Sian, Caleb, Jada, and Nova.
Photo Credit: Ralph Indigo

Mashville is a collective of artists from across the globe, coming together with a common goal: destigmatizing conversations about mental health. With the release of their new song "OK", the group is looking to make an impact on music fans who may be struggling. The song and video concept focuses on conversations around suicide and suicidal ideation, featuring an impressive lead vocal performance from member Nova Chez. Through the song, Nova shares her message that it is okay to not be okay and encourages listeners to reach out and talk about the tough things. With their new single, Mashville is continuing to spread its message of support and understanding. With the power of music, they hope to start more dialogue around mental health, as well as open up the conversation for those who may be struggling.

Where are you based?
NOVA: LA, which also been home base for many Mashville sessions, shows and appearances.
CALEB: I’m in LA as well – this is my home now, but I am originally from Bolivar, Tennessee.
JADA: I am based out of Dallas, TX but attended music academy in LA so have roots there too.
SIAN: I’m split between Europe (mostly Spain) and the US, but am working to base myself in LA!

What inspired the formation of Mashville? What is the concept behind the group?”
JADA: Mashville is a collective of artists who came together for a great cause. We stand for positivity and togetherness and trying to make music that makes a positive impact on people.

NOVA: It’s all about collaboration, but also to using the power of music and our uniquely different voices and experiences in a way that makes real connections with people on a personal level.

SIAN: Mashville was also inspired by each of the artist’s unique stories. The idea is we can all spread positivity through our music and connect with people going through things similar to what we’ve experienced ourselves.

CALEB: For example, the murder of my brother Clarence, my only sibling, in 2014, left me feeling defeated, but also called to allow my hurt to inspire others to love through tragedy. So, I devoted myself then to making positive music and bringing events to my home community to educate others on gun violence.

Tell us a little bit about how each member joined the group. Were you friends before or did something draw you together?
JADA: I was contacted by someone about Mashville and was super excited to audition. I ended up auditioning with “Rise Up” and they loved what I did with the song; so, I was asked to officially be a part of it. I had actually never met anyone else in the group, but we all meshed so well and now we’ve become family!

SIAN: Each member joined the group by auditioning for Mashville founder Marc Benjamin and producers/songwriters. I did not know any of the other members but over time we have gotten extremely close and I am so thankful to have met them! Our uniquely different sounds appealed to the founders of Mashville and also to each other — that drew us all together.

How do you feel creating a collective of artists is helping to destigmatize conversations about mental health?
JADA: I think that having this collective and our music out there makes talking about mental health a lot easier. It’s okay not to be okay. And for our fans seeing people our age be so vocal about mental health is also refreshing because it shows people that they aren’t alone.

SIAN: I think we help to destigmatize conversations about mental health by using our music to tell our own stories that people can relate to. By listening to our music they can find ways to cope with what they’re feeling and turn it into something positive.

Does the group write the music together or do your individual artists work on their own pieces?
JADA: Our writing process is actually pretty cool. We write together and also individually. Even though we’re all spread out we still manage to have an interesting creative process and make good music. I’ve been in the studio with Nova and Caleb and we had a blast!

SIAN: Yes, both! We write music together and individually. I think our different styles combined make the Mashville sound special and it’s why we were brought together — as unique artists & collaborators.

“Rise Up” is such a fun and empowering song! Can you tell us a little bit about it and what inspired it?
CALEB: For me, Rise Up is an opportunity for the listener and the world to unify regardless of race, economic background, or religious beliefs. It embodies hope. It was written and produced by our visionary founder Marc and his collaborator Valentin. They presented it to Jada and I, we loved the message so we put our spin of love and magic on it!

JADA: “Rise up is such a feel good song! It was made to make people forget about all the negative things that are going in their lives and rise above it all. Sometimes the world can feel really heavy and we feel like there isn’t a light at the end of a dark tunnel, but there is. All we have to do is come together and help make the world a better place.”

Your new song “OK” is beautiful. Can you tell us the story behind this song?
NOVA: Thank you so much. OK sheds light on the taboo subject of suicidal ideation and the importance of reaching out to those suffering in silence.

What message do you hope to send to music fans with this song?
NOVA: The overall message we’d like to share with anyone that needs to hear it is that it’s OK to not be OK, and the importance of talking about your feelings. We also want to encourage friends and family to reach out if you suspect that someone is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide. Talking about it saves lives.

The music video is stunning. Can you tell us a bit about the concept behind the video?
NOVA: Thank you so very much! Through song and dance the video expresses the internal struggles of someone battling depression and suicide ideation, and the friend who shows up “literally and figuratively” as a source of love and support.

The more tech savvy fans out there might find it fascinating to know that the video was all shot in one take! The director Ben Samuels, who is a creative visionary, along with Alexandre Barranca, the amazing dancer featured in the video helped to bring this story to life. It was awesome to see how all of these different artistic components came together to deliver such a powerful and important message.

What have been some of the responses you’ve received so far about “OK”?
NOVA: The response and reactions to the song and video have been overwhelming and run the gamut of emotions. Fans have shared how beautiful and powerful the message is. Some have been moved to tears, because it reminds them of their own struggles or darker days from their past. However, the overwhelming majority of people simply don’t know what to say, which isn’t surprising because the subject matter makes people uncomfortable. And, that’s why a song like OK is so important. Talking about mental health and wellness saves lives. Break the stigma — we’re all more alike than we are different.

What advice would you have for someone struggling with suicidal thoughts? What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to talk about their mental health?
NOVA: I’d encourage anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or any other mental health issue to not suffer in silence. Connect with people you trust. Help is out there.

*Text or dial: 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day.

What advice do you have for someone with a loved one struggling with mental health?
NOVA: Openly share your concerns and show your support. If you suspect that someone is struggling with suicide ideation don’t be afraid to broach the subject. It’s a myth that talking to someone about suicide or asking if they feel suicidal encourages suicide attempts.

What can family and friends do to help start conversations about mental health?
NOVA: Friends and family can start by normalizing issues related to mental health and wellness. Mental health and wellness checks should occur as often, or more often, than physical check-ups.

We love that Mashville performs at local schools together. Can you tell us a bit about this and what started this work?
CALEB: I started my artistry in hopes to inspire those behind me therefore I have a soft spot for the youth. Being able to go into the school and speak and perform for the students was an amazing experience. If we reached one child our job was done successfully! Shout to Fred Martin for connecting Mashville with Compton Kids Club.

NOVA: Yes, Fred is one of our advisors. He’s founder of Compton Kidz Club, where he coaches and mentors students in music and the creative arts. His affiliation with the local schools and all the good his organization does in the community has given us amazing opportunities to use the power of music and our positive message to enhance events about important topics like preventing bullying.

What is next for Mashville?
NOVA: EPs, touring, television, the sky’s the limit!

It has been a rough few years, especially for those struggling with mental health, how have you been staying positive?
NOVA: Honestly, music has been my saving grace. I was inspired to write a LOT during the pandemic. I also have a really wonderful and supportive group of friends, and my family members are hilarious! We know how to have a good time!

CALEB: The pandemic was a drastic change for us all. A lot of us lost family members, jobs, connection with others etc.. It was a very difficult time, but it slowed me down enough to focus on things that I needed to address. In the pandemic I started therapy, which was one of the best decisions I've made. I recommend therapy to everyone! It literally has helped my perspective on life.

How has the pandemic affected your mission to reduce the stigma around mental health?
NOVA: Mental health related challenges skyrocketed during the pandemic bringing to light the enormity of the problem. No longer was it a select group of people “over there” that were suffering and feeling alienated; it was your neighbor, your co-worker, your sister, etc. It’s terrible that it took a pandemic to bring about awareness, but I feel blessed to have a platform like Mashville to be able to contribute to the healing in some small way.

CALEB: I keep myself happy by doing what I love! I perform as much as I can and surround myself with great people! I also love to workout which is my form of meditation.

What is your motto in life?
NOVA: You are perfectly cast in your life. I can’t imagine anyone but you in the role!
CALEB : Live every day like it's your last and follow your heart!

To learn more about Mashville, please follow the links below:
mashvilleusa.com
“OK” Music Video
Instagram: @mashvilleusa

Mashville - Shatters Walls of Silence, Singing Out 'OK' To Mental Health Conversations