Music For You
by allison

Music for You: Depression (2nd edition)

Music has a way of helping us to manage our emotions. Musicians say that it can be cathartic, therapeutic, and soothing.

Many people listen to music – or create music – to subdue their negative emotions. Soothe them. Gently push them away. And some people listen to music – or create music – in order to exorcise their demons. They call out to their negative emotions. Summon them. Command them.

We’ve interviewed several musicians about their experience with depression and how that intertwines with their music. One question we ask is, “What songs from other artists best sum up the experience of depression for you?“ It’s interesting and telling.

Here’s a sampling of some answers to that question.

Who picked what songs? You’ll have to wait for the interviews to match it up! (Check out our last “Music for You” offering to see more.)

Mastodon. “Oblivion” from Crack the Skye (2009).

The Afghan Whigs. “My Curse” from Gentlemen (1993).

The Hotelier. “An Introduction to the Album” from Home, Like Noplace is There (2014).

The Cure. “Pictures of You” from Disintegration (1989).

Kristin Hersh. “Me and My Charms” from Hips and Makers (1994).

Explosions in the Sky. “Catastrophe and the Cure” from All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone (2007). [Actually, this musician said the whole album…I just picked one.]

We hope you enjoyed this spattering of depression-soothing and/or depression-inducing songs. Tell me: What songs best sum up the experience of depression for YOU?

Music – creating it, playing it, listening to it – is cathartic. If you need help or support right now for how you’re feeling, don’t be ashamed. Please seek help. In Southwestern PA, you can call Resolve Crisis Services 24/7 at 1-888-7-YOU-CAN (796-8226). Nationally, you can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Be well.

Next time: We’ve got some very interesting interviews coming up! Check out our Facebook page for opportunities to provide input on issues that concern musicians – some new surveys and interview topics in the works!