The 78-year-old Briton has taken steps to recover from clinical depression by entering the recording studio, writing and producing his own songs, ITV News reported .
Brian Howe, brother of Manfred Mann Mike Howe, was a member of the Cherry Smash band that toured Europe in his youth. He then gave up music to take over his family's jewelery shop in Gosport. Decades later, an epidemic forced him to close the shop, a disaster that coincided with Brian's divorce and left the 78-year-old in deep depression.
"Everyone experiences depression, but clinical depression is different," Brian told ITV News. "It's hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it. You just want to try to get over it, or if it's really bad, you want to get rid of it. I have to do something about it."
Brian's recovery began when he signed with Quaywest Studios Gosport and started writing and recording his own music again. "This was a turning point," he said. “The endorphins started flowing and I felt my mood change. I thought, yes, I can absolutely do this! sounds good."
Brian explores different styles in his music production and addresses current issues such as climate change and mental health in his songs. "Stop Machine With Me" is a newly released track, embedded below, that explores the growing threat of synthesizer-driven techno beats around us. "I don't think there are many 78-year-olds writing contemporary dance music," says Brian.
Brian's brother Mike provided drums and keyboards for Stopping Machine with Me . Mike was a founding member of the 60's rock band Manfred Mann and supported Brian throughout his recovery. "He's played drums on a few songs and I've spent a lot of time there and he's been helping me a lot. But really, these songs are my creations."
Brian talks about the potential of making music to help people with mental health issues and says finding creative ways is crucial. "Whether growing vegetables in the garden, painting or writing, you have to do something creative. You have to find something that makes you happy. Bringing that into your life makes you feel good."
"I still feel like I'm 25," he continued. "One thing I hope to do is inspire someone who has lost or given up hope [...] Change is possible, victory is possible. I've done it and I'm living proof of that. . . . If I can do it, you can do it. You can."
Bryan delivers that message in a new song called Reach Out to Me, which invites men to reach out to their loved ones and talk about their mental health.
Reach out to me below, listen or subscribe to Brian's YouTube channel.
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