Tragedy occurs every day. Unfortunately, much of it is preventable.
We talked in the band a while ago about the possibility of getting involved in a cause as a group, to try and let ourselves be a voice for an issue, besides just trying to "rock out, make art, make fans and hopefully have enough gas to get to the next show". But that's a hard mountain to climb. It HAS to be genuine, and not just some bandwagon jumping. Otherwise you're just putting on a fake show about something you know nothing about.
A few months ago, we were playing a show in Brooklyn, and it was towards the end of the set and we got to "Cut Out". And suddenly the issue was right there in front of me. For years I've sung those words from one end of this country to the other - taking my own personal struggles with depression and turning it into something positive by writing a song (that went on to be the single that helped launched this whole little adventure!).
But this song wasn't about me anymore. A two days before the show, I learned that a kid I knew had committed suicide. I'd gotten to meet him a few times and knew him a little, and he was a really good kid, and we were able to relate a little. I'd known his family for years, some of the most wonderful people I know, who are like family to me. So when I got that phone call... There was nothing I could say or do that would have made it any better. And when you think of the pain a person must be feeling to do that to themselves - imagine how hard your toughest moments in life have been, and magnify them.
Well, it was during "Cut Out" that I'd had enough of feeling lost over him. Enough of talking about myself. We're put on this earth to help people through times we ourselves have faced, and leave the world better. That song would be our flag, flying in the face of desperation and loneliness. And we staked our flag that night, right then and there. We played "Song for Megan" right after it that night, which is all about friends getting you through, so it was a nice one-two punch.
I soon learned that getting local groups involved at each stop on our tours was pretty hard. Not only logistically, but some communities didn't have an easy-to-find resource for youth-at-risk programs. At one show I couldn't even get a group to call me back. So I got in touch with an organization other bands have partnered with, called To Write Love On Her Arms. (
www.twloha.com gives their story.) One organization, every night we're out there. We've got some brochures at our merch table covering what they do, some facts, and a list of resources for anyone who needs counseling or just wants to talk.
Anything that gets the conversation going, and aids people finding help if needed, is all we're looking for. We - a band, an organization, a community - might not be able to save everyone. But maybe in the process of all this, there will be a few less who need saving. And a few families less broken, because 'their Kevin' will make it through.
-brian
To Write Love On Her Arms Day - Friday, November 13th
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=180283055427
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