The alternative and pop scenes nowadays are made up of groups whose lyrical content consists of “hopeful” or “inspiring” words that kids can relate to and help them get through day to day life. Sadly, these musicians know just how much power they have over their fans.

Kids are being led like lambs to the slaughter to the empty words and false hope that these musicians promote with their music. For instance, Matty Mullins, lead singer of metalcore band Memphis May Fire was heard saying, “God blessed me with a panic attack so I can relate to my fans.” I think it is absolutely repulsive to see a mental illness as a blessing and it is obvious that Mullins simply wants fans to feel misguided sympathy for him. Through the mass popularization of being depressed and suicidal, it removes the needed awareness that people who actually suffer from these illnesses need and deserve.

Joel Birch, vocalist of The Amity Affliction commented on what Mullins had to say.

“I have had depression and anxiety for 14 years. If God blessed me with it, then I am glad to be an atheist,” Birch said.

I completely agree with Birch, as someone who has suffered from depression and severe anxiety issues, the last thing I want to hear is that I was blessed with suffering.

Not only have musicians like Mullins ruined the perception of mental illness, but a trend has started from musicians to use their mental illness as a scapegoat. This summer, viner and musician Austin Jones was discovered soliciting underage girls for videos of themselves naked and twerking. Jones later made a video apologizing and saying that he did it because he found that was the only way for him to feel affection. Not only is this complete garbage, but Jones clearly has no shame in using the people that look up to him.

This type of behavior in the music scene is completely unacceptable. Music is supposed to have legitimate substance and not be made up of empty words to fill a wallet and sexual cravings.