Embark on a journey into musical innovation as we explore the genesis of the captivating collaboration behind the single “Demons and Disorders”. Stephen Gawking, known for his resilience in facing Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and his role as an ambassador of hope, joins forces with esteemed collaborators Aewon Wolf and Nathan Blur. Together, they shine a light on mental health struggles through their harmonious symphony.
TATC: Can you share the backstory behind the creation of “Demons and Disorders” and how the collaboration between Stephen Gawking, Aewon Wolf, and Nathan Blur came about?
Stephen Gawking: I had always felt the urge to delve into the intricate aspects of mental well-being through music, and after some years, I finally approached Aewon with the idea. Our connection was instant, and with Bobby Johnson, my producer, crafting a captivating chorus, we then enlisted Nathan, whose vocal delivery truly brought it to life.
TATC: What inspired the theme of mental health awareness for this single, and why is it an important topic for you to address through your music?
Stephen Gawking: The song’s inception stemmed from the heart-breaking loss of Riky Rick, prompting reflection on the apparent contradiction of someone flourishing yet succumbing to despair. It serves as a reminder to individuals facing similar battles that they’re not isolated in their struggles and needn’t harbour shame. Instead, it advocates for perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity, urging them to continue the noble fight.
TATC: How would you describe the creative process behind “Demons and Disorders”, especially considering the blending of different musical genres and styles?
Stephen Gawking: Honestly, it was among the most seamless creative endeavours that Bobby Johnson from Re-birth Music (my producer) and I have collaborated on. Surprisingly, the genre does not stray far from our usual fusion of Pop and Hip-Hop, which we’ve consistently embraced throughout our work together. It was an absolute honour and pleasure to work with Aewon and Nathan; they are both extremely talented and professional.
TATC: Each of you brings a unique perspective to this collaboration. How did your individual experiences and backgrounds influence the creation of this single?
Stephen Gawking: As I mentioned earlier, while I’m grateful not to experience severe depression, I do encounter brief periods of darkness and negativity. During these times, I turn to writing or binge-watching to reignite my drive. However, witnessing the impact of depression on others first-hand is deeply frustrating. It feels helpless to see it consume their souls without a clear cause or explanation. This is why the song embarks on a philosophical exploration, seeking to understand the nature of depression through questioning.
Aewon Wolf: I think just being a creative myself, first and foremost helped me tell an authentic story to the issue plus I have lost artist friends to depression so I’ve known how well it hides itself and can catch everyone by surprise. I couldn’t be sure if I technically had depression myself because I was never diagnosed but I can tell you that I’ve been in dark episodes that fit the many descriptions of it and every time I was in those episodes, small acts and signs of kindness helped get me out. So, from that, my personal experience helped tell this story.
Nathan Blur: Albeit I did not engage in creative writing for this song, I was presented with a great idea and contributed my voice to bring the vision to life. I believe my unique tone helps to emphasize the overall emotion. As an artist, I’ve always aimed to infuse my songs with feelings.
TATC: What do you hope listeners will take away from “Demons and Disorders”, both in terms of the music itself and the message it conveys about mental health?
Stephen Gawking: I want to emphasize that nobody is alone in their struggles, and there’s no need for anyone to feel ashamed of them. It’s crucial to persist and keep fighting the good fight. Aewon expressed his hope that listeners not only enjoy the music but also choose to show kindness to one another. Nathan’s aim is for people to vibe with the song as intended while also finding elements of their own experiences in the lyrics. Music allows for personal interpretation, encouraging listeners to let their imagination roam freely. Our goal with this track was to take listeners on an emotional rollercoaster, from highs to lows, leaving a lasting impression.
TATC: Can you share any memorable moments or challenges you encountered while working on this project together?
Stephen Gawking: As I mentioned earlier, everything seamlessly aligned, almost as if guided by destiny, bringing everyone together without any egos getting in the way. This harmonious convergence made the entire process an immensely enjoyable and fulfilling journey.
TATC: Stephen, as an ambassador for hope and resilience, how do you feel your personal journey and experiences have shaped the message of this single?
Stephen Gawking: Having witnessed the devastating effects of depression first-hand, I find it profoundly challenging to watch as it slowly consumes individuals’ souls, often without a clear understanding of its cause. This is why the song serves as a philosophical exploration, posing questions to unravel the complexities of depression.
TATC: Aewon, you’ve been described as a trailblazer in South African music. How do you see this collaboration fitting into your broader artistic vision and goals?
Aewon Wolf: I do tend to take the road less travelled, but lately, that has flourished into working with other unconventional, like-minded people who want to do good in the world. My artistic goal is to leverage whatever clout I have to platform and facilitate positive change, and this collaboration was a great opportunity to do just that. Especially since I’m working with people, I see massive potential in. I might not want to market my music as much anymore, but in collaborating with dedicated young artists, I’m pushed to do so, like doing this interview.
TATC: Nathan, your music is known for its soulful vibe and infectious energy. How did you bring your signature style to “Demons and Disorders”, and what was your favourite part of working on this project?
Nathan Blur: I simply aimed to be authentically myself, as I do with all my songs. It was gratifying to witness everyone’s contributions converging to create a special moment.
TATC: What’s your favourite part of being in the music industry, and is there a particular aspect of your career that you find most fulfilling?
Stephen Gawking: I believe we’re all driven by the same purpose: to make a positive impact on people’s lives through our shared passion for music. It’s this common goal that allowed us to effortlessly connect on a philosophical level, without encountering any issues.
TATC: Lastly, what’s something about each of you that your fans might be surprised to learn?
Stephen Gawking: I’m a cannabis enthusiast who uses it for both medicinal and recreational purposes.
Aewon Wolf: I’ve been learning lately that a lot of my “fans” don’t know I’m vegan. So that might be worth sharing again.
Nathan Blur: This might sound odd, but I’m partially blind in my left eye … I doubt anybody knew that about me.
With “Demons and Disorders”, Stephen Gawking, Aewon Wolf, and Nathan Blur have not only created a song but a potential movement, one rooted in compassion, understanding, and the unwavering belief that together, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Stream the track below.
