Meet Andru Wilson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andru Wilson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andru , sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. 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.

I really do think my depression started at around 8 years old when my father died in a semi-freak accident while snorkeling. I remember not being able to react to the two uniformed men’s’ words and not really knowing what to do next (probably on account of my age). That second degree encounter with death sparked within me the haunting ghost of self-doubt, and feelings of being unworthy. However, I have found my purpose in two things: music and my love for my family (both chosen and blood). Music is truly my outlet, and I’m sure every musician will say that but without music I would genuinely be in prison or dead. I’m also engaged to the love of my life, Sigrid, who makes me want to be a better person every single day I wake up. I strive to be the best I can for Siggy and our perfect troupe of cats!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the frontman of a metal band called The Forest for the Fire. We are working on our debut EP “A Fatalist in the Attic”. Come see us live at the Jungle in Somerville MA on Feb 9th! I’m also a composer with several pieces, one including a short opera, set to be performed sometime in the spring. In both avenues of music I pursue, I enjoy pushing boundaries and building community through musical performance.

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?

If I could boil it down to three it would have to be Honesty, Trust, and Curiosity. I’ve spent a lot of time learning how to incorporate these values into my life, and truthfully I am still figuring out the best way to do that. Anyway, honesty, trust, and curiosity are a bit vague so I’ll sum up in a TL;DR format:

1. Honesty – The absolute bedrock foundation of any relationship. Make Honesty part of your routine, like anything else.

2. Trust – Trust is the metric by which we can measure our connection to one another. Trust cannot be fostered without honesty.

3. Curiosity – Always ask “why?” Living is learning, so stay curious!

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My fiancée, Sigrid has been instrumental in inspiring me to become who I am. I am always amazed by Sigrid’s compassion and work ethic. They always hold me accountable and push me to be my absolute best, while also being the rock I cling to when the going gets rough. Regardless of whatever new hobby I’ve picked up, or whatever song I’ve practiced for the thousandth time, I know they will have my back 100%. I love you, Sigrid!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @theforestforthefireofficial
• Other: TikTok: TFFTFofficial

Image Credits

Sigrid von Tetzchner
Sheena Wilson