AIRPORTS on Creativity and Mental Health during Isolation
Mental health, historically, exists in an undefinable facet of art. Pioneers like Edvard Munch and Georgia O' Keeffe coped through a shared legacy of art via mental illness and inspiration. Singer-songwriter AIRPORTS released his new single “U Feel It 2;” a track that induces optimism or sorrow, directly dependent on individual analysis and interpretation. The Australian artist discusses his battle with Aplastic Anaemia and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), and how it influenced his music as a healing and beneficial motivator. He chronicles his battle with mental health and depression, most notably his hospitalization, and now during the COVID isolation. Be sure to watch AIRPORTS “U Feel It 2” music video for some positivity during quarantine, and please read our exclusive interview to learn more about AIRPORTS.
Where are you based?
Near Sydney, Australia.
What inspired you to get into music?
My dad, who’s a singer and musician, and Michael Jackson.
You've had struggles with your health since a young age, being diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia at 14, and later Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH). Can you talk about these two blood disorders? Were you predisposed to PNH because you had Aplastic Anaemia? Are you all better now?
Yes, I was. They are both ultra-rare, self degenerative blood disorders which can be fatal. Thankfully, I recovered from the first and have been in ongoing treatment for the second for many years. I live quite normally, which is a blessing! I go into detail on this topic in my recent podcast episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MhbuBKJoSxNdlGE0IYD8a?si=fXOwnsD1TcWSPhxXz9ndpQ
How did these disorders influence your music?
I think it was the other way around! I spent a lot of time in hospitals when I was young. The ambition to get out and make music was a big driving force keeping me optimistic.
Your new single, "U Feel It 2", at first glance, seems romantically focused, relating to interpersonal chemistry or bonds. There's also assumptions that can be made in the belief that powerful connections are formed between people and passions, philosophies, interest, etc., regardless of a positive or negative outcome. What was going through your mind when you created this song? How do you interpret its meaning?
The song was originally being written as a “love song” to depression — outlining the sad relationship we have with mental illness or our vices (things that hold us captive). But some of the lines I were writing was reflective of my romantic relationship — so it turned into a song that was able to be interpreted as either a positive or negative relationship song.
The music video for "U Feel It 2" is uniquely globally relevant, highlighting the similarities and differences amongst our values, while living through a pandemic in the 21st century. Can you tell the story behind the video?
I couldn’t execute the original video plans as we had just gone into Isolation. So this was a way to involve people from around the world in the same isolation situation, and shed a light on how we are still all connected and not alone through our human experiences, both positive and negative.
It is all but impossible to understate the impact of COVID-19, health-wise, economically, etc. Many industries such as healthcare, service industries like restaurants, and entertainment, have been hit especially hard. How has your life as a musician changed since the pandemic?
For me, fortunately not much. As I wasn’t currently touring, and spend most of my days in the studio making music and running my business, most of my life stayed the same. Although it does suck not being able to go to, or play, potential shows.
Why is mental health important to you? How are you mentally coping with everything going on around us?
I’m doing great. However, I’ve had a long history of feeling mentally susceptible to things which most people in our culture suffer from (dormant anxiety, depression, all stemming from early Trauma). I’ve spent the past few years exploring this and doing some great therapy. I’ve learned a lot about how our minds work and have seen some real freedom from these issues — doing better than ever! I strongly believe it is all of our own personal responsibilities to become self aware and practice self healing to make not only our own lives better, but the world around us.
Do you have any advice for those suffering with mental health during these times?
Seek out a lot of information (videos, books, podcasts) on your topic, to become more self aware of what triggers you and where those root issues come from. Trauma awareness is one of the most powerful tools we can harness and Mental Trauma is even connected to physical diseases and chronic illness. And of course, don’t be afraid to talk to a professional.
What is your motto in life?
Innovate (music), Influence (culture), Save (lives).
They’re the goals that make me feel fulfilled.
To learn more about AIRPORTS, please follow him via the links in his LinkTree:
All links to my music, videos & socials can be found here: https://linktr.ee/airportsau
Photography credited to LPR Agency.
