We recently connected with PiPEllA and have shared our conversation below.
PiPEllA, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
For a very long time, songwriting was the only way I knew how to deal with my mental health. I was diagnosed with Anxiety, Depression and OCD in high school and ADHD later in college. Needless to say, my brain really needed an outlet and that’s when I turned to music. I was able to put all of my hopes and fears and struggles into lyrics and it helped me process everything I was feeling. Unfortunately, that set me on a path where music became a dark outlet that twisted my passion instead of a lifelong purpose to grow and enjoy. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned how to separate my mental health from my music so that I can still share my experiences, hopes, dreams and struggles, without letting them drag me down. A big part of this is taking breaks when I need them and listening to my mind and body. I used to just power through and when I was about to have a breakdown I would write 20 to 30 songs about it. Now, I take steps to avoid the breakdown, including journaling, meditation and talking through the stress points, as well as recognizing when I’m in a good headspace to song write. It’s all about not shaming yourself for your mental health challenges and giving yourself permission to take a break.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a Cinematic Rock recording artist and award winning songwriter based out of Nashville, Tennessee. A big focus of my career is discussing the unique experiences of being Asexual/Aromantic, as well as Autistic, through my music. As a songwriter, I have expanded a lot in the last year or so. I recently won the Wavy Awards 2023 Songwriter of the Year and have begun writing for independent artists and in the Kpop industry. For the last 2 years, I have been releasing my first storytelling album “PiPEllA: The Worlds Traveler” single by single and we recently released my best song to date.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Patience is the biggest quality needed to be successful in the music industry. It is a long road and sometimes it’s not very fun or exciting, but if you work hard and are patient with yourself, you’ll start to see your own growth.
A big help for me in my career has been my knowledge of the music industry itself. A lot of independent artists may not realize it at first, but you have to look at your own career like a business. You’re not just writing music and putting it out there. You’re functioning as your own marketer, lawyer, manager, merch designer and so much more. It really is a full time job and if you know the industry, you’re already steps ahead of those who don’t.
Finally, you need to be a little bit delusional. It’s not about believing you’re good when you’re actually not, but instead it’s about believing you are that one in a million special talent that deserves to be successful over anyone else. It sounds really cutthroat but in reality, if you don’t think your success is inevitable, you’re never going to be successful in your own eyes.
Are you looking for folks to partner or collaborate with? If so, describe the sorts of folks you are looking to collaborate with and how they can connect with you if they are reading this and want to collaborate.
ALWAYS. As an artist, I am always looking for producers, co-writers and other creatives to partner with. I’ve worked with authors and actors, fashion designers, businesspeople and artists. I believe in building a community where creativity is at its center.
I’m looking to collaborate with people who are always looking to expand their minds and push past the limits of their creativity. I also love working with people who are interested in the long haul and really believe in the projects we are creating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pipellamusic.my.canva.site/songwriting
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pipellamusic/
Image Credits
Emily April Allen
