Mental illness has played a big part in my life, whether it's my own (anxiety, depression), or someone else I'm close to. I notice the music I gravitate to most often is music made by tortured souls. I wouldn't say that mental illness equals good music. Just because you're depressed doesn't mean you can write a shit-hot guitar lick. But, I do think mental illness has fueled some of the greatest music of all time.
I'm friends with the guys from DANGERS, and when I saw them in CO Springs they played and dedicated Tarantula Type to me, as per my request. I talked to Al beforehand about mental illness and it's effects on my life, so it was fitting. After the show we went to dinner at a vegan joint called The Burrowing Owl - fantastic food.