Kelowna-based pop-punk band Cawston is set to release their debut album, Therapy Sessions, which delves into various mental health issues. For the members of Cawston, discussing mental health is an integral part of their punk ethos.
Founded in 2021, Cawston comprises lead guitarist and vocalist Alexis Artiga, drummer Debin Corbach, and lead singer Jenna Johnson. Over the past three years, the band has released multiple singles, gone on tour, and built a growing fanbase. Their forthcoming album continues their exploration of mental health themes.
The singles leading up to Therapy Sessions each address different mental health conditions. “Sara Tune In” focuses on ADHD, “Safe with Me” deals with the struggle of avoiding emotions, “Quicksand” depicts the experience of being in a manipulative relationship, and “Stranger” tackles the pain of ending a toxic friendship.
Artiga shared his personal connection to the music: “I have a lot of anxiety, I am in my head a lot. I think working graveyard shifts, I don’t get as much sleep or sun as I should, and music helps me get through the day. Working all night and playing music all day is therapeutic for me.”
Each song on the album reflects the difficult experiences faced by the band members, offering hope and understanding to their listeners. Corbach emphasized the therapeutic nature of music: “[Making music] it’s just a way to sit down and be separated or isolated from all your problems. When you are with your instrument, either alone or with other musicians, you can release everything. For me, it’s hitting the drums; for [Artiga], it’s hitting his strings.”
Their openness about mental health has resonated with many, earning them thousands of listens on streaming platforms. The band has also signed a record deal with SBG Records and is gaining increased recognition.
Johnson expressed excitement about their recent success: “It’s finally happening; we are getting the momentum that we have been trying to get for years. We came out post-pandemic, starting in 2021, so this is our third year as Cawston. We are getting picked up for tours, and we just got picked up for Denim on the Diamond, which is huge.”
With their debut album set to drop on June 21, Cawston is gearing up for a tour across the Thompson Okanagan region from June 21 to June 27. Their journey is a testament to the power of music in addressing and overcoming mental health challenges, and they are poised to achieve even greater heights in their career.
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