The compilation I’m about to introduce is not for the faint of heart– and neither is suicide. I know that seems like a random and aggressive association but bear with me. UK based label DSV Audio teamed up with a list of artists who collectively produced Rebirth.
Rebirth consists of 12 tracks and half of all proceeds collected from the release will go to the UK mental health charity SANE, as well as a JustGiving fundraiser. DSV Audio is a family-owned label and one that carries the weight of the human experience on their shoulders — much like we all do.
The label uses its platform to pull attention to the magnitude of critical problems such as suicide prevention and awareness. Three artists who contributed to Rebirth released August 24th, have agreed to talk a little bit about their experiences within not just the music industry, but their mental health as well.
The compilation is heavy dubstep and bass that shattered my speakers upon first listen. Here’s some insight:
Detrace
How did you get into producing bass/dubstep music originally?
“I started off as just a huge fan of dubstep and EDM when I was in high school then one day I was listening to ‘Factory’ by Downlink and decided I wanted to try to figure out how to make music like that!”
Who is your biggest inspiration?
“My biggest inspiration in music is probably Skrillex. He was one of the first artists that got me into dubstep back in the day and has always inspired me and my music.”
Case Closed
What is your relationship with mental health? Does this play into your music?
“Mental health has always been something that has affected me; it’s played a massive role for me in music as well. To be candid, before I had music and art as outlets to express what I’m going through, I would often end up in a darker side of my head. Personally, if I don’t express my issues out loud or in a way that is meant for others to understand, they tend to get exaggerated.”
Tell us a little bit about the creative process behind your track on the compilation, ‘Wounded.’
“Man, this song was such a battle to write, but that’s what made it really rewarding too! ‘Wounded’ was written in short, energetic bursts that were months apart. PERSES and I ended up in a do-or-die situation where we had to write the bulk of the song in the last 6 days before the deadline, which thankfully was really motivating for both of us…”
Misfit
What motivates you when producing music?
“I’ve always had a passion for music and I knew bass music was the right path for me when I started producing music in 2013. Since then, I’ve grown a lot as an artist and have achieved many of my goals, I think this is part of that keeps me going. I want to give my fans a mix of modern style dubstep/riddim and the OG “brostep” from the early 2010s.”
“On the other hand, music is an escape from reality. When I’m working on a new song I can forget everything around me for a few hours and just focus on that.”
Nyptane
How does your own mental health affect your vision as a music producer?
“As a person who has dealt with depression/anxiety for years now, sometimes my mental health state can be quite a hindrance to my production process. On the other hand, sometimes it can actually help speed the creative process up. I’ve found that I’ve written my most beautiful and emotional work while dealing with my depression.”
Mental health is still a challenging topic to talk about for many. This is why it is so important to break down those stereotypes and normalize mental instability as part of the human experience.
