Today, we have the distinct honour of sitting down with three remarkable musicians whose latest collaboration is not only breaking boundaries but also igniting a vital conversation about mental health: Stephen Gawking, Aewon Wolf and Nathan Blur.
These three musos have joined forces to create ‘Demons and Disorders,’ a genre-defying anthem that challenges stigma and fosters empathy.
In this exclusive interview, we’ll explore the inspiration behind the single, the collaborative process, and the artists’ individual journeys in advocating for change.
What inspired the creation of ‘Demons and Disorders,’ and how did the collaborative process unfold between Stephen Gawking, Aewon Wolf and Nathan Blur?
Stephen Gawking: “From the outset, I harboured a keen interest in exploring the complexities of mental health through music. Eventually, I shared my concept with Aewon, and our connection was instantaneous.”
“With Bobby Johnson, my producer, skilfully crafting a captivating chorus, we enlisted Nathan, whose vocal performance exceeded expectations. The song’s genesis was inspired by the untimely passing of Riky Rick, leading to introspection on the enigmatic nature of mental health challenges.”
Stephen Gawking, as an ambassador of hope and change despite your own disabilities, how does this single align with your advocacy efforts, and what message do you hope to convey?
Stephen Gawking: “In my own journey, I aim to demonstrate that despite grappling with a progressive muscular disease, I persist. If I can overcome hurdles to chase my dreams and passions, what’s stopping others?”
“These endeavours provide me with a profound sense of purpose, and I hope to inspire others through my music and accomplishments to do the same. It’s crucial to emphasize that nobody faces their struggles alone, and there’s no cause for shame. Perseverance and resilience are vital in confronting life’s challenges.”
Aewon Wolf, known for your unconventional approach to music, how did your personal values intersect with the themes addressed in ‘Demons and Disorders’?
Aewon Wolf: “I tend to choose the less conventional path, and recently, this has led me to collaborate with other like-minded individuals who share a desire to make a positive impact in the world. This song resonates with my values because it addresses a topic often polarized and scrutinized without delving into the true human experiences behind the science and religion we use to explain it.”
“If you listen closely to the song, you’ll notice that amidst all the analysis and reflection, I conclude with a simple call to action: “just be nice.” This essentially means showing love and compassion to all people because we can never truly understand what they’re going through.”
Nathan Blur, with your distinctive blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop, how do you believe your musical style enhances the message conveyed in the single?
Nathan Blur: “I didn’t take part in any creative writing for this song. Instead, I was presented with a fantastic idea and contributed my voice to bring their vision to fruition.”
“I believe my distinct tone helps to amplify the overall emotion. As an artist, I’ve consistently strived to imbue my songs with genuine feelings. I simply aimed to be true to myself, as I do with all my music. It was truly rewarding to see everyone’s contributions come together to create a truly special single.”
How does ‘Demons and Disorders’ navigate portraying sensitive topics like depression while ensuring authenticity and empathy?
Stephen Gawking: “”Demons and Disorders” takes a profound and serious stance on a pressing societal issue that demands open dialogue, free from bias or stigma.”
“The song embarks on a philosophical journey, exploring the intricacies of depression and seeking solutions for intervention. Its chorus serves as a universally resonant anthem, capturing the shared experience of struggling with the sensation of “Barely Holding On” amidst life’s trials and tribulations.”
What role do you believe artists play in advocating for social change, particularly regarding mental health issues, and how does this single contribute to that conversation?
Stephen Gawking: “As artists, it’s imperative that we leverage our art to make a positive impact. By engaging in open dialogue and sharing our personal struggles and triumphs, we exemplify the importance of communication in collectively addressing mental health challenges.”
“This unified approach, alongside our artistic endeavors, serves as a powerful tool in the ongoing battle against these issues.”
Can you share any memorable moments or challenges encountered during the creation of ‘Demons and Disorders’?
Stephen Gawking: “Everything fell into place seamlessly, almost as if guided by fate, uniting everyone without any egos hindering the process. This harmonious convergence made the entire journey immensely enjoyable and fulfilling.”
As collaborators on this project, what impact do you hope ‘Demons and Disorders’ will have on listeners, and what do you envision for the future of mental health advocacy in the music industry?
Stephen Gawking: “Our collective purpose was clear: to craft something meaningful that offers solace to those navigating life’s trials. Our hope is for this song to stand as a beacon of resilience, inspiring all who listen to persevere and overcome their challenges.”
How do you think music can contribute to destigmatizing mental health issues, and why is it important to continue these conversations through art?
Stephen Gawking; “Demons and Disorders” takes a deeply serious stance on a pressing societal issue, calling for open dialogue free from bias or stigma. The song embarks on a philosophical journey, delving into the complexities of depression and seeking avenues for intervention.”
“Its chorus resonates universally, capturing the shared experience of grappling with the feeling of “Barely Holding On” during life’s challenges. Music, with its transformative power to unite and shift perspectives, plays a pivotal role in fostering compromise and understanding.”
Looking ahead, what are your plans for spreading awareness about mental health and creating music that addresses social issues?
Stephen Gawking: “Merely by openly discussing and sharing our personal struggles and triumphs, we lead by example in highlighting the significance of communication in addressing mental health challenges as a united front. Through our music as artists, we further emphasize this importance, fostering unity and resilience in the face of adversity.”
Stephen Gawking, can you share a bit about your personal journey with mental health and how it influenced the creation of ‘Demons and Disorders’?
Stephen Gawking: “Though I am fortunate not to grapple with severe depression, I do encounter fleeting moments of darkness and negativity. In these instances, I find solace in writing or immersing myself in binge-watching to reignite my motivation.”
“However, witnessing the profound effects of depression on others is profoundly disheartening. It’s frustrating to witness it erode their spirits without a discernible cause or rationale. This is precisely why the song embarks on a philosophical journey, probing the depths of depression through questioning, seeking to comprehend its essence.”
Aewon Wolf, as someone who advocates for love and compassion, how do you see the role of empathy in addressing mental health stigma, and how does this reflect in your contributions to the single?
Aewon Wolf: “Like I said previously, this song resonates with those values by addressing a topic often polarized and scrutinized without delving into the true human experiences behind the scientific and religious explanations.”
“If you listen closely to the song, you’ll notice that after all the anecdotal analysis and reflection, I conclude with a simple call to action: “just being nice.” Essentially, this means showing love and compassion to all people, as we can never truly understand what they are going through.”
Nathan Blur, with your growing popularity and influence, how do you plan to use your platform to further promote mental health awareness following the release of this single?
Nathan Blur: “I hope it inspires many people to lead fulfilling lives and not be governed by the material aspects of this world. By crafting authentic music, I aim to assist others in the future and further promote awareness surrounding mental health, following the release of this single.”
Stephen Gawking, what do you hope listeners will take away from ‘Demons and Disorders’ in terms of understanding and empathy towards those struggling with mental health issues?
Stephen Gawking: “Simply striving to understand, listen, and support without judgment, while extending a helping hand to assist, can not only benefit others but also bring a sense of fulfilment and purpose.”
“It’s essential for people to recognize that they are not alone in their struggles and should never feel ashamed of them. The key is to persevere and continue fighting the good fight, knowing that support and understanding are available.”
Aewon Wolf, considering your off-grid lifestyle and commitment to minimalism, how do you think disconnecting from conventional norms contributes to your creativity as an artist, especially when tackling complex topics like mental health?
Aewon Wolf: “All these aspects contribute to my happiness. While they may appear as sacrifices, they all play a part in nourishing my soul and maintaining my balance and contentment. Consequently, they enrich my artistry because I now create from a place of contentment.”
“My music and artistry aim to share elements of this happiness with others, serving as a sacrament or devotion to the divine force that bestowed upon me life and created this wondrous world. Despite the randomness and pain that may be perceived, I have discovered a perfect design within it all, and my life and art serve as a mirror or window to how I perceive this perfect design.”
Nathan Blur, as an artist who seamlessly blends various musical genres, how do you approach incorporating diverse sounds into a single project like ‘Demons and Disorders’ while maintaining cohesion?
Nathan Blur: “I am genuinely pleased with how my vocal contributions infused a distinctive texture into the song’s overall sound. It pushed me to explore notes that I don’t typically sing. Bobby, my producer, originated the initial concept, and I simply took his excellent ideas and enhanced them in a manner that reinforces the overarching message.”
Stephen Gawking, can you elaborate on how your collaboration with Aewon Wolf and Nathan Blur influenced the creative direction of the single, particularly in terms of musical style and lyrical themes?
Stephen Gawking: “Bobby, my producer, and I both share the sentiment that working on this project has been exceptionally smooth creatively. It’s remarkable how closely the genre aligns with our signature fusion of pop and hip-hop, a style that has remained consistent throughout our collaborations.”
“Collaborating with Aewon and Nathan was an absolute honor and pleasure; their talent and professionalism are truly commendable.”
Aewon Wolf, given your extensive experience in the music industry, how do you navigate balancing artistic expression with social responsibility when addressing sensitive issues through your music?
Aewon Wolf: “My artistic aspiration is to utilize whatever influence I possess to advocate for and facilitate positive change, and this collaboration provided an excellent opportunity to do just that. Particularly because I’m working with individuals whom I recognize as having immense potential.”
“While I may not be as inclined to market my music extensively anymore, collaborating with dedicated young artists motivates me to do so, such as participating in this interview, for instance.”
Nathan Blur, with your music reaching international audiences, how do you adapt your message to resonate with diverse cultures while maintaining authenticity and integrity?
Nathan Blur: “I strive to create music that draws inspiration from my own personal experiences. This approach helps me maintain authenticity and enables people to relate more deeply.
“I believe that by drawing from lived experiences, I always have a solid creative foundation to build upon. While I may embellish the truth at times, I prefer to base my work on real-life events rather than narrate them verbatim or create without a grounded foundation in truth.”
Stephen Gawking, looking beyond the release of ‘Demons and Disorders,’ what initiatives or projects do you have planned to continue advocating for mental health awareness and inclusivity in the music industry?
Stephen Gawking: “I have ambitious plans, and I’m determined to see them through. My hope is that by achieving my goals, I can inspire others to pursue their aspirations, regardless of the obstacles or challenges they may face. The key is to persevere and keep pushing forward, no matter what.”
As our conversation draws to a close, it’s evident that ‘Demons and Disorders’ is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the power of music to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire positive change.
Through their unwavering dedication to mental health awareness and inclusivity, Stephen Gawking, Aewon Wolf, and Nathan Blur are not only leaving an indelible mark on the music industry but also shaping a more compassionate society.
As we eagerly anticipate the impact of their ground-breaking collaboration, let us all join in championing empathy, understanding, and action against mental health stigma.
You can find the links to stream “Demons and Disorders” on your preferred streaming platform HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Interviews category on SA Music Zone.
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