Treasure's "Suffocation & Air" EP Is A Re-Calibration Of The Ego
Music is well known to have a significant beneficial impact on mental health — both for creator and listener. The therapeutic aspects of composition and soothing harmonies are thought to engage a variety of brain areas involved in emotion, motivation, cognition, and motor functions. Musical interventions have been used to increase socialization and cognitive, emotional, and neuromotor functioning. North London musician, Treasure, utilizes his passion to explore the therapeutic and creative components melody. Coincidentally, he works for a mental health hospital, which is a valiant testimony to his authenticity and intrigue in psychology and mental health.
The nine track EP “Suffocation & Air” is a revelation to emotions held close — it’s an entry into the psyche, the trauma, and ego. It chronicles his journey to coexist with his demons. The release skirts on modern genres of R&B, pop, with a blend of funky synthscapes. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Treasure.
Where are you based?
Just outside London, in Hertfordshire.
How did you get interested in music?
I was always interested in harmony as a kid and was always trying to harmonize with the music I could hear on the TV.
We love your new album “Suffocation & Air”. That title is feeling very relevant these days with everything coming to light about police brutality. Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired the name?
The project’s name was inspired by the book “Suffocation”, by James Wallman. I read the book at a time when I was looking to do away with consumerism and really find my own way of being. “Suffocation” is how I felt when I had no control, and air is the sensation I feel when I remember exactly who I am.
“You & I”, the opening track to "Suffocation & Air I", is a very powerful song that resulted after a traumatic assault. Can you tell us a little bit about this experience and the song?
Long story short, I experienced something that completely ruined my psyche for a long period.
Did you find writing this song helped you heal from the experience?
”You & I” is a conversation between the masculine and feminine aspects of myself. On the surface it seems like a love song, but it’s really the process of re-calibrating my ego. My entire discography is full of cathartic songs.
"More," another track on "Suffocation & Air I", unmistakably conjures a powerful sense of desire, bordering on life-sustaining yearning for something (tangible or some esoteric emotion). What is the "more" referring to? Do you embrace this desire? Is it more artistic centered?
Uncontrollable desire. We are always looking for the next fix of dopamine, no matter what our vices are. I try to control my desires; I won’t let them have a hold over me. As a musician who vocalizes thoughts and creativity, finely exploring different areas of mental awareness and health seems fitting.
Can you talk about your experience as a mental health support worker (MHSW)? What is a mental health support worker and was this an area of interest?
I’ve been working as a MHSW for over a year now. It involves providing mental, physical, and social support to patients in the hospital. It’s been an eye-opening experience, especially when it comes to the law surrounding those sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Why is mental health important to you?
If your mental health is in check, it will trickle into every aspect of your being, giving you holistic happiness.
You care for, and rehabilitate, people coming out of prison, those who have suffered from a mental or nervous breakdown, and those who are looking for a respite from their current living conditions. How does the rehabilitation process work?
The rehabilitation process starts before the resident is admitted to our hospital. We conduct an assessment of the individual's wants and needs, with the help of their social workers, next of kin, and make sure to include plenty of input from said individual, because who knows them better than themselves? During their stay with us, the rehabilitation process involves round-the-clock support for the individual in the form of community meetings, one-to-one sessions, and mental and physical activity conducted by our psychologists, physiotherapists, and activity coordinators. Individuals are assessed on a weekly basis to determine whether they are ready to be discharged back into society with the support of our hospital, their social workers, and family. There are many more steps and nuances involved in this process, but as a mental health support worker, I do most of my work during the period of the individual's stay, being the channel of communication from the patient to the mental health nurses and support workers.
Where can people who feel the need for support go to search for programs like this?
In the UK you can call 111 and you’ll be directed onto the mental health support services.
USA: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/index.shtml
UK: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/
What are your thoughts on the current incarceration system in place?
It’s a money-maker, especially in the USA. Too many private corporations are using the 13th amendment to support “legal” slavery.
Police brutality is a major topic these days. Can you please tell us your thoughts about this and the ongoing protests that are happening around the world?
Police brutality is clear infringement on human rights, and the public are right to protest against it. There are many ways to combat against discrimination and it’s up to us as individuals to play our part.
As someone in the field, what do you feel the ideal solution is?
There is no immediate solution. The generational battle has only just begun.
How are you staying positive in these times?
I’m trying to focus on the here and now!
What is your motto in life?
Do what you will, but be mindful of the consequences.
To learn more about Treasure, please follow him via the below platforms:
https://treasure.life
https://open.spotify.com/artist/12tQ1YGmb2jzMds6LOCuiZ?si=87vxq4r7T8qisqI6RtyVkQ
