“You are not alone in your struggle” – KEXP Presents Music Heals: Addiction & Recovery

Join KEXP on Thursday, May 24th for Music Heals: Addiction and Recovery, a day of programming dedicated to the power of music to heal and the role music can play in overcoming addiction and inspiring recovery. The programming will feature stories from listeners, and exclusive interviews with artists and others in the music industry, including Macklemore and his Thrift Shop collaborator Wanz, Peter Buck of R.E.M. and Arthur Buck, Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament, Faustine Hudson of the Maldives, renowned Seattle DJ Marco Collins, and more, as well as personal stories from KEXP’s DJ Evie and Kevin Cole.

In an exclusive interview with Macklemore, the Seattle rapper shared words of encouragement to those grappling with addiction. “You’re not alone in your struggle,” he said, “There are recovery communities all around the world that are there for you, that need you. We need each other in this fight against addiction. We need to hear that experience of what it’s like right now to keep us who are currently in recovery sober.”

Peter Buck of R.E.M, Arthur Buck, The Minus 5, The Baseball Project, Filthy Friends and more shared personal reflections on his own journey to recovery in another exclusive interview. “I kind of looked around and decided what is important in my life and alcohol and drugs weren’t on the list,” said Buck. “Y’know, it’s family, friends, music, that’s it. I’m at the age where I don’t know how many years I’m going to have left. I want my last years to be meaningful. Life doesn’t have to fall apart…you don’t have to be on your deathbed and look back and wish you had done something different.”

From 6AM to 6PM Pacific, KEXP hosts John Richards, Cheryl Waters, and Kevin Cole will program music around the stories shared with KEXP by members of the community, working in the songs that helped them through the recovery process. Stories will not only focus on those who have experienced addiction first hand, but also on people who have friends, family, or loved ones with these experiences. Listeners are invited to share stories about their experience with addiction and how music played a part in the recovery process by emailing stories@kexp.org.

“Addiction isn’t a personal choice or failing, but the shame and the stigma associated with it keeps many people from getting the help they need,” said KEXP’s Chief Content Officer and Afternoon Show host Kevin Cole. “Music Heals: Addiction and Recovery will be dedicated to providing information and resources about addiction and letting listeners know that they’re not alone, that it’s okay to ask for help, and that there’s a community of people in recovery ready to welcome and support them on your path to health. We aspire to uplift, inspire, and provide hope.”

Throughout the week leading up to Music Heals: Addiction and Recovery, KEXP will feature interviews with local service providers and leaders in the substance use and recovery communities, including Crisis Clinic, Washington Recovery Helpline, WA State DSHS Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery,University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, Social Development Research Group, and MusiCares.

More information and links to resources are available at KEXP.ORG/MusicHeals.

Music Heals: Addiction and Recovery will air Thursday, May 24th, 6AM to 9PM Pacific on KEXP 90.3-FM Seattle, and online at KEXP.ORG. This programming is made possible in part by Crisis Clinic and Washington Recovery Helpline.

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About KEXP

KEXP is a nonprofit arts organization and public broadcaster serving music lovers and artists through in-person, broadcast, and online music programming. KEXP operates one of the most influential listener-supported music radio stations in the country, KEXP-FM, Seattle. On KEXP’s YouTube channel, videos of exclusive in-studio performances garner over 3 million views per week. From a public facility at Seattle Center, KEXP produces hundreds of live performances and music events each year, many of which are open to public audiences at no charge. More information at kexp.org.

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