Fans of The Chainsmokers may have noticed a turn toward deeper lyrical introspection lately. Where Memories… Do Not Open was rather light-hearted and romantic, recent singles have dealt with less rosy affairs. Singer Drew Taggart peels back the curtain in a Sept. 19 Instagram post, opening up about how life as a pop star isn’t what you might expect. He reveals that he has struggled with depression ever since The Chainsmokers started becoming internationally successful, but he’s always tried to hide that side of himself, until now.
“I didn’t begin to feel better until I began putting my feelings into my songs,” Taggart writes. “This explains the sudden dark introspective turn The Chainsmokers music took earlier this year with the release of songs like “Sick Boy” and “Everybody Hates Me,” etc. Maybe this isn’t The Chainsmokers you all wanted and that’s ok, but it’s what we needed to create to grow.”
He furhter explains that “This Feeling,” the duo’s collaboration with country singer Kelsea Ballerina, was the first song he wrote since emerging from his darkest hour. It was the start of a self-induced bout of musical therapy, and in that way, it’s a particularly special song for him, and hopefully for fans out there who may need to hear that they’re not alone feeling alone.
“Mentally, I’m in a good place right now,” Taggart adds. “I’m in love with my friends and family, and thank god everyday that I get to write songs for a living. I hope y’all enjoy this one.”
Read the full post below.