In the vast landscape of music, there are artists who create for the sake of art, and then there are those who create as a form of therapy. Austin Blyth falls into the latter category, and his latest single, “Vow of Silence,” stands as a testament to the healing power of music.
Blyth, a multi-talented musician who plays all the instruments and handles vocals on his recordings, emerged onto the scene with a poignant message and a desire to connect with those who may feel like outcasts or loners, struggling with mental health issues such as depression. “I just want to inspire people and be an auditory friend for the outcasts and loners struggling with depression and other mental health issues,” he states.
The journey to the creation of “Vow of Silence” began in 2023 when a producer reached out to Blyth on TikTok, igniting a creative spark within him. Over the course of six months, he meticulously crafted his sound, striving for perfection in his guitar work. The result is a hauntingly beautiful track that draws inspiration from 90s Rock and 80s new wave, as well as artists like Jeff Buckley, Alice In Chains, and The Smashing Pumpkins.
Despite having yet to perform live for this solo project, Blyth’s aspirations are clear. He envisions his music being featured in a skate video, a nod to his first love of skateboarding and the influence of skate videos on his musical tastes during his formative years.
Reflecting on the recording process, Blyth shares a humorous anecdote about his meticulous mic setup during the recording of the EP, only to have his producer simplify the process by using just one mic per track in the mixing stage. It’s a reminder that sometimes, simplicity can yield unexpected results.
“Vow of Silence” delves into deeply personal territory for Blyth, serving as a therapeutic outlet for confronting childhood trauma. While the subject matter may be uncomfortable, the act of writing and performing the song was cathartic, allowing him to shed the weight he had carried for so long.
In describing the ethos behind the EP, Blyth aimed to create a dark horror experience reminiscent of The Cure’s “Disintegration” album, drawing further inspiration from Joe Hill’s book “20th Century Ghosts.” Each track serves as a piece of a larger narrative, akin to a collection of horror stories.
With “Vow of Silence,” Austin Blyth offers more than just music; he offers solace, understanding, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. As he aptly puts it, “Music is my therapy,” and through his artistry, he invites others to find healing and connection in the soundwaves he creates.
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