Musicians and Health- The Dark Side

Image from the Halloween display at the Sloss Furnance in Birmingham AL

As musicians, we’re often called to observe and write about the dark corners of life.  Because we’re unique in our evaluations as we join words and music, we may feel encumbered by the gravity of our duty as songwriters. We should bring darkness and deep thoughts into the forum of music performance  as an empathetic artform.

If we did not experience pain and joy on such an intense level, we certainly could not produce songs that touch the human heart. If our spirit did not ache at chaos, injustice and pain, we could not turn those thoughts and experiences into music that helps people cope and realize they are not alone.

Realize pain and heartbreak  have  a place to help you in your creativity but don’t let sorrow suck you into a whirlpool of self doubt and self injury.  As an artist, as a musician you are in a unique position to apply the cathartic, healing qualities of music to yourself and others.

Kahlil Gibran said the more that sorrow carves into your being the more joy you can hold.

Be sure to strive for balance and control as you bring the darkness to light.

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