With the success of her single “serotonin,” girl in red has been reflecting on her creation process and how her track has morphed into a positive mental health anthem.
Check out Audacy's I'm Listening Mental Health Mix, an Exclusive Station brimming with anthems for every mood
For Marie Ulven, her mood and mental health play a continuous role in her music writing and producing process. She shared, "I think the way my mental health, and my mood and my life influences my music is everything, I mean it influences everything."
"I'm the core. My brain is the core, my mental health is the core, so I think it influences everything in my music," adds Ulven. The singer notes that her mental health plays a role in just sitting down and being able to make music, as well as the content of her lyrics.
"Your mental health is everything," says girl in red. For the Dutch singer, her mental well being dictates the way she approaches music as well as the way she views her own music.
The response to “serotonin” that has resonated with Ulven the most has come from mental health professionals. She tells us that often times psychologists and mental health professionals who work with patients with OCD will recommend that they listen to the acclaimed girl in red track that tackles themes of struggling with OCD.
The if I could make it go quiet artist shared that often times mental health professionals will say, “‘Oh, listen to this song! I’ve never heard a song represent OCD in this way!’” Ulven notes, “that’s something that has kind of stuck with me because… I feel like I tapped into something that hasn’t really been tapped into.”
Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-8255.