Draft:Sufferer (band)

Sufferer is an American band formed in California, dedicated to portraying the struggles of mental illness through their music. The band features Cory Lockwood of A Lot Like Birds, Blake Dahlinger formally of I the Mighty, Forrest Wright of A Perception, and Shane Gann of Hail the Sun.

The band's unique approach involves different vocalists representing characters, namely the Subject, his Anxiety, and his Depression. The band's self-titled album, released on 21 September 2017, was funded through a Kickstarter campaign. The album consists of 10 tracks, with titles such as "If", "Then", and "Sword", each delving into different facets of anxiety and depression.

Formation and Debut
Sufferer was founded in 2015 with the intention of providing a musical outlet to shed light on the often overlooked topic of mental health. The band's concept revolves around experiencing a day in the life of someone grappling with severe anxiety. The idea for Sufferer originated from Shane Gann, who organized the project and voices depression on the band's debut album. Inspired by personal experiences with depression around 2014, Gann felt a deep yearning for music that could authentically capture the emotions of being in a dark place. Unable to find such music, he took it upon himself to create it.

Gann enlisted Cory Lockwood (the voice of anxiety), Forrest Wright (the subject), and Blake Dahlinger to join the project. Lockwood and Wright, who also experience anxiety and depression, contributed to the music and lyrics, while Dahlinger, the drummer, brought his rhythmic prowess to the band. The difficulties of recording the album were endless, especially given the mentally taxing nature of writing lyrics dealing heavily with anxiety and depression.

The band's debut self-titled album, released in September 2017, features 10 songs, each representing different facets of the human psyche. The vocalists in the songs embody the voices of anxiety, depression, and the subject of those disorders, providing listeners with a unique perspective on mental health struggles. The album, often referred to as "chapters," chronicles the daily struggles and inner turmoil faced by individuals dealing with anxiety and depression.

The recording process for the album was arduous, with each member living in separate parts of the country. Despite the challenges, a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015 raised over $10,000 to fund the album's production. Staying true to their mission of raising awareness about mental health, Sufferer pledged to donate 35 percent of all income generated by the project to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America..

Musical Style
Sufferer's music is characterized by its emotive lyrics and raw, introspective sound. Unlike traditional bands, Sufferer considers itself more of a "mental health project" than merely a musical group. Their lyrics confront issues of anxiety and depression head-on, aiming to provide comfort and solidarity to those who may be struggling with similar challenges.

Reception
Since its release, the album has garnered over a half-million streams on Spotify and received critical acclaim. Sufferer's music resonates with a diverse audience, transcending the boundaries of genre and appealing to listeners who connect with its powerful message. The band's unique approach to music has garnered praise from both fans and mental health professionals, who recognize its therapeutic potential for individuals grappling with anxiety and depression.

Discography

 * Sufferer (2017)