I have interviewed some of my idols in my time, interviewing bands and personnel for Moshville Times, but I cannot recollect an occasion where I felt so nervous preparing for an interview. There were no musicians to take the mickey out of, no discussion of lyrics or the bands instruments they used to record their last release. I was approached by a blast from the past in the name of Tony Douglas (of Aberdeen death metal act Cerement back in the 90’s) who told me that he is involved with Heavy Metal Therapy and that I should speak to fellow Glaswegian Matt Sweeney. Within a period of a couple of weeks, interview dates were organised but I had no idea what I was going to ask them. Thankfully, with Matt being a real gentleman, he offered me websites and previous interviews to allow me to do my research. As anyone that knows me will tell you, I like to prep.
Mental Health, unfortunately, is something that everyone has issues with at one time or another, but what is special about this charity is that they offer a place to be heard, share testimonials from sufferers and resources that can be used for coping strategies should one feel overwhelmed. Everything you can possibly need, experience and find solace within is located at www.heavymetaltherapy.co.uk.
Heavy Metal Therapy have been spreading the word over major UK festivals, including that of Bloodstock last year, where people were able to talk to volunteers about issues that are present, even at a music festival. What you have here is an open, honest and in-depth interview from just two of a large team looking out for each other: building a community where people can feel safe and talk to each other.
I loved this interview and it will be one that I will remember for some time to come. Thank you to Matt and Ben for their openness and honesty about their own issues. This was a success for me, more so than a lot of interviews that I have ever conducted for Moshville Times.
Stay safe people! Have a support network but most of all, talk to those who have lived through the same experiences that you have, or that you’re going through!
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Heavy Metal Therapy: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube
Other helpful websites: Mattsrocknrollstories | Myblackdog | Andysmanclub