all enjoy being in the studio and we all love getting together for practice all for that one reason. We enjoy it. And i think it’s that passion for music we all share that really holds the band together.”
– Are you a positive thinker? How do you stay positive?
“I’d like to think that i am a positive sort of guy, yeah. And i guess the way i do it is by attempting to hold onto the little things that keep you smiling, and i mean that could be anything. It could even change from day to day, but there is always something there to swing me into a good mood!”
– Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.
“Yeah of course, all of us in the band at some stage have experienced some rough times. Be that loss of loved ones or loss of self value. However we all managed to overcome that by keeping our heads up, finding a family member or friend and remember that things get better. Always”
– What does making music mean for you? Why do you do it?
“For me personally its both Therapeutic and enjoyable, being able to create stories lyrically or lay my thoughts out on paper is great and hearing it come together in a mix is even better. But i know for all of us it is just a great feeling to look at, and listen to something that you and 4 of your best mates created. Its always a great time.”
– I Enjoyed listening to the track ‘Conformity’, from your upcoming album ‘Life’. A real solid straight ahead track, and loved your vocals. How was the recording process for this record (and album)? Did you bang it down live, or record an instrument at a time etc?
“Thanks, Greg. Glad you enjoyed the track! Well, for Conformity, myself and our Guitarist Stephan, tracked all the guitar, bass and vocal parts to the drum file that our Drummer, Malikye, had programmed. After this I took it away and began mixing until I arrived at the product you hear today! As far as the LP goes, however, we will be re-tracking mixing and mastering that track when we reach it in the studio.”
So what are your plans? Some more touring or any dates you can mention? I see on your FB page you have a launch on July 20th at the Royal Oak in Launceston for ‘Conformity’. Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?
“Outside of the upcoming Oak show, we are currently hoping to win a support slot for a show with Deez Nuts, Alpha Wolf and Majula, which we are all really excited about. And we have a few other things brewing behind the scenes in regards to live shows. We are also hoping to release another single from our upcoming LP which we have been working on in the background. So keep an eye out for those!”
– Ok, last question! What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?
“It gets better. Just remember that no matter how bad things get, there is always someone out there who loves you and is willing to help you through what you are dealing with. And with their support and your strong mind you will make the best of this life, we all can”
– Thanks Kelly for taking the time to talk with us. Wishing you safe travels, and all the best with the album. Greg \Mh/.
“Thank you very much for having us, Greg. It was a pleasure”
Thanks again to the Kelly and the band. below are some links to the bands music. Enjoy!
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/WithinTheseWallsTas/
You tube –
Some quotes for today –
“Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.”
– Anne Frank.
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
– Marcus Aurelius
“You were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as a human being) to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight.”
– Elizabeth Gilbert
And from The Samurai Musashi in the year 1645. –
Musashi, the greatest samurai, later a deeply feeling student of the Buddha, and much later the subject of the awesome Samurai Trilogy starring Toshiro Mifune…set down 21 Rules to Live by. Here they are.
1. Accept everything just the way it is.
2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
5. Be detached from desire your whole life long.
6. Do not regret what you have done.
7. Never be jealous.
8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
9. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
11. In all things have no preferences.
12. Be indifferent to where you live.
13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.
14. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
15. Do not act following customary beliefs.
16. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
17. Do not fear death.
18. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
19. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
20. You may abandon your own body but you must preserve your honour.
21. Never stray from the Way.”
~ Miyamoto Musashi
Be well reader. Greg \MH/
R.I.P. Chris Cornell. Left us far too early, and a young man still at 52. Following is a short interview with Chris talking about mental health, drugs and alcohol, and how we lose people who are struggling with these issues from all walks of life. Thank you for your words and music Chris.
Take it easy. Greg \MH/
– Hello Thunder Spell. Welcome to Metalhealth and thanks for being here.
– What does good mental health mean to you?
That to say this of well with the life and to itself, to seek to balance the good things of the life, health and leisure are the excential in this chemistry, to practice sport, to have a healthy life, and very good, to listen to very heavy metal also helps, that leaves the Healthy mind, you can be sure.
– How is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Especially after a tour or big gig/event, is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? If so, how do you adjust/cope?
Outside the road and the shows we live a very normal life, we have our professions outside the life of heavy metal musician, we work to maintain a good life, among other things, family, friends, etc. No, before we travel, we leave everything ready for our absence, we try to anticipate our tasks as much as possible, so that when we return we have not delayed much and neither prejudiced our tasks during our trips.
– What motivates you? What keeps you going?
Many things, but I think the main motivation is to be able to show our work to other people, meet new people, and meet people who like our music, our band, that’s priceless. We continue for this reason and the will will crazy and eternal will play heavy metal, this keeps the band. This ideal, we fight for it, to keep the flame of the metal burning.
– Are you a positive thinker? How do you stay positive?
Yes. As I say, forward ball that comes back people eating hot dog, I always think of the future, entrepreneurial vision, expand with new ideas, new horizons. You always have to think about the solution and not the problem, I think to be optimistic This is it, problems will always exist, it is up to you to let them be defeated by them or not, I do not let them defeat me.
– Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.
I believe that even for those who have everything, it becomes difficult not to have difficulties, which ends up becoming a difficulty. We are not different from anyone, we have gone through many difficulties, but always trying to solve the best way possible. As I said before, always thinking of the solution, if you give in to the problems when they arise you are already born defeated, dead, we are born To win, we will not surrender, surrender for anything, alias we will not surrender for nothing, metal to death, this is philosophy of life, win, aim for victory and persist in their goals, their achievements, until the world Become small for them.
– What does making music mean to you? Why do you do it?
It represents a personal satisfaction in being able to show people what you love, to make music and to play them is very rewarding, to know that people like what you did, to have the satisfaction of having done something special. Because it’s what we like to do, we only think about composing, playing heavy metal, every day, it’s our addiction, our poison, it leaves us poisonous too, always wanting to do more and more, playing heavy metal is everything, we do not think Stop
– You have a new album coming out called Battle Scream. Do you have a release date for the album? How was the recording process for this record? Did you bang it down live, or record one instrument at a time etc?
In fact we have already released it, we are now releasing this album and doing shows to show our new work, and this has been very gratifying, because the recording process was quite long, we recorded in two studios, but in the end it came out as wanted agent , Well worth the wait. We recorded each instrument and voice one at a time, we had some unforeseen ones too, so it was time consuming.
– Congratulations! So what are your plans with Battle Scream? Some more touring or any dates you can mention? I see you have some big shows coming up. Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?
Currently we are doing shows here in our country, but soon we hope to play in other countries, including in Europe because at the moment, we are not much time to make a great tour, but we are playing in major festivals here in Brazil, such as Maniacs metal Meeting, one of the biggest festivals in the south of the country, we had the honor of playing it, but we are organizing to do a very nice tour. yes, we are in a tribute to the English Raven band, with the music Fire Power, and now we are going Participate in a tribute to the Motorhead with the song one night stand, this for us was a special step for the band.
– Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?
Do not let them down, try always to give your best in everything, always try to overcome each day, more and more, seeking the good vibes that heavy metal and other things can give you, do not grieve your heart , Metal is for the strong, if you listen and identify with that sound, you are a strong person, you are a winner, even if you do not know, seek the warrior that sleeps inside you, wake the beast, make him shout to Everyone hear, and know that you are a winner. Do not give up on your dreams, do not give up on heavy metal, it will never give up on you, heavy metal will never die.
– Thank you Thunder Spell for taking the time to talk with us. Let’s hope we can see you in Australia soon! Safe travels, and all the best with the album and your future plans.
Greg \MH/.
Band links –
https://www.facebook.com/thunderspellmetal/
https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=f0NHOTinyqA
https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=8yLMEmeOVtc
https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=okCM7lGoks8
Greetings reader. I hope all’s well with you. This week i spoke with Dennis Val, guitarist from Australian rockers Love Child……..
– Welcome to Metal health Dennis. Thanks for being here.
Hi Greg.
– Congratulations on the release and success of your current single ‘Watching the river flow’ from your album ‘A whole lotta sassy’, reaching number 1 on the USA indie charts recently, along with ‘A whole lotta sassy’ hitting number 1 on Aussie indy radio! I bet you’re all chuffed.
Oh yea we’re very excited, still quite a few mountains to cross, Australia is very difficult to get acknowledged but our crowds just keep growing. Consistent live shows have sharpened the band and never under estimate word of mouth for getting punters to gigs.
We’re far more accepted and bragged about overseas, where they think were the largest independent band in the country. Were hoping to get some major radio support, no luck as yet, but that would be the key to generating more income to allow more material to be recorded and get us over to tour the States and Europe.
– What does good mental health mean to you?
It’s quite important, and at times challenging. I’m very blessed to have 3 other guys in the band who support me. It’s not easy staying focused with all the negatives in the industry but you must not ponder on the bad and just focus on the good, but it can be hard. Being a song writer means your creative and your brain is active, and more often than not it’s over active. This can be dangerous to your mental health!
– Indeed. Having some focus and support is a huge help. How is life for you off the road or when you’re not gigging? Especially after a tour or big event, is it difficult to adjust back into life at home after time on the road? If so, how do you adjust/cope?
200 gigs a year, numerous sessions, learning new material, constantly improving as a musician feels like there is no down time. I’m learning to have days off, I just switch the world off, and my close friends allow me time where I have no contact.
After a gruelling tour is the worst, you have extreme highs and come back to normality, you are physically exhausted and the mental exhaustion and you’re on a roller coaster, makes sleep very difficult. I’m aware of what’s going on so the first thing I do is watch a movie, usually Senfield re runs as a good laugh is the best medicine. I find exercise is therapeutic and inspirational, it also helps you sleep better.
– Agree on the exercise. I’m a runner and it really helps keep me balanced mentally. What motivates you? What keeps you going?
I think the joy and high of being able to express yourself to others via an instrument is rewarding and spiritual. I’m not a machine, I don’t play like a robot, I express myself from inside when I play, its different every night, and that freedom , call it channelling if you like, is my drive for playing. I never picked up an instrument for fame, or some vision of backing someone famous. I picked it up out of love for the instrument. It’s genetic , everyone in my past has been a musician, from both family sides maternal and paternal. This is something I recently discovered and gave me great comfort , I thought I was crazy and stubborn. I just want to leave a body of work behind when I leave this place, you know ”this is what I gave back to mother nature after my time here is finished”..sounds crazy but I would like to know my time here left a mark.
– Love that attitude. Are you a positive thinker? How do you stay positive?
Extremely positive and highly motivated, however you can easily be tipped over by negative forces and following the wrong path. I get rid of negative people quickly, I suffer no fools. I sometimes get side trapped, you get a little look at the industry where some people are doing so well. You quickly realise you need to stay on your path, it’s a difficult path, but I can hold my head high and say I’m a leader and not a follower, and that’s the price I must pay for not selling out.
So staying positive for me means allowing the negatives to creep up, throwing them away and staying proud of yourself!!!
– Have you experienced any tough times personally that you’d be okay talking about? If so, how are you/did you get through this.
Many tough times, read my lyrics. I’m only ok talking about it with people I trust and my personal life is quite private. My lyrics usually expose myself so maybe readers should check out the music. As Steve our singer has said they are ‘’wear your heart on your sleeves’’ lyrics.
I’ve had 2 or 3 enormous losses, one being my father a long time ago, and it still hurts and comes back to haunt me ( that’s about as much as I would like to share) however I know that time heals everything. I have a strategy where I visually imagine myself a year from now, and ask how important and what impact will this event have a year down the track, the answer is usually in front of you , no one will give it a second thought. Throwing yourself into a future frame of mind eases the load.
Watching the river flow is about dealing with great loss, but watching the water flow is very calming. Its true meaning though is that like any problem it flows away to the sea and becomes nothing eventually.
I’m very fortunate to have a good mate in the band , Garry, he has been a rock, and I try to support him as well. It’s great to have someone who listens without judgement. I’ve been in some dark places, and lets say I mixed with the wrong crowd, but Garry was there all the time, so you need to trust in someone!
Friends if you have problems don’t be ashamed, talk and listen, that’s the best advise I can offer.
– I agree with you. Talking and sharing how we are feeling can be a lifesaver. Connection with others. I enjoyed listening to your current single ‘Watching the river flow’. How was the recording process for the single and current album? Did you bang it down live, or record one instrument at a time etc?
Good question, I need to elaborate. We had about 8 or 9 songs recorded and we decided to release 12. Time was running out so I bought “Watching the River Flow” into the studio. All our rhythm beds are done live to save money but most important to capture it live. The other guys had no idea and I convinced them it was a hit. We played it, and then I said ok let’s get a swinging groove. James and Garry as a rhythm section are about the best in Australia for this style they just get it. An hour later the engineer hit record and that’s what you hear. I laid my guitars and solo’s that afternoon. When mixing time came we had transferred the files to another studio, our producer Sammy Kannis suggested a few edits, like pulling the band out in the post chorus. Steve was called in and laid it down in 2 or 3 takes
– So what are the bands future plans? Some more recording, touring or any dates you can mention? I see you have some Sydney dates coming up.
We have some huge plans, we have many Sydney dates but are careful to not overplay so we knock back quite a few, it’s a very delicate balance.
We have a great Manager in Johnny Kannis, who fronted the Hitmen, and knows the industry here and the States , inside out.
We are treading carefully as the industry is watching us and want to make the right moves to ensure our longevity.
– Any other projects musical or otherwise happening?
Yes quite a few, as you are aware I play many solo acoustic gigs, playing percussion with my feet while I sing. I enjoy these but they are demanding and I miss my electric guitar. I play in a blues rock band called weekend detention and that is extremely satisfying and demanding.
– Ok, last question. What would you say to fans who are struggling with their mental health, or doing it tough at the moment?
You are not alone, the best advise I could give, especially to teenagers who have not had many experiences is…whatever your hurting about now, whatever you’ve done that is embarrasing or you think irreparable…will anyone remember in one year. Is it worth losing something now for a reason that won’t matter in 6 months. Turn off face book and Instagram, go find a tree in a park and look at the clouds and remember that’s important. Nature has an amazing affect to your health and well being, stay grounded!!
Listen to music that has depth and meaning, great artists are troubled people too, just like the rest of us. Listen to their journey, if you relate to it, then it’s ok to shed a tear, that is all healing.
– Good stuff. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Dennis. We wish you and the band safe travels, and congratulations to you all on the new record.
Greg M/H.
Some links to Love Child’s music.
http://www.lovechildband.com.au/
https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/a-whole-lotta-sassy/id1141620086?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Hi reader, hope you’re good.
Here’s a report from ABC news Australia on the high suicide rates of support people in the entertainment industry. Always look after the crew. Without them, the show won’t go on. Take it easy, Greg \MH/.
Always look after the Road crew.