A great depression settled over Nashville on January 31st, when pop-punk rockers As It Is brought the “Great Depression Tour: Part 2” to the southeast. Where local Nashville venue The End, was host to this ironically raucous celebration of individuality and humanity. As the lineup consisted of artists who supported their fans regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, or mental health struggles. Because of this supporting atmosphere within The End, many within the audience found this as a chance to finally let loose amongst individuals who they could empathize with. As they realized they weren’t the only ones to struggle with depression [as is the case with As It Is’ lead singer Patty Walters] or that they weren’t the only ones to struggle with the aftermath of sexual assault [as is the case with Sharptooth’s lead singer Lauren Kashan]. It was this inclusive and supportive atmosphere coupled with the close confines of The End; which turned this from a typical concert with disconnect between artist and fan, to one which exorcised demons and sent fans off with a renewed sense of hope.
Before the night ended however, fans packed the small dive bar to see up-and-comers Point North and Hold Close. Two respective bands who are currently burning up the charts and gaining major traction within the pop-punk communities. Thus, if you made a new year’s resolution to dig into trending artists, here’s your chance. As the rockers in Point North have not only been burning up the charts but have also just released a brand-new EP titled Retrograde. An album laden with your quintessential up-tempo pop-punk tracks but this time with an electronic twist.
Once the boys in Point North wrapped up their set, it was clear that the crowd began to warm up both literally and figuratively. As the crowd became increasingly receptive to what each artist had to say. As it became apparent that each artist wasn’t standing on stage for the vanity of it all; but rather because they wanted to use their stage as a platform to speak out about something close to them. Nowhere was this more evident than during Sharptooth and As It Is’ respective sets, which tackled often-abysmal topics such as sexual assault and depression.
In their performances, both artists refused to allow such topics to overtake their stage. Instead, Lauren Kashan of Sharptooth and Patty Walters of As It Is channeled personal pain and agony to create heart-wrenching yet utterly moving performances. This display of raw honesty and genuine emotion captured the audience and inspired empathy amongst strangers. Which is a fairly refreshing approach when a majority of artists simply roll in to town, perform, and then roll out the next day. Granted, the boys in As It Is don’t strike me as your typical cookie-cutter rock stars, who perform just to get a paycheck. Especially when their latest album “The Great Depression” tackles subject matter such as stigma, mental health, and loss; topics which are pertinent and well…real to kids in this day and age; as the number of individuals diagnosed with depression alone is a staggering at 6.7% or 16.2 million individuals within the US alone (Healthline).
By imbuing their genuine heart and soul into the performance, everyone in the room could tell and responded by giving As It Is their all; by joining in on singing songs like “The Great Depression” and “Stigma [Boys Don’t Cry]” at the top of their lungs. A sight which is common, but this time was filled with honest faces and a genuine air of healing which simply can’t be described in words. Which is why I would advocate that you go out and experience an As It Is concert for yourself; as it’s something that simply can’t be explained. It’s an emotion, a feeling, when you’re packed into a room full of empathetic hearts spilling their guts to strangers and friends alike.
Since the boys in As It Is strived to support and foster this healing atmosphere; fans were able to find refuge from an ugly world which loomed just outside the close confines of The End. Which if you ask me is a pretty damn exceptional act; as it takes guts to come out and speak one’s truth while also offering a helping hand to those who need it most.
Tickets for As It Is’ “The Great Depression” tour can be found here.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or chat online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/.
