Who Can Relate? Record Numbers Respond To Logic’s New Single ‘1-800..’
It’s hard not to relate if you’ve ever experienced those emotional lows that take you to breaking point and leave you feeling entirely helpless. But help is out there. If it felt like Netflix’s ’13 Reasons Why’ only focused on the problems and risked glamorising teen suicide without offering any preventative measures, then it’s another reason why Logic’s single resonates so powerfully.
Quite possibly one of the most relatable songs ever on the subject of mental health, depression and suicide, the Def Jam artist literally titled his single with the number of the National Suicide Prevention lifeline in the US ‘1-800-273-8255’. Since it’s release back in April, the music industry has been shocked by the deaths by suicide of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington and Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell. With the subject of depression and mental health more urgent than ever, both families of the rock stars are now establishing a Suicide awareness organisation for fans.
Alongside Alessia Cara and Khalid, Logic took to the stage at the MTV VMA’s on Sunday surrounded by survivors of suicide attempts to give the standout performance of the night. Since the nights performance, the helpline has seen a 50% increase in calls.
Written for his album ‘Everybody’ and inspired by real life stories ‘1-800-273-8255’ is a lyrical conversation between a young person considering suicide and a Lifeline counsellor. Logic’s says about the track – “In 1-800, we hear a person at the end of their rope who has called the suicide prevention lifeline. Plain and simply; they are ready to commit suicide, feeling they have nowhere else to turn and are expressing the reasons why they wish to commit this act. We then hear words from the perspective of the lifeline operator who in turn gives them many reasons to keep fighting for their life; expressing that this act is a permanent solution to a temporary situation. Finally, we hear the caller express their new lease on life and outlook on a life that they thought was over but had actually been far from it all along.”
The accompanying video dropped earlier this month, has already received over 17 million views. The powerful narrative features cameo appearances from actors Coy Stewart (Are We There Yet?), Don Cheadle (Iron Man, Hotel Rwanda), Nolan Gould (Modern Family), Matthew Modine (Stranger Things) and Luis Guzman (Carlito’s Way, Boogie Nights).
If you or anyone you know needs support, here are some UK agencies and helplines;
SupportLine Telephone Helpline: 01708 765200, email info@supportline.org.uk – Provides emotional support and details of support groups, helplines, agencies and counsellors throughout the UK
Calm: 0800 585858, www.thecalmzone.net – Campaign Against Living Miserably Help and support for young men aged 15-35 on issues which include depression and suicide.
HopeLine UK – 0800 068 4141 – for practical advice on suicide prevention
Samaritans: Helpline: 116 123 (free of charge from a landline or mobile) Email jo@samaritans.org www.samaritans.org 24 hr helpline offering emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide
