Alan Dreezer Tackles Mental Health In New Single, ‘Delusional’

‘Delusional’ is the latest single from ALAN DREEZER and the emotional centrepiece of his forthcoming third studio album, ‘Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes’. Written during a period of intense self-reflection, the track explores the fragile line between ambition and self-belief, asking an uncomfortable but deeply human question: at what point does believing in yourself become delusion?

Blending atmospheric electronic production with intimate, confessional songwriting, ‘Delusional’ captures the contradictions that exist within modern creativity. It is a song about identity, isolation, self-worth, and the exhausting pressure to constantly validate your existence — not only as an artist, but as a person. Through vulnerable lyricism and cinematic production, Dreezer dissects the emotional cost of chasing purpose in a world increasingly driven by comparison, performance, and external validation.

At its core, ‘Delusional’ speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt misunderstood for wanting more from life. It examines the tension between persistence and self-doubt — particularly within independent artistry, where creators are often expected to maintain unwavering confidence while privately battling uncertainty. Rather than presenting ambition as glamorous, the song exposes its vulnerability: the quiet fear of failure, the loneliness of standing apart from the crowd, and the emotional exhaustion of trying to hold onto belief when the world offers little reassurance in return.

Musically, ‘Delusional’ draws influence from artists such as George Michael, James Blake, RY X, and Jungle. The track balances restraint with emotional intensity, allowing the lyrics and atmosphere to carry equal weight.

Beyond its sonic identity, ‘Delusional’ also reflects the wider emotional landscape of ‘Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes’ an album centred around transformation, accountability, healing, and emotional survival. Across the project, Dreezer explores what it means to confront the parts of ourselves we often avoid — our fears, coping mechanisms, emotional patterns, and the uncomfortable truths that accompany growth. The album title itself became a guiding philosophy during the writing process, representing the idea that meaningful change only happens when we are willing to honestly examine ourselves.

Mental health awareness also plays an important role within the campaign surrounding the release. Dreezer has used ‘Delusional’ to open conversations around musicians’ mental health, creative burnout, and self-worth — subjects that remain highly relevant within today’s music industry. The single is being released in aid of Mind, with Dreezer personally donating proceeds for every 1,000 streams alongside a dedicated fundraising page encouraging listeners to get involved and support the charity’s work.

The official lyric video for ‘Delusional’ further amplifies the song’s message, while the forthcoming official music video expands its themes visually through atmospheric and symbolic storytelling focused on identity, isolation, and perception.

Now over a decade into his independent career, Alan Dreezer has quietly built a loyal and organically grown audience through emotional honesty and artistic consistency. Following the releases of LONDON E12 and H E A L E D, this latest chapter represents his most exposed and self-aware work to date. Importantly, many supporters directly contributed toward funding the physical release of the album, highlighting the deep connection that has formed between artist and audience over the years.

With ‘Delusional’ Alan Dreezer delivers more than simply another independent pop release. He offers a deeply human portrait of modern ambition — one that acknowledges the loneliness, contradiction, vulnerability, and resilience involved in continuing to believe in yourself when certainty feels impossible. As anticipation builds for ‘Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes’, the single stands as one of his most honest and emotionally resonant releases to date.

‘Delusional’ is now available across all leading platforms. Why not check out the accompanied video below…

To make a donation to Mind, please visit link https://linktw.in/btBorV there is a QR code for donations linked

Connect with Alan Dreezer via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/alandreezermusic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/alandreezermusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlanDreezer
Website: https://www.alandreezer.com/

The Real-World Musician’s Guide to the Hustle

Image via Pexels


Independent artists trying to balance a job, bills, and a social life while chasing a music career are playing a high-stakes game of tetris. Mastering the art of making progress without waiting for “the perfect moment” is the only way to actually survive as a creative today. The reality is that time and energy are finite. When you’re grinding through a shift or stuck at a desk all day, the last thing you usually have left is the mental “juice” required to write a song or mix a track. Making it work requires a total mindset shift. It’s not about finding a magic month off to record an album; it’s about figuring out how to make your music a non-negotiable, sustainable part of your messy, busy life.

Key Points in Brief

  • The Day Job Dividend: Reframing your boss as the “investor” who pays for your strings, plugins, and ads.
  • Frictionless Recording: Keeping your mic plugged in and your software ready so you don’t waste energy on setup.
  • Salami Slicing: Breaking down big goals into 10-minute tasks you can knock out during a lunch break.
  • Strategic Laziness: Learning when to rest so you don’t end up hating your music because of burnout.
  • Skill Swapping: Trading your musical talents for things like cover art or video editing to save your cash.

Core Problem and Why It Matters

The biggest lie we tell ourselves is that we’ll start working once things “quiet down.” In the adult world, things never really quiet down, and waiting for a clear schedule is usually just a polite way of letting your dreams die.

When you’re physically or mentally fried from work, “waiting for inspiration” is a trap. If you only create when you feel 100%, you’ll likely only work on your music three times a year, which isn’t enough to build a career.

Consistency is the only thing you can actually control. Building your career in the small gaps of your day protects your creativity from the stress of having to make money, which ironically usually leads to better, more honest art.

Comparing Common Approaches

ApproachWhat It SolvesBest ForKey Advantage
The Slow BurnLong-term burnoutArtists with full-time careersZero financial stress and high stability
The “All-In” LeapLack of focusThose with 6+ months of savings100% time dedicated to the music
The Weekend WarriorDeep work sessionsPeople with rigid 9-5 schedulesHigh output in short, intense bursts

Navigating the Modern Career Path

The old-school idea that you either “make it” or you’re a failure is totally outdated. Modern career paths are rarely a straight line anymore, allowing people to build high-level skills and grow an audience slowly while keeping their day jobs. It’s now totally normal for artists to shift directions and evolve their brand over several years. This kind of gradual growth is actually a lot safer because it lets you build a real foundation without needing a viral hit just to pay your
rent.

Learning how to juggle these different versions of yourself is a skill in itself. To explore this further, check out insights from a career-focused research institute that studies workforce trends and evolving career paths. Their data on how people manage non-traditional journeys can give you some much-needed context for your own path.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to live in a “music city” like Nashville or LA?
A: Not really. With the internet, where you live matters way less than your ability to build a community online and release consistent work.

Q: How do I handle a job that I absolutely hate?
A: If your job is destroying your mental health, it’s a barrier, not a patron. Look for a “bridge job” that might pay the same but doesn’t leave you feeling like a shell of a human at 5:00 PM.

Q: When is the “right” time to put out my first song?

A: When you have a small group of people actually asking for it. Don’t wait for “perfection”; wait for a sign that someone actually wants to hear what you’re making.

Checklist Before Moving Ahead

Success isn’t about luck; it’s about making sure your life is actually set up to support your art.

  • You have stopped treating your day job as the enemy.
  • You have a “ready-to-go” creative space with zero setup time.
  • You have identified three tiny tasks you can do in under 15 minutes.
  • You have a clear handle on your monthly “survival” budget.
  • You have accepted that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Conclusion

Chasing a music career while life is throwing bills at you is hard, but it’s how most of the greats started. By being smart with your time and focusing on small, consistent wins, you can build a career that actually lasts. Every little step you take today adds up to the bigger picture. Don’t worry about the “perfect” circumstances—just keep making the music that only you can make.

Words: Lisa Walker

Song of the Day: Benched – MaryAiAnne & Me

After release of their well-received single, ‘Checkmate’, which is currently #1 on CHBN Radio’s The Playlist chart, MARYAIANNE & ME make a quick return with single ‘Benched’ out now across various music platforms.

‘BENCHED’ may be a bright, summer-ready pop bop, but it explores the hidden pressures many young people face. It tells the story of a girl juggling the demands of school studies, a part-time job, and the expectations of being part of a sports team she loves. From the outside, she seems capable and driven, but the repeated feeling of being benched — not chosen, not good enough — slowly begins to take its toll.

At her lowest point, she reaches out to the one person she trusts most — her mother — and begins the first step toward getting help. While she is fortunate to have someone to turn to, the song also acknowledges that many people suffer in silence, isolated and unsure where to find support. Professional help does exist, but it often comes at a cost that many cannot afford.

‘BENCHED’ captures that fragile moment when pressure threatens stability — the tipping point where something has to give — shining a light on the importance of support, understanding, and speaking up before the struggle becomes invisible.

MaryAiAnne & Me is a burgeoning collaboration between upcoming artist Me and seasoned music pro John Hewlett – whose impressive CV stems back to the 60s, with collaborations with iconic acts including The Beatles, T. Rex and Sparks. John also managed McGuinness Flint, Gallagher & Lyle, Sparks & The Incredible Shrinking Dickies and produced their album The Incredible Shrinking Dickies. The pair met when volunteering for a charity where John was impressed by Me’s storytelling and began working on the MaryAianne project with her early 2025.

MaryAianne & Me began releasing singles in October 2025, committing to a bold schedule of one track per week for a full year. The project aims to build a diverse catalogue of original songs that will ultimately be brought to life in live performances. Every release features Me’s own lyrics and arrangements, with AI production support courtesy of SUNO. United by a shared love of music, MaryAianne & Me embrace experimentation across styles while exploring relatable themes such as unrequited love, self-discovery, and personal growth.

‘BENCHED’ out now across various music platforms.

Connect with MaryAianne and Me via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581770475003
IG: https://www.instagram.com/maryaianne_and_me
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maryaianne.and.me
YouTube: youtube.com/@itzafuni?si=RD5JVRPdkk1m4WRD

The reveal of HANDSHAKE IN SPACE: Stefan Halling, the Anonymous Swedish EDM artist

“I lift the lid on my mental illness and in some way I hope I can help others.”

The identity behind the anonymous Swedish EDM artist HANDSHAKE IN SPACE has been revealed. The artist is none other than Stefan Halling, born in 1967 in Huddinge, Stockholm and now living in Rättvik.

The news spread after his daughter Nathalie posted a video on social media some time ago in which she talks about his inspiring mental journey over the past four years.

Four years ago, at the beginning of the pandemic, Stefan Halling was hit by several major difficulties. He first lost his father and shortly afterwards his job. These losses resulted in a long period of deep depression, panic attacks and dark thoughts. For a while the future seemed uncertain and very dark to Stefan.

Despite this difficult period, two years ago Stefan started creating music together with other creative people. Through music, he found a way to express his feelings and process his experiences. With the support of close friends and his dear family, he has slowly but surely regained his well-being and is now in a much better place in life.

In her video, daughter Nathalie shares the mental journey her father has undergone and points out how important it is to talk about mental illness in order to reduce the stigma surrounding it and supporting those who struggle.

Only now does Stefan feel that he is mature enough to start talking about his experiences and highlight the importance of seeking help when you feel bad. Through his music and his story, Stefan hopes to inspire others and show that there is hope even in the darkest moments.

Stefan Halling, under the pseudonym HANDSHAKE IN SPACE, has touched many with his music and his story is a strong example that it is possible to get through difficult times with support and creativity.

To check out HANDSHAKE IN SPACE’s discography, head right here.

Follow HANDSHAKE IN SPACE via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/handshakeinspace
IG: https://www.instagram.com/handshake_in_space
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@handshakeinspace

Hip-Hop collective COLAMP drops video for Buggin ft. Blu, Katie Burke & Relic Fox

LA-based crew COLAMP addresses mental health with cartoon video for track, ‘Buggin’. The video enlists a bevy of prime talent, featuring Blu, Relic Fox and Katie Burke, with all parties’ creativity being matched with a feast of visuals for the eyes to behold. COLAMP’s forthcoming LP Tape also features Anacron, Life Rexall, The Lxves, & more.

COLAMP consists of MC Nathan Nice, producer KDT Produced It, & DJ’s Arbs & Breeze. KDT has produced for Sach of The Nonce, Arbs has seasoned history in LA’s DJ battle circuit, & Breeze has produced for Prince Po (Organized Konfusion), Rakaa Iriescience (Dilated Peoples), Scarub (Living Legends), 2Mex & LMNO (Visionaries), & more.

Check out the video for ‘Bugging’…