So after the horrendous train wreck that was the last “Cope’s Aussie Music Pirate Session” it felt as though there was no coming back from such a tragedy , but rising like a phoenix from the ashes was the Cope’s Aussie Music Pirate Session After Party. Once the Pirate session had finished there was a small group of Steemians who had braved the ear bleeding show to see if things would get better…. And get better it did 😊

After some back and forth with the audience in the chat space we decided to show a track I recorded last week as part of my rehearsal for an open mic entry im hoping to put together sometime in the near future. This exploded into a fun fest of steemian music and great chat. We also speckled the play list with some other music but the meat of the show was the steemians musical performances and chat. Many thanks to @amberyooper , @phedizzle and @rockchickjen for putting their tracks forward to be played, it was kinda feeling like I was holding everyone hostage with my tracks and feeling a bit weird for me, lolz. I felt much more at ease once we were all sharing tracks 😊

In the chat space we discussed some of the difficulties of being in the music biz at any level, from personal motivation, reliable/unreliable band members, creative differences between band members, among other fun facts. @rockchickjen joined us on the air for a chat about her tracks being played, the origin stories of what inspired the tracks creation, This discourse and dissection of the songs and their meanings led to numerous discussions spanning various deep topics.

We discussed the need for spaces to facilitate healthy conversations, reducing the stigma associated with mental health via empathy compassion and understanding. The ability to able to openly talk about ones feelings is scientifically supported as having a positive impact on mental illness, suicide and suicide ideation. These kinds of safe spaces to openly communicate play an integral part in the fight to intervene when times get dark and these kinds of thoughts start to creep in. Spreading the message via open discussion and through various aids such as art, music etc. can also assist in a greater understanding by those not impacted by mental illness.

This was followed with some chat about bullying in schools, which is very closely associated with the development of mental illness, and the complacency of those who are supposed to be looking after our children. When we observe the current situation we state that “bullying is unacceptable” but in the ace of it, when it happens, those that are supposed to be assisting in intervening when bullying occurs do not take the correct action required. There were anecdotal examples put forward which supported the concepts being discussed.

These are a few of the more prominent of the many topics we discussed throughout the evening. If you are feeling overwhelmed by any part of your life please reach out to someone you know and trust or some of the many services available to assist in dealing with mental illness and suicidal thoughts and ideation. A quick internet search will bring up programs in your local area that can help. There are also communities on discord such as @nathankaye ‘s Prevent Sucide and @zipporah ‘s The Kindness Collective that have been established to assist those in need of support.... you are not alone. These networks are also set up to assist those who have a loved one dealing with mental illness. For those who have not been impacted by mental illness in their lives , themselves or loved ones, please understand that mental illness does not always present itself in a clear manner such as with physical ailments. please try to remember to be kind as frequently as possible, we don't always know what others are going through.

These are the kinds of conversations and interactions I live for on this platform, openly being able to discuss these kinds of topics, our feelings about them and sharing a part of ourselves. in this way we are able to gain a greater understanding of ourselves through the experiences of others. To use empathy, compassion and understanding to connect with others on a fundamental level of acceptance bringing us all just that little bit closer together.

I would again like to thank everyone who stuck around to listen in, interacted in the chat space, shared their thoughts and feelings, shared their music and their time with us. Much love in all your directions.

The playlist below is not in order of play as I was not expecting the evening to go as it did, as such they have been grouped by artist.

Playlist

Amber – My Silent Scream
Amber – Love In My Heart
Cope - Cover – The Fray – You Found Me
Cope - Cover – Foo Fighters – Wheels
Cope and miles – Absent
Cope and miles – Waiting For You
Cope and miles – Cover – Rob Thomas – Her Diamonds
Cope and miles – Cover – Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Breaking The Girl
Cope and miles – Cover – The Godfather Theme
Phelyne - Official Sensual Santa Remix
Rock Chick Jen – Billys Song
Rock Chick Jen – Don’t Sway
Rock Chick Jen – Cover - Seether – Tied My Hands
Rock Chick Jen – My Wings