7. How Music Helped Me Through Some Very Dark Times
Music has always been more than entertainment to me.
I'm a musician, but first and foremost, I'm a music fan.
Some songs become part of your life. They arrive exactly when you need them and somehow say everything you couldn't put into words yourself.
One of those songs for me is "Something to Believe In" by Ginger Wildheart.
The chorus still gives me goosebumps:
"Give me something to believe in, before I stop believing there's anything worth believing in."
That song carried me through some incredibly difficult periods of my life.
It reminded me that, even when everything else felt uncertain, music was always there.
And that's something I've never forgotten.
Music Speaks When Words Can't
Everyone connects with different artists.
For me, it's always been people like Ginger Wildheart, Lemmy from Motörhead, Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson.
Not because they're famous.
Because they're honest.
The best songwriters write about real life—the struggles, the victories, the doubts and the hope that somehow keeps us moving forward.
When you're struggling mentally, hearing someone else express exactly how you're feeling can make you realise you're not alone.
That's incredibly powerful.
Why Playing Music Is Good For Your Mental Health
Listening to music can change your mood.
Making music can change your life.
Whether you're writing lyrics, picking up a guitar, sitting behind a drum kit or opening your laptop to record ideas, you're giving your mind permission to focus on something creative instead of something destructive.
Music gives you somewhere to put your thoughts.
It becomes an outlet.
Your instrument doesn't judge you.
Your notebook doesn't judge you.
Your DAW doesn't judge you.
They're simply there, waiting for you to create.
Sometimes that's enough.
Creativity Gives Your Brain Somewhere Better To Go
When life becomes overwhelming, our minds naturally focus on problems.
Creating music interrupts that cycle.
For an hour or two, your attention shifts.
You're thinking about melodies instead of worries.
Lyrics instead of anxiety.
Guitar tones instead of overthinking.
That temporary escape can be enough to help you come back feeling calmer and more capable of dealing with whatever life throws at you.
No, music isn't a replacement for professional mental health support.
But it can become one of the most valuable tools alongside it.
My Own Experience
There was a time when I struggled badly with anxiety.
Like many people, I reached out for help.
Some support worked.
Some didn't.
There were moments where I felt like I was fighting battles that nobody else could see.
Invisible illnesses can be incredibly difficult because, on the outside, you often look absolutely fine.
Inside is a completely different story.
What consistently helped me throughout those years was music.
Listening to it.
Writing it.
Recording it.
Even when I didn't feel like talking, I could still pick up a guitar.
Little by little, creativity helped me find my way back.
Why Independent Musicians Matter
It's never been harder to build a career in music.
Venues have closed.
Independent artists earn very little from streaming.
The industry has changed dramatically.
Yet people continue making music.
Why?
Because music matters.
Every song released has the potential to become somebody else's "Something to Believe In."
You never know who might need to hear your song.
Or when.
That's why independent musicians deserve our support.
Their music could genuinely make someone's life a little brighter.
Recording Music Is More Than Making Records
At The Source Studio in Exeter, we believe recording isn't just about microphones and mixing desks.
It's about helping people tell their stories.
Sometimes that's recording your first single.
Sometimes it's capturing songs you've carried around for years.
Sometimes it's simply giving yourself permission to create something that's entirely yours.
Whether you're recording an EP, a full album, or just one song, the experience itself can be incredibly rewarding.
Music has an amazing ability to connect us—with ourselves and with other people.
Music Really Can Give You Something To Believe In
There's a quote often attributed to musicians over the years that has always stayed with me:
"Music will get you through times of no love better than love will get you through times of no music."
I genuinely believe that's true.
Music has helped me through some of the darkest moments of my life.
It's helped countless other people too.
If you've been putting off writing that song…
Learning that instrument…
Or finally recording the music you've always wanted to make…
Maybe now is the time.
You never know where it might lead.
Ready To Record Your Music?
Whether you're an experienced artist or recording your very first song, we'd love to help you bring your ideas to life.
At The Source Studio Exeter, we offer a relaxed, supportive environment where creativity comes first.
Get in touch today and let's create something worth believing in.