Best Music Blogs: Holding of Wrist

November 7, 11:38 PMChicago Indie Music ExaminerJyn Radakovits

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Holding of Wrist

The lives we lead are sometimes a direct reflection of the music we indulge in.  The soundtracks of our lives sometimes breathe promise, hope, other times they quiet the fear.  We find strength, belonging in these songs, wrapping them around ourselves like a blanket when the times are the darkest.  There are plenty of songs out there that in short have saved my life when I was hanging by a thread.

Where many musicians are getting on board with the idea of using their influence to breed healthy fans, the alone and troubled sometimes feel so alone that all they have to turn to is the rock stars they feel they "know", can relate to- explaining the flood of emails, the heartbreaking responses to rocker written advice columns, the stream of fans that try to ask for help for their problems in two minute chat sessions with their favorite bands after the show.  Groups like Holding of Wrist among others are spearheading the goal to save young people through finding understanding of hidden issues like self injury, depression, and suicide among teens and young adults by allowing a forum for them to connect and discuss the issues. 

Started in October 2008, Holding of Wrist has managed to get support from media outlets and the music industry with bands LoveDrug, Dramatic Pause, Jake's Music, Amber City, UnderOath, The Rocket Summer, These Cities Surrender, Color Your Insides, Sarah Fasano, The Chesnuts, BrightSide Drive, Lil Flames, Molo Eight, Sinister, I Still Dream, Scarlet Skyline, Streetlight Euphoria, Marlson Brugen, and The Brothers Nothing, among others doing their part to save their fans. 

In their newest blog entry Holding of Wrist takes on the issues of gay hate crimes and it's affect on young adults.

A lot of people talk about changing the world, but few step up and actually try to do anything about it.  I hope bands continue to get on board and spread the message that Holding of Wrist is pushing or create their own groups, encourage fans to seek help, to talk about the issues affecting them emotionally.  Without speaking out there is no resolve.

Bands wanting to add their support to Holding of Wrist, message them on their site.

Music fans needing someone to talk to about their issues:

Illinois Suicide and Crisis Hotline

National Runaway Switchboard

Sexual Assult Support Services

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Self Injury Support Chicago

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Chicago

Gay Support Groups Chicago