Today’s song is “Oceans II” by Vince Grant. This Los Angeles singer/songwriter uses music as an outlet for dealing with his ongoing struggle with depression. “I write songs to cope. I’d like to say I write songs to heal, but that may be asking too much,” says Grant.
Vince says he has dealt with this disease for as long as he can remember. “I’ve suffered from depression my whole life. Really can’t recall a time I haven’t been depressed, even as a kid. In more joyful moments, I was and still am aware of the specter of the disease lurking in the shadows, hovering around me and waiting to pounce at any moment. It’s an unnerving way to live. After years of painful confusion I was placed on psychiatric drugs and later diagnosed as being bipolar. I took these medications for quite some time and during the last four years of treatment was on three different psych meds per day. During this period I was also self-medicating by drinking heavily and using various street drugs as well as abusing my prescription medications.”
Vince Grant’s musical journey is reminiscent of Guy, the lead character in the movie Once, as he spent his first two summers after moving from his hometown of Chicago to L.A. busking on Venice Beach. After his first stint in L.A. he moved back and forth between New York and L.A. for years playing in various bands, gigging, touring, even playing at SXSW, while working a series of dead end jobs until eventually drug and alcohol problems derailed him.
Says Vince, “Drugs, alcohol, depression, they took me out.” After a successful recovery, Vince has channeled his experiences into a new 5 song EP. Free from the constraints of a band situation he feels he has found his authentic voice and a style he can call his own.
This track is off his critically acclaimed debut CD My Depression Is Always Trying To Kill Me. The album release has ignited a public discussion about depression.
Grant brings a real honesty to his music. It is thoughtful but yet still rocks. This song opens hard with a hurried drum beat. The powerful rock melodies are hard hitting yet soft and calming. The emotional lyricism of the song can gives hope to those suffering from this disease that you can live and cope with your problems. Grant’s music would be at home with fans of 90’s groups like REM and the Gin Blossoms.
Listen below and for more information check out his official website and Facebook page.
Bio:
Vince Grant’s musical journey is reminiscent of Guy, the lead character in the movie “Once”, as he spent his first two summers after moving from his hometown of Chicago to L.A. busking on Venice Beach. After his first stint in L.A. he moved back and forth between New York and L.A. for years playing in various bands, gigging, touring, even playing at SXSW, while working a series of dead end jobs until eventually drug and alcohol problems derailed him.
Says Vince, “Drugs, alcohol, depression, they took me out.” After a successful recovery, Vince has channeled his experiences into a new 5 song EP. Free from the constraints of a band situation he feels he has found his authentic voice and a style he can call his own.
“Melancholia” is the lead single. Grant has also made available videos for “Melancholia” and “How Many Times You,” both produced by the highly acclaimed Alex Nasonov.
“I’ve suffered from depression my whole life. Really can’t recall a time I haven’t been depressed, even as a kid. In more joyful moments, I was and still am aware of the specter of the disease lurking in the shadows, hovering around me and waiting to pounce at any moment. It’s an unnerving way to live. After years of painful confusion I was placed on psychiatric drugs and later diagnosed as being bipolar. I took these medications for quite some time and during the last four years of treatment was on three different psych meds per day. During this period I was also self-medicating by drinking heavily and using various street drugs as well as abusing my prescription medications.
I write songs to cope. I’d like to say I write songs to heal, but that may be asking too much.” – Vince Grant