In a recent interview with Terrie Carr of WDHA-FM 105.5, a rock music station based in Dover and Morristown, New Jersey, PAPA ROACH frontman Jacoby Shaddix opened up about the band’s ongoing mission to advocate for mental health awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding it. Known for their raw authenticity, the two-time Grammy-nominated, platinum-selling alternative hard rock band has been a voice for mental health since their iconic hit “Last Resort” took the world by storm. Shaddix’s candid reflections on his personal journey and the band’s evolving music offer a powerful glimpse into their impact both on and off the stage.
A Personal Journey Reflected in Music
Shaddix’s commitment to mental health advocacy stems from his own experiences. “I think it’s important. It’s a reflection of the walk I’ve had with my life and my ups and downs and just my brutal honesty with it,” he shared. Looking back at his songwriting, he noted how his older lyrics and journal entries revealed the depth of his struggles. “I was going through some of my old notebooks… and there was crazy in there. And I’m glad I made it out the other side with the perspective that I have now,” he said. Through self-awareness and personal growth, Shaddix has transformed his challenges into a creative force, weaving vulnerability into PAPA ROACH’s music.
This authenticity has forged a deep connection with fans. “I’ve transformed my life in so many ways and put that into the music,” Shaddix explained. “Speaking about mental health and using our music as a voice for that in culture is important. And I feel like that’s really a huge bond that we have with our fans.” By being open about his struggles, Shaddix has created a space for fans to feel seen and understood, making mental health a central theme in the band’s work.
Partnering for Change
PAPA ROACH’s advocacy extends beyond their music. The band has partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to raise funds and support those in need. “Now I’ve got a partner in the real world that’s actually boots on the ground, putting the work in with the people helping people,” Shaddix said. This collaboration marks a significant step in amplifying their message, turning their platform into a force for tangible change. “That’s a beautiful thing to be part of,” he added.
New Music on the Horizon
In addition to their advocacy, PAPA ROACH is hard at work on new music. In a separate interview with Skratch N’ Sniff and SNSMix.com, Shaddix revealed that the band has “about five, six songs finished” for the follow-up to their 2022 album Ego Trip. While a release date is still under wraps, Shaddix promised fans new music throughout the year, including a “banger” of a single set to drop in mid-June, accompanied by a music video. “I’m so excited about this next song,” he enthused. He also teased the possibility of guest artists on the upcoming album, keeping their identities a surprise for now.
The band recently released a music video for an acoustic version of their hit “Even If It Kills Me,” which reached No. 1 at U.S. Rock Radio, marking their 13th chart-topping single. They also dropped a “reimagined” version of the track last month, produced with Joshua Landry, showcasing a melodic take on the original with Shaddix’s signature emotive vocals.
A Legacy of Impact
With 10 studio albums under their belt, including Ego Trip, PAPA ROACH continues to evolve while staying true to their roots. Their fearless approach to addressing mental health, paired with their genre-defining sound, has solidified their place as leaders in alternative hard rock. As they prepare to release new music and deepen their advocacy work, Shaddix and the band remain committed to creating music that resonates and inspires.
Whether through heartfelt lyrics or partnerships like the one with AFSP, PAPA ROACH is proving that music can be a powerful tool for connection and change. Stay tuned for their upcoming single and more updates as they continue to shape the cultural conversation around mental health.
