The 27 Club: Mental Illness & Art
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- Опубликовано: 26 сен 2024
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“...we start to think illness, not the artist is creating the great music”
I love this line as it 100% explains why we glamorize mental illness in art and music. People who are mentally ill and become famous are still that: mentally ill people, who need all the support and care as the millions of other everyday schmoes dealing and working through mental illness.
As someone who’s battled Depression/Anxiety, has had suicidal thoughts and tendencies, been unemployed 5 times over the past 5 years and is awaiting an ASD eval (been waiting since June), let me tell you that MOST people are not even remotely comfortable with dealing with the average persons history and struggle with their mental illness. Those hurtful and insensitive RUclips comments can come out of anyone’s mouth when you strike up a conversation with someone about your struggles (then you wonder why you don’t have friends). On top of that, there’s a huge lack of resources to get the help or people simply tell you to change your attitude or find God/go to church or other unneeded advice.
All I’m saying is keep up the fantastic work. I really don’t give a Flying Fuck about pressuring RUclipsrs or people I follow into making work for me. You’re a human first, creator maybe fifth or sixth down the list. I want to make sure you’re doing ok, that’s the least I can do as a viewer and follower. I hope you keep doing well!
Facts
Twenty One Pilots’s “Neon Gravestones” has a similar message.
why do people like you always mention their whole life story in the comments as if they are proud... you shouldnt be ashamed but lets not talk about it like its good
That sums it up pretty well. Of course we know we're sometimes hard to deal with. The "suck it up" mentality just makes us feel like we're being selfish when we need help.
@@Cosmiichu I’m not at all saying that what I’ve experienced has been good. Your response reflects exactly what I’ve been saying about people being uncomfortable about mental illness. I’m not sharing my experiences because I’m “proud” of what I’ve gone through, but because I know that there are other people out there who are too ashamed to reach out and speak what’s on their minds.
You honestly need to stop and read back what you type before hitting Send, cause what you’re saying is hurtful (whether in person or online). It’s ok to ask questions and want to know more about what I’ve written down but blindly painting my experiences and assumptions harms a ton more than it helps.
I believe this is the most important video you've ever made. Thank you
Only for people who know nothing about "Club 27".
ruclips.net/video/ktW5aC5Fv6w/видео.html 🌜🌜🌜
🤍 #tysm 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Such bullshit. Cobain was murdered
It really is
Watching this at 36 and in some ways I feel like I am just getting started. Stay strong kids, live long kids. You are important.
I’m in my 30s and I also feel the same. Life is always worth living, and some of the best things in life are yet to come
I'm graduating from highschool and realize that I just passed what most people agree were the best years of their lives anxious and alone, too concerned with what members of my family would think to pursue what I actually wished to pursue. I am a selfish coward and a sycophant and have little reason to force myself to suffer through more of the same.
@@angelsfallfirst7348 i know I'm late, but I've seen more people tell me that high school is far from the best years of their lives. It's a myth that doesn't seem to have much backing in reality. Don't believe that you've peaked in a bad place. Wanting to pursue a career you will enjoy is the best kind of career you can have, even if it isn't supported by your family. It's not at all selfish to want to do what you want to do. You can push through it
I’m just starting at 40
@@angelsfallfirst7348 I don't know a single person who thinks high school was the best time, what are you talking about? That's just child hood! If someone peaked in high school, that's so sad
Polyphonic really gives me meaning with life. Nobody saved my quarantine more than him. Please let this magic procced
Just an observation, but you have 27 likes.
@@arthurr.r.lucasspublicdoma5621 how times change
Preach! Stay well and stay safe people.
27 is how long the war will last- wraparoundthevine.blogspot.com click Am I Evil
That's sad as fuck.
Well. I cried.. big hug to anyone who needs it.
Same here. Thank you for the virtual hug, I needed that.
@@Jacob-ht7im anytime .❤
Mental heath is important and i need therapy
Thanks
@@sandybarnes887 hug
Hang in there bro at 39 I can tell you that the things I thought were important just aren't. Appreciate your content it's great
I didn’t realize polyphonic was Canadian, you are now my favourite Canadian RUclipsr! 🇨🇦
And according to the map, he’s my favourite “local” RUclipsr
Ô Canada 🇨🇦 ♥
@@lucasarnold1813 me too!
@@louisharrison9767 First off, Pewds is Swedish, not Canadian, so I don't see why you brought him up. Second off, why must you put down someone bigger, just to praise the littler person that you like? What if I said "Charlie Taaffe is a great commenter. Much better than that Louis Harrison, am I right?" Don't you see how rude and negative that is for no reason? To compare 2 people with almost nothing in common, and be putting one of them down out of nowhere.
Awww you then what about out linus touch tips?
I completely agree with what you start talking about at 10:05 and it is reassuring to hear someone else talk about it! I have to try so hard to not let RUclips take over my every waking moment. For better or for worse, it’s constantly on my mind and that can have an impact on me and on the people around me. Thanks for giving such an honest, valuable discussion of mental health 🙏
Both you and the man behind Polyphonic, who is only a few months younger than I am, have had such impact on my life. Thank you both for the content you've diligently created, despite the stress of ever-growing expectations - both real and perceived - from your audience. The first two Patreons I'll be supporting will be (edit: are now) yours'.
Lukus Cannon thank you so much Lukus. That means a lot 😊
You're a great youtuber, a great content creator and i am glad you are in the world. You make it possible for me to make music in new and surprising ways. Thank you
@@chloeparker2494 what?
I actually just watched a David video for the first time wow
My sister nearly committed suicide when we were in college. She said the only reason she didn’t was because she hated the thought of me coming home to find her body and how that would effect me. It turned out she was on meds for bipolar rather than something for depression. It was a close call my friends and I are so grateful she’s still with us. Her doctor at the time told her to “keep trying for a month and see how it goes.” She started taking half of the dose of meds because they told her she couldn’t just quit because of withdrawal symptoms but they refused to change it. After a week or so on half doses she stopped taking it. She was herself again. Maybe not especially cheerful but certainly not suicidal. She never went back to that doctor and she uses counseling to manage her symptoms so that she doesn’t have to be endangered like that again. We are all doing the best we can but mental health has a long way to go. I hope anyone who needs help will reach out. Call your friend, the suicide hotline or anyone who comes to mind. Your value is not something you can measure alone because you’re not alone.
Thanks for sharing
thank you so much! ive struggled with suicidal ideation for years, and hearing how some people glorify the 27 club has really worsened it. this is truly a hopeful, beautiful video.
Stay strong.
@@Polyphonic Ever seen the 2015 Oscar-winning doc Amy?
@@seanramsdell4117 I loved that documental, and it broke my heart too. So much I didnt know about her...
I want to tell you that you deserve to be here, and you are very much loved. Stay strong 💪💪💪
Everybody asks who is Polyphonic, but nobody asks how is Polyphonic 😨
Well up until now, Polyphonic has pretty much been cheerful.
Mental demons come & go, something they linger longer and you're lead down a few more steps that you've ever gone to before. The key is, which step will you stop and turn around?
And nobody asks why is Polyphonic
We hope your well comrade!!!
Including you.
... and WHERE is polyphonic??!?
As someone who has mental illness and turns 27 on 02/27/2027 finding out about the 27 club has got me feeling funny 😖
I need someone to talk to about this so bad. No one in my life is experiencing this. Someone called me schizophrenic and said I should seek help. It is everywhere in my life since 18 and it’s getting worse
@@Godddd144 Same here dude
Any chance you guys play the saxophone?
@@cybertunes8800nah, only guitat
Keep pushing, it’ll get better eventually💯
When I became older than Heath Ledger ever lived to be, I had lots of feelings.
Gay feelings? Those are the happiest.
Your name is mike
What do you mean Mace?
Thanks for creating the video the way you did. There are a million videos glorifying the 27 club all over the internet, but yours is different and VERY important.
Regarding the toxic comments you get being a public figure: If you ever decide to disable comments on certain videos or at all I wouldn"t be disappointed or angry. I don't take your content as granted wanting to see a video every week for being a Patreon. It"s rather saying thank your for making the videos and maybe even for being the person you are.
There"s this great story about John Lennon when he was in elementary or kindergarden: The teacher asked them what they wanted to be when they're grown up. Everyone named a job but John answered : "happy". The teacher said he didn't understand the exercise to which John replied: "no, you don't understand life"
Bob Dylan was asked during a press conference if he had anything he wanted to tell his listeners & fans & he said, "Good luck" but someone responded "why isn't 'good luck' mentioned in any of your songs?" To which Dylan replied, "Oh yes it is, every single song tails off into a message of 'good luck, & I hope you make it'". 👍
"They stone you when you're trying to make a buck.
They stone you, and then they say good luck."
@@AuroraBoarder1 I asked the captain what his name was
And how come he didn't drive a truck
He said his name was Columbus
I just said, "Good luck"
@@madsvestergaard1794 well I would not feel so all alone , if everybody just get stoned 🍄
This Dylan swerve - is the holy triumph and all the glory no church could ever achieve.. People are each a music note in the infinite
song the universe amplifies for us
"The 27 Club" is just the latest manifestation of the Romantic notion that the greater the artist, the shorter the lifespan combined with the modern cult of self-destruction. It has its roots in Mozart (dead at 35) and Schubert (dead at 31) and includes Bix Beiderbecke (dead at 28) and Hank Williams Sr. (dead at 29). The number 27 is only significant because it seems to be the mean age of premature demise. Polyphonic is right saying we'd be better off if we rejected the Romantic and numerological garbage behind the concept of the "27 Club" and start addressing the problem with real-world science.
Bob Dylan is noted to be one of the best songwriters to ever live and he is still alive and there are lots of great artists who are still with us. We focus and glorify those who died and don't treasure the one that are still with us.
@@_lambert_1785 we still treasure the ones that are still here, just not as much as we should
It really breaks my heart that Kurt Cobain, was done so dirty in the last few years of his life, like fuck he didn’t deserve all that, but it does hurt knowing how much more he could have made in his career, at least we have the Foo Fighers, carrying on his will.
I think, it's not that mental illness makes you a good artist but that mental illness makes you believe in something as a way to cope. Sometimes multiple things. Music, drugs, sex and fame are all addictive and ways to cope. I make music and I have severe OCD with intense intrusive thoughts about death, destruction, satanism, sins and other religious based thoughts. Look up what an intrusive thought in OCD is before being concerned about it. They are not delusions. I may have some sort of mood disorder like BPD or Bipolar because I show signs of severe uncontrollable mood swings and even slight personality changes with slightly psychotic symptoms at times. Nothing has concerned me greatly and I'm largely functional in my life for the most part. But music, is my obsession and I have made over the span of a year about six hours of songs. It comes in waves. When I'm depressed or what I think is manic and falling apart is when I'm most inspired and obsessed. When I'm happy, I can't write, make or sing music. It's a cope and not a symptom. Healthy musicians exist and they do it for different and very valid reasons. The tortured artist does it as a way to cope.
@@lucifer2b666 Same. It's to cope for me. I basically stopped drawing after highschool inspite of being very good all because it was a way to cope with school. I no longer have the maddening urge to draw anymore. I actively make excuses to not draw now.
With music it's something similar. It's to cope with depression, but also to get through Boredom. I do t think I'd be in the arts if I didnt deal with mental problems.
You are absolutely correct in saying Healthy Artists do art for a vastly different reason. I cant do it like them. My art comes from a very different headspace and I have reason why I do things beyond doing whatever makes me happy because at times it doesnt make me happu.
Seeing this video made me think of just how toxic to everyone the “suffer for Art” mentality is.
For the artists who are suffering and have it glorified as their suffering made their art, it shifts away from their own creativity and brilliance is, almost mythologizing the suffering as opposed to showing just how brilliant the artist is.
For the artist who is struggling it puts so much pressure and possible ideas of “you’re not a real artist unless you suffer” or “you’re just struggling because you haven’t suffered” or “you need inspiration, just find a way to suffer”. As if torturing yourself somehow is going to make the new masterpiece. Yes, art can help you work through issues and struggles, but you shouldn’t feel like you have to suffer to make good art.
And for the normal people at home who may not even be an artist, or might be struggling with their own struggles, how much does that “suffer for art” get into their heads about “I should be doing more, I’m suffering but I’m not creating art” or such, putting an even higher mental strain on people who don’t need that added strain. Especially as this comment is being typed in 2020 as we’re all trapped in houses by the pandemic, how many people had that added stress beyond the pandemic of “I should be using this time to create” when they don’t need that added mental load?
Yes, art can help people work through suffering and struggles, but that doesn’t mean the suffering caused the art. The art was made by the artist, it was whatever they had channeled into the art, not the suffering that did. Instead of mythologizing the struggles that the artists went through, and in a way glorifying the struggles as the only way to make art, we should be saying how brilliant the artist was, and how tragic the struggles were that took them.
Cause the struggles didn’t create the artist, the artist was sadly cut away from making more art by the struggles.
I hope this rambling comment makes sense. Mental health is something that so many people struggle with and yet there’s so few good ways of actually trying to address it and bring it up to others. We’re just now recently starting to try and open up more the idea of it being ok to struggle with these issues and that people should feel comfortable trying to seek help, but still far too many address the topic of mental health as if it’s completely controllable, when many times it’s not. People are still saying others need to “get over it”, when you wouldn’t tell someone with a broken arm to “just get over it”, yet mental health struggles are still all too common approached by people outside the struggles with that mentality.
We’ve got to do better, for everyone we’ve already lost, and for those of the future that we could help so they aren’t lost.
I agree
The mistake is that it's experience that often leads to art... it's not suffering that inherently does that.
At the same time, suffering can definitely kill your creativity. For my part, I'd rather burn out at this point than continue struggling in a creative void...
I agree, we need to get much better at addressing mental health in our society but we have to move away from this machine mentality if staying on the grind 24/7 if we want to actually start giving mental health the attention it deserves
It makes so much sense, that I'm going to add it to my notes with words of wisdom, if that's gravy with you.
It makes even more sense in the context of this year. The line between positivity and toxic positivity has been especially blurred. I've crossed it myself by encouraging/expecting more than was ever fair to myself or my family during the pandemic. It's to the point where even watching an inspiring documentary (I watched Dawn Wall/Tommy Caldwell's over the weekend) can really mess with my mental health for days by wondering why my traumatic experiences haven't ever "helped" me to do something super human (I realize this is the wrong way to think about it, but I can't always help it). I'm so glad you brought this up.
@@weregretohio7728 remember man, there will be good days, and even just for a bit, you'll realize that everything can feel ok. Even just for a bit. That's where my creativity grows, and where my best work comes from. Remember the good days, and try your best to make new ones. You deserve the world, and I wish you luck in healing.
Poly, I know you probably won't ever notice this comment, hell, it's on a 3 month old video, but this video, it saved my life, I love that you were open about your mental health and you are comfortable enough in your own skin to be as "vulnerable" and open. Thank you, poly.
You said something most people would never say, and I respect that. Thanks for changing my life
❤🙏
🙏💜💜💜
Glad you're still here...
I am a stranger, yet we are connected, in more ways than one. Be well.
ruclips.net/video/VZRRd4bW91c/видео.html
❤️
I see a similar attitude towards drug abuse. Every Fleetwood Mac performance on youtube has at least a dozen comments along the lines of "cocaine is one hell of a drug", or "this is why music is not the same anymore" and i find it so reductive and disrespectful.
Was it true though?
Learn the history of music. Just about everyone in the industry bumped lines from the 70s to the 80s.
Its insanely reductive to think drugs cant produce art at a high level.
@@TallicaMan1986 Drugs don't produce art. Artists with talent produce art. Also, drugs have been around in the industry before the 70s.
There's plenty of sober artists too (ie frank zappa, Mike patton). I dont think drugs should be romanticized as the reason for "good art"
I'm still trying to abstain from various drugs. Once H and C have had a hold of you it is always there waiting to pull you back down. I call it feeding the devil. It alleviated my mental issues but destroyed my life in the long run. I'm still trying to break addiction to various pharmaceutical drugs too. If I could turn back time..... All I can do is say to people to never look for the easy ways out.
I'm glad you're here Polyphonic. Thank you for this video.
I've always believed the term "great pain makes great art" is a raw deal. I wish I could be dumb sometimes and just carry on an oblivious life. Instead of being hyper aware of everything and everyone and walking this Earth as a raw nerve.
Edit: Jesus, we were the same kids. Kurt was the reason I picked up a guitar and was a father figure to me when my parents divorced. You just earned a new sub.
I hear you bud, i often find myself thinking about the phrase "ignorance is bliss"
I feel the same man
Smile, while you are drawing your sadness. If you'd been happy, your walls will be covered in white canvas
(Probably a terrible translation from something I originally wrote in Italian)
I have often wished I were not so intelligent, people who are not as aware seem more content.
Beautiful. And very thoughtful. I appreciate the effort and time put into this video. I can relate to some of the things you’ve said in the 2nd half. Luckily I’m surrounded by amazing people to put me in a better place.
I sometimes feel that way too mate. Not suicidal thoughts in what most would think would be wanting to die, but the tendencies. Imagining myself killing myself or somebody killing me (had those latter thoughts lately) and I'm fine, but I'm afraid and concerned as to what might happen. This may be dark but I had to get it out. Not sure that anyone I know would've responded without calling me crazy or telling me to get help even though I feel fine.
When you talked about suicide and said "I don't want to die." it instantly made me think of Philosophy tube's video about mental health, in which he said that it isn't a choice between life and death, but between living and living less. I think that statement really well reflects the point that you made of all the stress that artists have to deal with. Mental health an incredibly important subject, that we need to talk about more. I'm very glad you made this video!
“A lot of you may be disappointed”... no, we were caught off guard. Not what we imagined but, it was better than what we expected
Keep in mind, Dave Grohl did have his own demons. During the recording of the second Foo album (at this point leading up to it), he had lost a friend knowing full well that he could’ve stopped it, became depressed, couldn’t listen to music for months, fought over the rights for Nirvana against Courteny Love, had to deal with a hungry media when he was with Tom Petty and later Foo Fighters, and got divorced. It may not be as bad as Kurt’s demons, but that doesn’t make his situation any better. And even after 27, he still has to deal with some of those same issues on top of almost losing Taylor Hawkins to an overdose, having a coffee addiction, raising a kid, and being a sort-of mentor to newer artists.
If you look at the videos made during his post-Nirvana pre-Foo days, he was still able to smile and make jokes despite all of it. And eventually found his new identity beyond the “kid with long hair in the background.” Say what you will about the music, but to say that he comes back stronger than ever is an understatement.
Damn you had to throw in the coffee addiction tho haha
Or Kurt was weak...We're not in their heads. People handle shit differently.
Coffee addiction made me chuckle
@@joesharpe7685 I know...what a joke
"Knowing full well he could have stopped it" that part I disagree with. The only person who could help Kurt was Kurt. Addiction isn't as simple as "If I could have forced him to get clean he would have been fine"
When I turned 27 last year, I realized that all of these myths of being accomplished is a part of why I am having anxiety attacks. I think we all have that turning point in our lives when we realize that we are no longer young and the world, as we know it, is no longer how it used to be -- at least from our perspective. Sending love and solidarity to you and everyone who are here watching this amazing tribute. I think -- and I hope -- life becomes better at 30. I think we'll all found our purpose by then and try to create a better society that will forever silence demons in our hearts and in our minds.
We got this
Yeah we do, tho I’m not 27 but I still agree
Is 27 actually that old? I think people can still be youthful until their late 30s and even then they won't be old until their 60s. This is coming from a 23 year old.
“...we start to think illness, not the artist is creating the great music”
I love this line as it 100% explains why we glamorize mental illness in art and music. People who are mentally ill and become famous are still that: mentally ill people, who need all the support and care as the millions of other everyday schmoes dealing and working through mental illness.
As someone who’s battled Depression/Anxiety, has had suicidal thoughts and tendencies, been unemployed 5 times over the past 5 years and is awaiting an ASD eval (been waiting since June), let me tell you that MOST people are not even remotely comfortable with dealing with the average persons history and struggle with their mental illness. Those hurtful and insensitive RUclips comments can come out of anyone’s mouth when you strike up a conversation with someone about your struggles (then you wonder why you don’t have friends). On top of that, there’s a huge lack of resources to get the help or people simply tell you to change your attitude or find God/go to church or other unneeded advice.
All I’m saying is keep up the fantastic work. I really don’t give a Flying Fuck about pressuring RUclipsrs or people I follow into making work for me. You’re a human first, creator maybe fifth or sixth down the list. I want to make sure you’re doing ok, that’s the least I can do as a viewer and follower. I hope you keep doing well!
As a war veteran with PTSD bipolar and clinical depression among other things, I can respect and I understand what the pressures society places upon us 100%. I subscribed to your channel because of the way that you're creating a awareness of the reality behind the stigma. The way you articulate set a reminder that I am not alone and neither are you brother and for that I thank you and I will continue to stay tuned 🙏
"The way out is through." -Reznor
That is an absolutely brilliant quote.
Listen to "La Mer" and read about how he wrote it.
@@linglingjr That's one of the most beautiful NIN songs
"I've been going through it, you just go around it.
But it's really not that different when you think about it"-Mac Miller
I've always struggled with depression, but during the pandemic and staying home, my mental health has gotten worse. Today, I just got my test results and I am positive for covid. I've already been isolating for the past week, so seeing your video really helped me out. I'm glad I am not the only one who thinks like this and I am glad you are still with us!! I love you and keep making videos! ❤
Hope you’re able to beat COVID and are able to get help with whatever else you’re going through.
Keep on fighting dude
@@aaronman4772 thanks man! I'm pretty much in the clear for covid. Already had the fever and shit. Now its mainly the isolation in my small room at that sucks.
Hope you're feeling okay. I went through a tough time too during this pandemic. After spending almost a full year chasing after someone who I loved that didn't love me back, and in the process pinning my mental health to the ground by letting all the sadness get to my head, I managed to find friends which I found myself depending on. As an introvert, this was very much a rare thing to happen to me in my life, but the 4 people I met helped push me back up to a good state, and I was having the time of my life. But then within a flash, all of this was taken away from me by the pandemic. Although I had their numbers, I still felt very lonely, with my sadness teetering towards depression at times due to my pessimistic viewpoint and hatred of everyone in the world apart from those who I could trust like my 4 friends and psychotherapist. I am lucky to have not gotten the virus myself, but I too have suffered greatly during these dark times. Hope you're okay and stay strong throughout
Depression is a ghost that constantly haunts most of us, it's hard to beat it and even harder to try to, hope you feel better, you are not alone.
Aye man stay strong!!!!
“I was not proud of what I had learned, but I never doubted that it was worth knowing.” - Hunter S. Thompson
My favorite author, great quote!
I had just turned 17 the year Nevermind was released. Joined the military about a year later. Every mile I ran or marched had Kurt Cobain motivating me every step. I was absolutely mortified when the news broke of his body being discovered. I’ll never forget where I was or the person that told me. Then all of the conspiracy theories about murder just enraged me more. I’m glad somebody finally has some couth to represent this phenomenon appropriately. If I don’t watch another one of your videos, I’m certainly glad I watched this one. Good job!
i used to be one of the people keeping the murder theories going when i realized how shitty the theory was and most of the people were using it solely to shit on courtney love for misogynistic reasons when there are so many more valid reasons to not support her people need to let kurt rest
@@stereotypicalemousername9507 hit the nail right in the coffin. Some Nirvana fans can be so GODAMN unbearable to deal with, one of the main reasons is because of the stupid murder theories. I know that if I died I wouldn’t want people to be dragging on about how it happened or being at each other’s throats
I think “club” is not a particularly good euphemism for dying.
Its meant to be ironic if you didnt get that already
Why should irony be used instead of tragedy?
@@PeterTea you're really splitting hairs here...
you are thinking of it too hard I think word club is the most accurate just thinking about kurt having beer with amy at some pub in a better place
@@black55lp66 I guess that's more comforting than the reality that they're just rotting skeletons buried underneath 6 feet of dirt.
Kurt once said 'Thank you for the tragedy, I need it for my art.' Felt that
Speak, brother. We really do need talk about mental illness, with removing the stigma of it in men as part of it.
I'm tired of the 'friends' on social media saying 'just call if you need to talk' and when you do, they're busy. Also, mental illness doesn't always work that way. Sometimes you need to call us. Even if it's for a simple hello.
Thanks for this video, you have wisdom beyond your years.
@Doc Moe
Hello :)
Definitely, I agree if we better understand what mental illness is in the first place then we’d be better prepare to assist individuals going through it
Great point about needing a friend to reach out first. It’s often when I’m feeling the lowest that I don’t have the strength to reach out to others.
same, and when you can’t seem to find the courage to talk to them they say you have “trust issues”. Unless you yourself has experienced this, don’t insult them
“The notion of self-destruction as glamorous became self-indulgent when people around us started dying: that romantic vision of the self-destructive artist, having to suffer or induce pain in order to work, that sense that creativity has to come out of euphoric crisis, or out of extreme excess, changed. With the advent of death in our lives came a real will to survive, and help each other survive, to show up for each other.” -Nan Goldin
I turn 27 next year in 2021. I remember in high school how 27 seemed so old. 10 years have passed and now that I'm in my 20's...it's actually quite young. It's just crazy how young these artists really were. This year was a huge nightmare for me mentally, to the point were I was starting to plan things. But I'm lucky enough to have such amazing friends and family that helped me snap out of it and get the help that I need. To anyone who is struggling, please stay strong. To all the talented artists that were fighting their demons, may you rest in peace.
That conclusion statement was a really a mic-drop.
Also, I'm glad that you're here. Even if you don't see this comment, just know that you're respected. And someone out there most certainly loves you.
CW for mental health
I just turned 28 this year, and, I won't lie, I breathed a little sigh of relief the day of. While I'm not usually superstitious, for some reason I was holding a lot of tension last year. It certainly wasn't the first year I'd looked at speeding cars and tried to figure out if they were going fast enough to take me out, but I hope it will be the last.
It's always important to remind ourselves that, even if we feel like we've done some of our best work in our darkest hours, it's still us, not the darkness, doing the work.
Thank you for all of your hard work, for sharing your story, and for making me feel like I could share mine.
I hope some of the well-earned praise you receive soaks through.
i’m a songwriter that struggles with mental health and this video is SO important
Hope you’re getting better!
The world would be worse without Polyphonic. Very happy you are here creating and sharing stores. Keep your head up dude.
Mac Miller died at 26, his last 2 albums where amazing. He dealt with drugs and depression, but was also a really happy dude as well. I think the depression was from fame.
I wouldn't be so sure.. im generally a positive and joyful person, many people are shocked by the things I say when I have a bad day and stop masking. Depressed people are still capable of expressing happiness and positivity. No doubt that pressure will make it worse, but it's not likely the cause.
I wasn't expecting this at all. As a 15-year-old, I find myself relating to your 16-year-old self. Although I would like my life to pan out the way I dreamed, I also want to come to terms with the fact that, it likely won't happen.
You have to work for your dreams to come true, whatever it is. You will fail if you already think it won't happen. Im 47 and I didnt work hard enough when I should have, life gets in the way too. Better to try and fail than to wonder what if. Keep dreaming
@@melian9999 i just want you to know that this has actually stuck with me ever since you’ve told me this. i’ve heard this a lot before but i don’t know, for some reason coming from you it’s actually struck a chord. maybe because it was so much more direct and personal. your comment has really inspired me to still chase my dreams while i still can, and not be overly-pessimistic. thank you. i’ll never forget what you told me.
@@ramiabdalla2661 thats pretty cool dude, we need more dreamers in this world. Funny thing since I posted that, I've had to change direction due to covid, and I've started to sell some art work, and im trying to get a business off the ground. Might not be my dream goal (music is my true passion, im just good at art) Even through dark times there is always light ahead. Good luck, keep grinding. Peace
@@melian9999 you too man, i wish you the best of luck on the art :) ✌️
I’ll remember this tread when ever needed. Thank you for being supportive for each other, despite being strangers
I think the reason for the frequency of 27 being the age is that the mid to late 20s is just around when your experiences really start to feel heavy. The root cause is still definitely mental illness, but I can definitively say that I never had suicidal thoughts or those adjacent to them until around when I turned 26 last year.
For any others that have hit them, keep with it. Talk to those you love and get help whenever you need it. Do your best to be proactive about your mental health and get in contact with a psychiatrist and therapist if you can. Your life is important even when it doesn't feel like it.
SATURN RETURN- it's the age of real maturity not 18 yo and people are usually challenged during these years and are forced into adulthood.
I remember being 27 and thinking if I die, would be nice. Now, I'm in my 30s and I hope I live as old as my grandpas in theirs 90s.
You're not alone...
Fuck man “you know you’re right” still hits hard. I remember listening to that last nirvana track and I wondered how that album or project would have turned out if Kurt didn’t die.
I think it’s time to put aside the idea of the 27 club, and start celebrating the artists who have been through the lowest lows and come out the other side still standing, and make a point to help others through their own experiences. Celebrate life, and celebrate survival.
Elton John is the first person I can think of in that club. It's a blessing that he's not only alive today, but as far as I can tell is genuinely happy with life and has found space from his superstar status to gradually retire and raise a family.
Can anyone think of any others?
@@iiiiitsmagreta1240 Alice Cooper and Rob Halford have both gotten clean and sober and I know Cooper makes an effort to reach out to other rock musicians who are struggling with addiction. But they have both continued to make great music even in sobriety.
Damn I lost count of how many times your videos had me in tears. This year has been insane for me and I look forward to every video you put out. Thank you seems so meanless for what you do.
Thank you for talking about the “suck it up” mentality. As a man, I get told this a lot and it makes me feel like my problems are irrelevant as well. I don’t trust opening up to many people.
I HIGHLY recommend a book called “Touched With Fire”. It’s about how so many great artists have bipolar. They make incredible arts in their emotional highs, and abuse drugs (sometimes to death) during their lows. Sheds a looooot of light on this situation
The way you describe “the nagging voice” pointing to “the way out” strikes deep. Wish there was a way to get rid of that....
but there is a way out, dear. This voice is genuine, and the ego is a prison only Christ can set you free from. I hope you too find that freedom, Christopher. Love from Ethiopia -w
youve got this, believe in ur strength bro x
Eventually, you stop giving a shit what that voice things. :P
You’re not alone.
After being bullied my entire life, and forced to do something that seemed normal and special in mechanical engineering, I broke down. I realized in the tiny moments of happiness that I was thankful to have with friends, music festivals, and practicing guitar alone in my personal space, that engineering was not at all what I ever wanted to do. Music was all I wanted to do. But, because at a young age I was targeted for bullying and harassment, creating my own music was signing my social life’s death warrant when all I had was a 25 person class at private school. It made me retreat mentally, until I was at a crossroads with an internship that I clearly didn’t want to do. When I felt like I was disappointing my parents then, I had to run away. To the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. And ultimately, to Los Angeles, to visit friends, and practice playing music in a faraway place where my home on the east coast didn’t seem to exist anymore mentally. That was when I knew music was ultimately my path in life. However, upon returning from the West Coast, everything reverted back to the way it was, and my mental health took a toll and I finally broke down. But I felt like I had enough, and finally told my sister. Then I sought help in counseling. After a period of adjustment and open honesty with the closest people in my life, I felt like I was more in control of my destiny, even with the terror of uncertainty facing me. Then after graduating in a media-related field, you know what happened. Crazier events occurred since, but everything from my past feels minuscule compared to what I, and all of us, have faced this last year. It’s made me aware of my resolve and resilience, and has given me clear head space to realize, I can do this. The best is yet to come, even after turning 27 last fall. My music will be heard. I will be heard.
Thanks for this video, Poly. You are well appreciated more than you think. Fame is measured on different levels and varies per individual. You are celebrated. You are welcome.
There is an alternative 27 club. It's the time when you realise you'll never make it playing music so you sell your gear, get married, settle down and find a full time job. I think this one is much more prevalent.
Can you tell me more? What about the musicians whove started later in life?
Yikes! Don't do it!
To be fair 2 of my favorite musicians made it big in music in their 30s. It's never too late to make a career! Even if you don't get world fame.
@@doctorrobert1339 So do are local, working musicians then? Playing in local gigs in events and lounges and such?
@@doctorrobert1339 I can sing, and I would like to put music out there but I don't want to be "world famous".
I am 27 and I have been having a lot of thoughts pass through my head this year. Some of the thoughts that seem to get stuck inside my gears are “will I ever leave this shitty town, will I find my purpose, will I stop being afraid, will I truly be happy, will I find love, am I too old to find success?” I think I’ve come to a sort of conclusion, that I could be a late bloomer, but I need to get off my ass and get to work on creating whatever. Create something that I’ll be remembered for. That I won’t died anonymous and that hopefully all those questions in my head will be answered in time.
Keep grinding dude I’m 16 and having thoughts like this
It fucking sucks
If you never do tho don't be hard on yourself as that's the nature of the world we live in. It's hard to be successful, its often just luck and the less barriers you have in your way the more you are likely to succeed. If you're scared to try things or are avoiding trying things/working on something I suggest a therapist
@@marcelusdarcy Thanks for the advice. Someone told me recently and I’m paraphrasing but it goes like this “you’ve seen Forrest Gump?” I replied, “yes”. “Life is like a box of chocolates. Well look at it like this, people are like popcorn, some pop immediately, others take time.” I could add to that saying others just don’t pop at all, but I’m trying to be less pessimistic about things.
You definitely aren't too old and exactly, some people never pop. The fact you are even having thoughts like this put you ahead of loads of people who just give up early and never strive for anything other than what they know. My mum didn't get a proper job till she was 45, she just cleaned rich people's houses but now she works in healthcare. Yeah she's not famous or anything but for her it was a massive achievement after being paralyzed with mental health issues after her mum died when she was a young adult.
By the way im in the exact same boat as you and i won't take my own advice lol. It's why I'm seeing a therapist, because i know I want to achieve and I could achieve so much but something's holding me back and it's usually what psychologists call 'schemas', lessons you've learned about yourself through your life which are now holding you back. Some people want to escape from a life and they just go and do it, others are too scared. Find out why you're too scared. I know lots of the time it's usually also money related so I usually don't listen to people who say anyone can achieve anything. Not everyone can, you have to have certain things align. But it is also about having a positive attitude. Which is hard if you've had a tough life.
Edit:
And also the world is crazy right now with the virus and job prospects being shitty and the gig economy and just life isn't easy as it was for our parents and grandparents. You arent the only millenial feeling lost in the world and we only see how good everyone is doing on social media which makes us feel like we are the only ones, but we aren't:)
same
"art can never come out of happiness"
no. it comes out of the artist.
I found you because I am going through my family’s vinyl collection of 250+ records spanning over 100 years. I found deeper meaning in music because of you and hope that you continue to be happy in whatever you do. Thank you
Pardon me. I would like to offer this advice: You don’t owe us anything. Your platform is asymmetric and that leads many to feel familiar and as if you owe them entertainment. You don’t. And thanks for what you’ve done.
I’m not disappointed. This video was much deeper and more real than I expected.
0:40 also Alan ‘Blind Owl’ Wilson from Canned Heat also died in that time period at the age of 27. His story is very interesting yet sad & he cared deeply about the conservation of trees. A very shy hippie who not only played at Woodstock but was also one of the best harmonica players of his time. John Lee Hooker said that he’s one of the best guitar players he’s ever played with, because not everyone can keep up with Hooker’s rhythm.
“Harmonica player”
Classic Hooker
Mental illness creates powerful, often negative, emotions.
Great music comes from powerful, but not necessarily negative emotions.
I just got into an argument about this today with my boyfriend's brother. He's seems to be trying to convince my boyfriend that if you get into drugs your art will be better, and that all the best artists create their best work under the influence.
As someone who has battled childhood trauma caused by my father's alcoholism, my own Bipolar-depression and alcohol addiction, and seen one of my brothers basically melt his own brain due to meth addiction, I feel very strongly about this perception of artists.
There are times I think to myself "Maybe if I stopped taking my meds and just drank myself to death I could make the art I always wanted to. I could create something so poignant and beautiful, I wouldn't be held back anymore."
But I know it isn't true, and even if it was, would I really want to ruin the lives of people I love just so I could put out some pretty paintings? Would I really want to live out the short remainder of my life so miserably for that?
Addiction and death/suicide wreak havoc on more than just the artist, it destroys the people they love and that can ripple through generations, creating an endless cycle of trauma.
What a horrible thing for him to suggest, especially in front of someone who’s experienced the hell of drug addiction firsthand. I’m sorry you had to experience that, and I hope you know that your art has inherent value as it is - drugs and worsening mental health will just make it so you can never appreciate it yourself. Best of luck on your journey
Never forget Ian Curtis.
Or alan wilson
ian was 23 when he died but it's absolutely heartbreaking what he had went through during his days in JD
To further the argument that mental illness and addiction doesn't necessarily help create good art; David Bowie released arguably his best album, Low, whilst living in Berlin and being clean from his cocaine addiction. I love all of Bowie's work but personally I find his work from the Berlin era and onwards contains some of his best songs!
I 100% agree. Low is definitely Bowie’s best album
Bowie was certainly still very much on coke when he made Low to be fair
Opposite goes for The Rolling Stones, though. They hit their peak while consuming half the drugs on planet earth
Age begets knowledge. Bowie had a lot on different levels to draw from.
Same with Tom Waits, he became sober when he did the Rain Dogs album, and that is his best one, along with all the other albums he made after that.
I’m 27 as well, and I had the sameeeeee feelings as a teenager. Pouring over Kurt’s work, thinking 27 was old enough. It did feel so far away. Well let me tell you…now that I’m taking care of my mental health, I’m not sure 97 would be old enough 🥺 There’s been ups and downs, but life has truly been beyond my wildest dreams. Please stay ❤️
I don't think there's a single word in the entire freakin' dictionary that could describe how absolutely outspoken and BRILLIANT this video is. It has honestly left me speechless and has opened my eyes to a new perspective on the allusive and legendary, "27 club," which I too have been guilty of glorifying a little bit, in my own fault. Just....wow.
You've been a consistent part of my life for a year or two now, and I'm so glad you made this video. You handled this tough topic in a beautiful way, thank you so much for staying here, for dealing with the negative comments, and for trying to better the world and the people in it. You've made my life better in countless ways and I'm sure loads of other people can say the same.
As someone who suffers from mental illness also , have fought it my ENITIRE LIFE , still fighting.. thank you for this . Thank you for taking the rose colored glasses off of the 27 club and about the realness of mental illness and its effects on your life . Thank you . Thank you and GOD BLESS YOU . Yes . Stop Glorifiying what's going on in their head ..
" to create a world where we dont glorify this illness "
🙏❤️🤘
Please take breaks when you feel like it’s necessary. It’s not being weak.
The pain and suffering of the artist is sometimes contained within their art, but the act of making the art itself is not a result of the pain and suffering.
i wish people understood that.
I love music and admire the souls who are part of the 27 club. I have been dealing with depression for years. And it greatly effected my life and my lyrics( I'm an aspiring singer and songwriter.) I agree with you that we need make it OK to talk about mental health.
*writing in notes*
Best Polyphonic video to date: This shit right here
Wow, just became the 27th like! I hope you have many, many many, more!
Awesome video. One thing that has gotten on my nerves lately is the "14 Year old girl depressed" joke. I used to laugh at these type of comments. Even if you are laughing at someone who is faking for attention, how can you know they are actually faking? Let's say they were faking, this is still a lonely person that resorts to faking a mental illness just so they can feel like they belong somewhere, and that is a serious issue in itself.
The teenage years are a very difficult time for people. There is so much pressure to enjoy your last years of childhood, get good grades, find your identity, and don't forget the existential dread of debt and climate change. When you find the authorities you have been told to trust are bringing the world to destruction, and there is next to nothing to do about it!
How many teens that struggle with mental health issues, have seen these stupid comments and turned down help because they are afraid of being labeled a fraud? It makes me so sad to think about it.
The common thread, regardless of fame or age, is simply: pain. Pain is the the great equalizer. The gifted artists you've mentioned, those of us who are commenting, your expression of your own experiences, and countless others can relate, associate, and appreciate.
This video definitely feels like your career has culminated in this moment. Hugely inspirational, Poly.
There's a really popular song here in Brazil called "Tempo Perdido" that talks about how we are young and we need to do our things in our own time. I hope the same applies to you. Your channel is one of my favorites and I totally support you handing your creative process more healthly. This video is awesome, wish you the best!
I’m glad this video is a thing. I feel like many people like to pretend to be okay and love to keep distracted all day long and indulge in escapism, and ignore the discomfort. I mean I’ve fallen into that myself. I feel like when people talk about this or talk about their own struggles and experiences, others think it’s for attention. But I think these things should be brought to light, to be acknowledged and talked about properly, even if it’s something many people don’t want to bring up. I’m thankful that you shared this. Hearing people telling you to “suck it up” is never fun, or helpful, and it’s good to emphasize that it’s OKAY to “complain about your comments”. It’s okay to express yourself. It helps to hear that we’re not alone on these issues.
And I’m glad this was addressed in a video about the “27 club”. Because that’s what it should be about, not the romanticized version.
I myself have been pursuing a music career for a few years now. And these are things I think about all the time, wondering, or being told how fucked up I need to be to make good art. Yes I do struggle with mental illness, yes I do struggle to fit in, etc. But I always thought that it shouldn’t be what makes an artist. The truth is, everyone’s an artist. Some people do it professionally, some people don’t. I love watching bands or artist’s interviews because it makes me feel better knowing that I’m not alone. WE’RE not alone. These are people. These are humans who share struggles like everyone else, who have their own quirks like everyone else, not gods put on a pedestal.
The most important part of what makes an artist is creativity, and expression, everything else is rubbish, or comes second.
This absolutely needed to be said and it’s a shame that it’s taken so long to be said.
This was the best way to talk about the 27 Club without it being told like some ghost story around a camp fire. These are real people, real lives, real feelings and these people, their lives, and their feelings matter!
Off topic a bit, but I saw an advertisement for novelty t-shirts with real life serial killers’ photos (Bundy, Manson, Geins to name a few) and “clever” captions on them.
It made me sick to my stomach to think that our society has become so desensitised to tragedy and suffering that we literally praise and glamourise it.
I’ve spent the last five years working in radio with underground artists, I’ve watched friends take their lives and the torture of mental illness up close and personal. Covid forced me to step back and catalogue those five years. And somehow this video laid out all the conversations I’ve been having with myself. I’m glad this channel exists and this video exists especially. Thank you for all you do my friend
when I was 17 I was very suicidal and was listening to 'Closer' by Joy Division every day really romanticising over Ian Curtis. It wasn't a good Idea and 2 years later I attempted suicide via an overdose. Yes Joy Division's music is good - not gonna deny that but suicide is nothing to romanticise about
In the words of jim Morrison, “nobody gets out alive”
In the words of Janis Joplin, "Don't compromise yourself; it's all you have."
hey Polyphonic, hope you're doing okay in this trying time (: and to whoever is reading this, you will be okay too! The best is yet to come!
That's nice. It's not, but thanks.
Sometimes only those of us who have stood on edge of the balcony can empathize in a way to gain this perspective. Great video
I'm currently 25 turning 26 next year on February 21. I always felt close in a way to Kurt and his music not to mention when I discovered his birthday is a day before mine, though it's hard to believe how these artists believed they would never pass being 27, we've romanticized the idea of dying at 27 I had done the same back in my teen years. I'm in my mid 20's and I'm just still trying to figure out what to do in life and makes me feel like I haven't lived yet. These artists had so much to give and live. I still feel lost many times since I struggle a lot through problems with my family and money, sometimes doing the wrong decision feels like the right one but I try not to think about it. Probably some of us might think the same way but we have to simply keep living and looking at the bright side of life and simply enjoy life doing the things we love to do.
As someone who also turned 27 recently, this video hit close to home in a lot of ways. Thank you for sharing this.
I was 27 in 2017 and spent the whole year worried that I was gonna die. Then I remembered that I had absolutely no musical talent whatsoever. Huge relief.
**Great** video here. I've struggled with my own set of "demons" throughout my life and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your sober, thoughtful, and responsible approach to this topic. I also can't tell you just how beautiful and deeply meaningful life can be... even with the struggles. It may rarely be easy, but life is always worth it. Prayers for you and your journey. God bless.
Since the creation of your channel, Polyphonic has been a must watch for my wife and I. Your videos often prompt lengthy discussions about the subject after viewing. We marvel at your professionalism, research and insight. This remains must watch content for us. Thank you for your efforts.
I think Shannon Hoon (Blind Melon) is often forgotten about. Yeah, he died at 28 not 27, but his end was a rather tragic one, especially considering he had a baby daughter.
Layne Staley's maybe being the most tragic in music history.
Shannon Hoon doesn't get the remembrance that he deserves. Pretty sure Nick Drake was 26, but they mentioned him here.
Every time I see kurt's picture I just feel this pain in my heart.
RIP man
Kurt Cobain is one of my idols, he was a fucking awesome artis and has inspired me to no end
thanks Kurt, thanks for the music
and thanks Polyphonic, for making this piece of art, even though i know many many people suffer from mental illness (including my friends and myself), this made me realise that, yeah, youtubers aren’t just voices behind a screen, they’re _people_, with family and friends of their own, and their own issues and problems,
much love, from scotland 🏴
Thank you for making this video. Mental health struggles need to be destigmatized and shared openly. Please, if you are having problems that seem too overwhelming, seek help, and remember, you are not alone. You are important, and you matter. Be kind to yourself and others. ❤
Nick Drake is also a great example for this, although he was 26 when he died, would love to see a video on nick.
You always make the best videos on how important artist and there legacy is thank you for showing that they is more then just sound
In the darkest time of my life, I listened to Rush. I wanted to learn more about it, dive into their meaningful and impactful lyrics. The video you made about Rush was exactly I was looking for. It saved me, in a way. Thank you plenty.
these visuals are absolutely stunning, man. thank you for being so honest all the time and being so sensitive to these issues: you really are a special creator, and i'm happy to have found you. hope you take more time for yourself.
p.s. the 27 club member that shook me the most might be jonghyun of the kpop band shinee, wherein i only got into his music few days before his demise. i never realized how harrowing it is to hear so much romanticization of mental illness until he passed and all people could say about the man is how he died when his glory is how much of a compassionate man he was and a talented, multifaceted artist. these kinds of stories really water down exactly what pain these people went through, which also dilutes what they should be remembered for.
this video is so important for that conversation.
We love you man! Trust me these videos really help with my mental health. I'm not trying to add pressure to keep uploading, I understand how important breaks are. I just want you to know, we all appreciate you brother.
This is a great video mate. Brave, moving, educational and very necessary. Really helped me think deeply about art and the role of mental illness, celebrity culture and the need to talk openly and honestly with each other about mental illness, and overcome stigma. It has also helped me think about my own struggles with mental illness and the pressures we place on ourselves. Thankyou so much. Just found your channel, great videos.
When I see people saying you need trauma or mental illness to be a great artist, I look at myself. I'm an artist in a lot of ways but I can't do art as I used to when I was little because I have a mental illness that I left without treatment for so long that now it's so debilitating that I can barely exist or do everyday things.
I have a lot in my mind. So many ideas. But my body is still and my hands don't do anything. And it's the worst feeling.
do you paint like you used to now? I truly hope you found your peace in art, i started again a few months ago
I can’t thank you enough for this. Thank you having the courage to allow your vulnerability to show, it’s never easy. I understand because I’ve been there. When Amy Winehouse passed i had just released my first solo album couple months before. And I too began to romanticize it, meticulously. I was only 24 and I started working on a 27 club project that no one truly knew about. I picked 9 songs from 9 members and gave them to different producers to sample without giving away too much. But I got deep into it on the 2nd tier like Freaky Tah and Fat Pat on the hip hop side. But I really tapped into Basquiat so much that took on his image, perspective and habits for good and for bad. Ultimately I decided on not releasing the project on my 27th, out of fear of pushing the romanticism, I just dropped those songs as separate loosies. Said all that to say I’ve been there and I understand and I’m thankful to be able see this video a year after it released just to be able to tell you that as a voice, a creator, an artist, and a person you are appreciated. Thank you.
27 club are important people and like any celeb they're dealing with addiction and mental illness in the cases mentioned; moreover, I think they were all touched with something unworldy that made them and their talent so special.
Hang in there man. You're appreciated more than you know and I really respect your take on this. As someone who's really struggled with mental health I'm really grateful for this perspective that doesn't sensationalize the pain and anguish that these people had to endure. Be strong and if anyone reading this is struggling don't hesitate to reach out if you wanna talk. Mental health is hard but there's always something worth toughing it out for