Last Shelter

Papa Roach present £20,000 cheque to CALM mental health charity at sold-out London show

American rock band Papa Roach donated £20,000 to the UK mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) during their sold-out concert in London.

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I first learned about this band through this news. Reading an interview that described their debut song as a cry for help intrigued me, and I immediately listened to their music.

The music was impressive. While based on rock, it incorporates rap-style elements, creating a unique atmosphere. The lyrics, filled with raw emotion, hit hard and would likely appeal to those who enjoy this style. If it suits your taste, I recommend giving it a listen. Though some lyrics are intense, they may resonate even more deeply with those who relate to them. I, too, have thought about writing stronger lyrics, but I find myself unconsciously holding back. Perhaps it’s because of my reserved personality and the awareness that others will hear them.

If I were writing just for myself, I would want to create lyrics that destroy everything. However, I channel these feelings into gaming instead. Using cute graphics can make scenes more humorous, allowing even destructive moments to be received with less resistance. In this way, I feel I can transform my inner aggression into humor.

During this tour, the band shared in an interview that every day, a fan tells them, “Your music saved my life.” Initially, I thought their lyrics were provocative, but now I see they might be essential for some people. Perhaps these songs offer intense empathy to those struggling with self-destructive thoughts. As fans’ love and understanding reached the band, they, in turn, looked at their past selves and the fans who had overcome hardships, leading them to give back to those currently suffering.

Isn’t this the positive cycle of empathy that the concept of ‘kind contagion’ describes? The internet can also serve as a powerful tool for spreading such cycles. Wanting to take part in this, I started seeking out uplifting news, and through that, I discovered great music. Isn’t the simple act of accumulating such experiences already a meaningful change?