The Dev wrote:...and as a footnote, as I know there are people sometimes who pay attention to 'artists' (even me) about their habits etc, I want to be clear:
Although I am not taking psychiatric medications, it has been under supervision of a psychiatrist and my family, and would not work for me if I continued to do drugs or drink AT ALL.
Also, my diet is controlled (vegetarian, limited sugar) and my caffeine intake is limited as well.
...not to sound like a prude or anything, but I've had people contact me about their psychiatric issues (ie: I won't take the meds, and now the marijuana is giving me the keys to the universe man...and I'm freaking out' etc etc...
I'll say again:
If you are predisposed to mental illness yet continue to do things to your mind that are causing you confusion, you are imposing your selfishness and arrogance on everyone around you.
A nice dude came to one of the instores I did recently and he said 'I'm bipolar and I struggle everyday, is there advice you could give me?' and I asked 'well, do you smoke pot?' and he said 'yes, of course'...
I am not qualified to give professional advice, but I do have my own experience to draw on... my answer would be, of course...
STOP doing the drugs then man!!! wtf?
On the flip side of the coin, my brother in law, and 3 members of my band drink and smoke and it doesn't flip them out, so it seems to come down to physiology
Anyways, just wanted to be clear that my abstaining from psychiatric medication is hinged on my other habits and disciplines. I'm not making a statement about the validity of either drug, I'm just wanting to make a clear artistic statement amidst being a dad and getting shit done. IF you are interested in changing medications or anything involving your mental health and your immediate family (who are involved, like it or not) consult your doctor.
Dev
You're so damn right on this one. As someone who's married to a person who's IS predisposed to mental illness like bipolarity, schizofrenia, who's been institutionalized, doused in medications, who's been neck-deep in medications that have done nothing but cause trouble, I totally see what you're getting at. As someone who has been convinced that weed is "the answer" for 6-7 years, I see eye to eye with you. Of course it's up to the individual to decide, but after going cold turkey on everything, studying Physiology and pathology, I'm seeing how the way defined "drugs", and even substances you mention such as caffeine and sugar influence the brain, and it's almost scary. Having a clear mind and going out into the world, and seeing it for what it is, is way more demanding, way more frightening than coating it in substances, and I commend you Dev, for taking that step. I'm with you all the way, I can totally see what you're referring to.
As for the album, judging from the bed tracks clip, and a couple of demo-type tracks on youtube, I'm totally stoked. I'm literally checking for news every day, eagerly awaiting updates. It'll be done when it's done, but waiting for the day can't be wrong.