Too often we view depression and mental health from a negative standpoint, and it’s easy to typecast the condition as one of weakness and vulnerability. London King is out to smash that misconception along with the negative stigma looming around mental health. Her coming EP is a statement that mental health problems are nothing to feel ashamed of, like any other illness, depression is a condition that can affect anyone, at anytime including the strong.
Despite her young age, London King is not afraid to sing and write about topics like mental illnesses and her own personal struggle with the condition. There comes a point in every musician’s career where they feel they need to write and express their personal lives and inner battles through there art, and this single, ‘Half The Wolf I Know’ does just that. The song is personal, deep and above all unapologetic.
“This song comes out of a very dark place I have been in, and it carries a message of hope, even in the darkest times.” King explains, whilst speaking of the single. “To suffer from depression, to have a mental illness is nothing to feel ashamed of. There’s a lot of people who are biased and plain ignorant about the matter”. The singer, was diagnosed with depression when she was just an early teen and wanted to deliver something extremely personal, not only with this single, but with the whole EP which is due to come out in 2019. London King is honest and direct with her listeners, the verses portray a fragile and vulnerable picture before rising in the chorus to a message of resilience and hope. London wants to connect with her listeners on a personal level, giving them something to hold onto that will hopefully help those going through something similar. “Because music is sharing. Music is supporting, music is connecting, and hopefully, my listeners will connect on a deep level with my new EP.” King says.
The single was produced and co-written by Aubrey Whitfield, longtime producer and friend of London King. “Co-writing is a lot of fun! I am glad I am doing it. I used to write my own songs, but I like co-writing. It’s like a hand of support, helping you putting out even the deepest thoughts of your mind, also, a different point of view.”
Check out our interview below:
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
My main challenge at the moment is to stay true to myself, and I am being honest. It’s hard to express yourself nowadays without hearing the words ‘not commercial enough’. I like commercial music, but I also want to be original, I don’t wanna sound like everybody else. I wanna be London King, not the copy of another, bigger artist.
What inspires you outside of music?
My romantic interests and my friends are a big inspiration. But also myself and the things I get through. These make up for a huge part of what I write and sing. This latest single is an example. My writer imagination helps as well. One of my singles was inspired by a short story I wrote once.
How do you define success?
Success comes from hard work and freedom to do what you really want to. This is success. Going home at night knowing you are doing what you want, living life the way you want, you don’t feel jealousy or envy towards anyone…this is succeeding in life.
What advice would you give to other artists who want to champion mental health awareness, as you have?
I’d say be honest and unafraid. I know how hard it is to speak about what kills you everyday a little bit, but you must do it. You will feel much better, and there’s nothing more worthy than freedom of mind and heart. Rid yourself of shame, you have no reasons to be ashamed. You need to be strong, prepared that some people will inevitably be ignorant about it, but you will!
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/londonkingmusic/
