Impactful Artists and Mental Health in the Music Scene

The entire month of September is also known as National Suicide Prevention Month. Often, the month is used to help raise awareness of this stigmatized topic while spreading hope and making vital resources available to individuals affected by suicide. Throughout many decades, the music industry has lost several great artists to suicide, leaving behind a large impact on fans from all genres. In an effort to help start the difficult conversation surrounding mental health, our team at Music Scene Media has organized a list of our favorite artists and their lasting impact on the scene. Music should be a place where everyone feels loved, and no one has to feel alone. Please, don't be afraid to break the silence and help end the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health.

Ian Curtis of Joy Division

"I think Ian Curtis’ (and Joy Division’s) greatest contribution, besides their own music, was their influence on so many artists, from Morrissey to George Michael and so many others." -Rally James

"Joy Division's melancholy and introspective take on punk music has been foundational to alternative rock since the 80s. It is as impossible to escape Curtis' influence as it is to imitate his unique voice and style." -Conner Tomlinson

Kurt Cobain of Nirvana

"Through Nirvana, Kurt helped bring alternative rock/grunge music into a mainstream setting, representing many in the genre." -Abby Crabill

"He brought a punk edge to pop rock, and even though it was called grunge it really opened up a widened so much as a genre far outpacing just grunge over the years." -Alissa Szucs

Chester Bennington of Linkin Park

"Chester was incredibly inspirational and a beacon of light to many people back in the early '00s up and still to this day. His songs were relatable to a lot of people for many reasons and were strikingly honest. I think his openness about mental health and all the darkness that can sometimes be associated with it helped a lot of people to feel understood and less alone." -Hayley Knight

"I feel like Chester helped to revolutionize the face of music, and it will never be the same. Linkin Park is how many people truly got passionate about music, and Chester's talents were a major part of that. It would be hard to find an artist who wasn't influenced by LP in some way. Additionally, Chester was the voice of countless souls who couldn't express their own pain, and he showed us that the face of depression is not always what we expect." -Melanie Williamson

"I'd say his name speaks for itself. He was an icon and a beacon of hope for those who too wandered through the darkness. He has inspired millions, and his voice and words will inspire millions more." -Kevin Young

"Writing songs that help those suffering with mental health. Interviews where he beautifully describes what it's like to live with those thoughts." -AJ Herrera

Avicii

"I feel like he brought a different sound and made unique music that many people enjoyed. He inspired and influenced many young DJs and producers within the EDM scene, during a time where EDM was starting to spring into the mainstream." -Jayden Armstrong

Ryan Siew of Polaris

"Siew had been a driving force for the band Polaris for some time and helped the band reach new heights. While joining the band at just the age of 15, Siew was nothing short of a prodigy on the guitar. He showed that anyone who has the heart and drive can reach their dreams." -Matt Benton

Notes From Our Team

• "Other notable songs about mental health I like are: Melanie Martinez - VOID, Twenty One Pilots - Navigating" -Andrew MacLean
• "Knives and Pens represents Black Veil Brides' frontman, Andy Biersack's own mental health struggle, and his decision to pick up a pen and write instead of self-harming." -Abby Crabill
• "My band has a podcast episode about musicians' mental health and suicide (tangentially related but I wanted to share anyway): https://youtu.be/cvfH3GmwuUw?si=v87dpg1oc9kzKzYv" -Conner Tomlinson
• "It's a heavy topic, but the discussion of suicide and suicidal thoughts should be more normalized." -AJ Herrera
• "While it sounds cliche, things will get better. The world may be a broken place and things aren't showing any signs of improving in the way we want, so we need to make sure we live each to the fullest." -Matt Benton
• "As someone who has battled, and I don't use that word lightly, over the last fifteen years with depression and suicidal thoughts, I know the fear, doubt, weight, and countless feelings of not seeking support. Everyone suffers differently, but after being in therapy for almost six years, I can say with utmost certainty that reaching out for help was the best decision I ever made. I wouldn't be typing this out today if I hadn't. That is the pure truth. If you are struggling, know that I believe in you and want to see you flourish." -Kevin Young
• "If you’re ever struggling with mental health and feel alone, please reach out and talk to someone. You are important and you matter in this world!" -Jayden Armstrong

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

or

Call: 988