PHOENIX —
Name:
Blake Mathews
How did you get started in the art or music world?
Born and raised in Arizona, I was introduced to both music and drugs at the same time in my life. I got my first pair of turntables at 13 and hit the ground running. I DJed raves, weddings, and house parties, and eventually fell into the grip of a serious drug addiction.
No one really knew how badly I was struggling, not only with addiction but depression as well… In 2014 I moved to Nashville, Tennessee. I studied music, business, entertainment and songwriting. I came out the other side with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Belmont University.
I graduated in 2019, and after a long 10+ run of active addiction, I finally asked for help… My mom and dad helped me check myself into rehab. Upon getting sober, I identified a significant gap in the availability of opportunities to engage in sober-friendly arts and entertainment.
This discovery was my call to action. This is what led to the creation of Sober House Records, our independent record label, focused on producing and promoting artists passionate about mental health and recovery.
How would you describe yourself as an artist?
I’m a recording artist and recovery coach on a mission to prevent mental illness and addiction through music and healing arts. I write, record, produce, mix, master music, edit music videos, shoot photos, graphic design, and paint. Whatever medium. It doesn’t really matter. Life is the art.
What is your favorite medium?
Writing lyrics and facilitating lyrical analysis workshops.
What motivates you to create?
Creativity is a catalyst for connecting with something bigger than ourselves - when I connect with my ‘creativity’ or the creative force(s) around us, I feel more connected to the world and myself.
What was the inspiration behind the piece selected to be featured as an ArtPop?
The stakes are high for people like us - addiction and mental illness can be pretty serious… I wrote the song from a place of deep and dark depression; I sat down to write through it – to channel the weight and let go of the burden.
Art is cathartic like that. I didn’t know what I was writing about. It just kinda formed itself throughout the evening. 4 hours later, I had the song: Heaven Sent. Here’s what it means to me: even the deepest and darkest depression, anxiety, fear. They’re here for a reason. There are lessons to be learned, especially amidst the storm.
How can people find you?
SoberHouseRecords.com
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
12News on YouTube
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.