Compared to REM & Manic Street Preachers, brave Grant pens songs such as “Melancholia” to cope with mental illness
(New York, NY) – January 30, 2015 Independent Music Promotions today announced that embattled songwriter Vince Grant is launching the opening musical salvo in his ongoing battle against depression by releasing two videos and his debut CD, My Depression Is Always Trying to Kill Me. Compared to REM, Manic Street Preachers, and Elliott Smith, the Los Angeles-based Grant is the rare musician who has openly addressed his depression and mental illness, and is ready to dive deeper into his experiences with his forthcoming record, set for a February 20 release. “Melancholia” will be the lead single. Grant has also made available videos for “Melancholia” and “How Many Times You,” both produced by the highly acclaimed Alex Nasonov. More information on Grant and My Depression Is Always Trying To Kill Me is available on his official website.
According to Grant, his depression is, and always has been, an inescapable part of his life: “I’ve suffered from depression my whole life. I really can’t recall a time when I haven’t been depressed, even as a kid. In more joyful moments, I was – and still am – aware of the specter of the disease lurking in the shadows, hovering over me and
waiting to pounce at any moment.”
Grant spent his first two summers after moving from his hometown of Chicago to L.A. busking on Venice Beach. After his first stint in L.A., he moved back and forth between New York and L.A. playing in various bands, gigging, touring, and even playing at SXSW. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol problems eventually derailed him: “Drugs, alcohol, and depression – they all took me out.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klRY-W_kdJE
After years of painful confusion, Grant was placed on psychiatric drugs and diagnosed as being bipolar. During this period, he was also self-medicating by drinking heavily, using various street drugs, and abusing his prescription
medications.
Following a successful recovery, Grant has channeled his experiences into a new five song EP. Free from the constraints of a band situation, he believes he has found his true voice and a style he can call his own.
For Grant, songs such as “Melancholia” from his upcoming My Depression Is Always Trying To Kill Me serve as both a
revealing personal journal and a form of empowering therapy: “I write songs to cope. I’d like to say I write songs to heal, but that may be asking too much.”
For more info on Vince Grant, visit his social media: OFFICIAL SITE | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE
