Task 9- Journalistic piece for dps-

REAL MAGAZINE ARTICLE

Good to be back. I remember that horrendous day that everything fell apart. Red eyes spaced out. Never again. I started doing drugs about a year ago and my band members found out. They didn't want me to exist in the band any longer if I was doing drugs. So they decided to kick me out. I couldn't believe it. I felt empty inside, I thought I had given up for good. Things just got worse and worse and I was ruining myself and my career. I went to rehab and my life is now getting back to normal. I’ve changed and I’m back to how I use to be, however my band refuses to let me back into the group, so I've decided to go solo. I never thought this day would come. I'm back and I'm better than I ever was.

What made you start drugs?

I had never thought of taking drugs, ever. Everything just seemed to be going downhill, our band was not doing the best and I just needed to relax. Also the stress of tours and concerts was tearing me apart. I tried finding other ways but nothing was working, so that’s when I turned to drugs... I thought just the once would be fine, but I got addicted extremely fast. I didn’t know that it would get so serious, but the relief of having no stress felt amazing. I couldn’t stop myself and I didn’t want to tell anyone about it which made me even more stressed. It was just a dark little secret of mine. Everyone has secrets right? Drugs just seemed to be the easiest way out and at the time I didn’t feel like I was doing anything wrong. Drugs had taken over my life; however it was oblivious to me. I didn’t want to face my problems; however the consequences of drugs were worse than the problem I was trying to solve. I just felt depressed all the time which wasn’t like me. At the time I thought drugs would solve everything, however I didn’t realise the horrific outcomes. Eventually my band members noticed I was taking drugs, and they never tried to help because I was in a dreadful state. They just gave up on me. They no longer wanted me in the band which made me even more dependent on drugs. I just felt like giving up and I still believed drugs would help me, hence why I carried on taking drugs.

How do you feel about not being in the band anymore?

Honestly, I feel fine. It affected me in many ways at the start. The day I got kicked out the band it felt horrible and I just had that sick feeling inside me. I didn’t get over it for a few months. It was my fault. I can’t lie. I had spent such a long time away from the band that I started to get used to it. Now I don’t mind being by myself. It’s not as bad as it seems.

What made you stop doing drugs?

It had been quite a while since I made any music. It was devastating knowing I was no longer in a band. However, I remember all the fans I had. I finally realised that drugs was no longer an option. I took a look at myself in the mirror and realised what a mess I had made of myself. I knew it was time to stop. I knew that I could still be part of the music industry as I had the right support. I was determined to be better than I already was, and drugs were no longer on my mind. If it wasn’t for you guys then I don’t know how I would have got through everything.

What is your new album about?

My new album is about the struggle I had. It’s my life story from when I was a little child to myself now. I wrote about all the bad things that had gone on in my life and changed them into songs. I want people to be able to relate to my album, whether they’re going through the same problems as me or they know someone who is. I want to be able to help them through my music.

When will your new album be released?

The album has taken quite a while to make. We’ve been making it for a long time, however it’s nearly finished. I and the makers of the album are just making sure everything is perfect. I want this to be the best album ever for you all. The album should be released within a few months now.

If you had the chance, would you rejoin the band?

Never. I am offended by the way they treated me. They didn’t even think of helping me. They just wanted to get rid of me; it seemed as if they were trying to find the easiest way out. It clearly worked. I think if I joined the band then things would just go back to how they used to be. I’m not like that anymore. I’ve changed.

Do you feel like you let your fans down?

I’m sure some of them are disappointed about the things I have done. I feel like I let them down, of course. If I could turn back time I would, but I can’t. I certainly did let my fans down and I feel terrible for that. What matters is that I am willing to make it up to them and I hope they understand that I regret what I did. I am just so glad that my fans are still supporting me.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope that once I release my album that everything goes well. Hopefully my fans enjoy the music that I have decided to make by myself. I want them to be able to relate to my music as I want to be connected to my fans. I also hope that I will be able to do many tours where fans can enjoy themselves. My main aim is to make good music that my fans will enjoy.

Is it frightening performing by yourself?

At first, it felt very strange. Although it did feel different, the more I did concerts by myself, the more I started to feel normal and I enjoyed it more. I was used to performing with people and sharing the excitement with them on stage, but I know that I don’t really need them. I now know that I don’t have to be in a band to enjoy performing, it’s really fun performing alone, if not better.

What keeps you motivated to do well?

One of the main things that keeps me going is you guys. Without all of your support things would be an awful lot harder. Knowing that you all still enjoy the music that I make and you enjoy my performances makes me happy. I’m glad to know that you have all stuck by me. My fans are the most important thing to me, without them I wouldn’t be making music. My fans are my motivation.

Do you think you will be better solo rather than being in a band?

To be honest, I’ve not been solo for long but I feel like I’m doing better already. For some weird reason I feel less stressed. Being in a band was quite stressful; making decisions as a band and everyone having to agree on one thing. Now I can just make my own choices. If I want something I don’t have to discuss things first because it’s just me. Anyway, I think that I will do better all by myself, it already feels better and it hasn’t even been long yet. I can’t wait for things to get even better. I know it will. I’m sure of it!

If you had the chance, which artist would you like to work with?

There is no one in particular. It’s an honour to work with anyone! However, if I had the choice then I would love to work with Bring Me The Horizon. I have loved them since I started my career. They are just a massive inspiration to my life.