Our interview with Kellin Quinn from sleeping with sirens about the stigma of mental health and more
1. What is your names & what do you play in the band? My name is kellin, and I open my mouth real wide and yell/sing higher then a new born baby in a band called Sleeping With Sirens.
2. • How did the band get started? A MySpace message, a one way ticket to Orlando.. constant touring, 7 records later here we are!
3. •What has the funniest thing that has every happened to you on stage? Mostly anytime I slip and fall on stage.. you try and make it look like you meant to do it.. but in the end you always look and feel like a dumb dumb.
4. •If you had 1 million dollars in the music industry what would you use it for? I’d pay off my house, pay off my moms house.. and if I had any money left I’d donate somehow..
5. • If you could tour with any band or musician dead or alive who would it be with & why? Linkin Park.. I’d always hoped to at some point.. but I would have loved to sing with Chester.
7. What do you think of the media frenzy over mental illness meaning should we talk about it more in the world
The worlds a fucked up place, we spend our entire lives consuming and buying into an American dream that doesn’t exist.. joy is not found in material possessions, We shouldn’t all be expected to look like the photoshopped celebrities that are thrown in front of our faces on a regular basis.. life is about accepting ourselves, good/bad.. and being kind to others.. project positivity and you’ll find it returned 10 fold.
8. Have you ever dealt with depression or any other mental illness & if so how did you handle it?
I deal with both every day.. it’s not something that can be fixed quickly.. not sure if medication helps or not.. but I do know that it’s a constant battle to overcome.. but you aren’t alone.. I’m here with you.
9. What would you say has been the most difficult or hardest part of your life so far? I’d say my 30’s.. life becomes real.. you have to put on adult shoes.. you have other people relying on you… there’s a fine line between doing music for the art of it/ paying the bills.. that part makes me sad.. because music has always been my escape.. but it doesn’t feel like that as much anymore..
10. What would you tell a fan that is struggling with self harm ? I understand the need to numb the pain.. but I feel like it’s something you would regret when you get older? It makes me sad that people physically hurt themselves because they are hurting so bad emotionally.
11. What is like when a fan comes up too you & tells them your music saved there life or get them though hard times in life?
It’s literally the reason I still do it! Music/ this band is bigger then all of us.. I’m honored to be a part of it. I’m thankful that some words I wrote mean so much to people that hear me out.
12. Does any of your songs talk about anything dealing with depression or self harm or anything along them lines.
Better off dead stands out the most to me..
13. What would you tell some ones that scared to ask for help because they don’t wanna be looked at differently.
Please ask for help, tell a friend.. don’t go it alone.. your mind is a terrible place to get locked away in.. and it can make us think terrible things.. it’s important to have someone help you off the ledge..
14. Do you think we as society should be able to have a conversation about mental health without being judge or looked at differently & do you think we should be able to talk about it in our school systems?
Absolutely!! I’m always down to talk about anything that pushes us forward in helping others.
15. Do you think the media should look at mental health in a positive light, more then just jumping to conclusions on the news?
I think that we as human beings can do amazing things if we work together.. let’s not wait for everyone to jump on the band wagon.. let’s start making a difference now.