Yungblud: Dark thoughts, social anxiety, and being disliked
Aug 12, 2024
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Yungblud, an artist celebrated for his authentic self-expression, dives deep into the importance of embracing enthusiasm and vulnerability. He discusses overcoming social anxiety, noting how social media can connect us with supportive communities. Yungblud also shares how he tailors his performances to resonate with fans facing similar struggles, emphasizing the beauty of sharing dark thoughts. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights the challenges of staying true in a pressure-filled industry while fostering genuine connections with his followers.
Yungblud advocates for authenticity, urging individuals to embrace their true selves rather than conforming to societal expectations of coolness.
He discusses the mental health challenges faced by today's youth, emphasizing the importance of addressing anxiety and the harmful effects of social media validation.
To create a supportive concert environment, Yungblud implements initiatives that help fans with social anxiety connect and feel at ease during events.
Deep dives
Embracing Authenticity
Youngblood, also known as Dom, emphasizes the importance of being unapologetically oneself in a world that often pressures individuals to conform. He shares his experiences of feeling overshadowed for being 'too loud' or 'too opinionated,' which led him to create a space where everyone can express their uniqueness without fear of judgment. Dom's journey reflects the idea that fitting into a box is not necessary; instead, individuals should embrace their quirks. This message resonates with his fan base, who feel empowered to be their true selves through his music and persona.
Navigating Mental Health Challenges
The conversation touches on the mental health struggles faced by many in today's society, particularly among younger generations. Dom reveals how he himself battled with issues like anxiety and the pressure of instant social media feedback, which often vultures one's self-worth. He recognizes that the reliance on external validation can lead to feelings of inadequacy and even addiction to negative feedback. Acknowledging these challenges, he advocates for greater mental health awareness and discusses the impact of his experiences on his approach to music and connection with his audience.
Creating a Safe Space for Fans
Youngblood actively works to ensure that his concerts are safe spaces for all attendees, particularly those with social anxiety. He discusses the implementation of measures like having a 'make a friend' tent at events to facilitate connections among fans. This approach recognizes that concerts can be overwhelming, especially for individuals who may not be familiar with the chaotic atmosphere of live shows. By fostering a welcoming environment, Youngblood helps people feel comfortable in their own skin while enjoying the music and community.
The Power of Interactivity in Personal Growth
In his upcoming book, 'You Need to Exist,' Youngblood highlights the idea that individual growth and self-expression can be achieved through creativity and interactivity. Unlike traditional books, his journal invites readers to engage with the material by writing, drawing, or even destroying pages as a form of catharsis. This interactive approach encourages fans to explore their feelings and thoughts openly, fostering a personal journey of self-discovery. By sharing his own insights, Dom creates a collaborative experience that resonates with his audience and empowers them to embrace their identities.
Lessons from Happiness and Vulnerability
Dom shares his perspective on happiness, describing it as a delicate balance between embracing joy and fearing its fragility. His upbringing in a turbulent environment instilled in him a sense of expecting disaster, often leading him to dismiss moments of joy quickly. He admits this has affected his ability to celebrate successes fully, as he feels compelled to move on to the next challenge. This vulnerability allows for a relatable connection with fans who may also struggle with accepting happiness, reinforcing the idea that it's okay to face and navigate these complexities together.
Do you think it’s uncool to be excited? Artist Yungblud wants us to marvel at the world; it’s life-affirming to be properly enthusiastic about stuff.
In this chat, Fearne and Yungblud talk about why we need to be done with being cool and distant. Instead, they share how to make sure you’re not dulling yourself down or putting filters on your real character.
Yungblud wears his heart – and his pain – on his sleeve, and explains why sharing dark thoughts can be a beautiful thing. Social media, he says, has helped us be more fearless because there will always be a tribe somewhere who will accept us.
Plus, how did Yungblud change the way he plays gigs when he realised loads of his fans are socially anxious?
You Need To Exist is published by Happy Place Books, and it’s out on August 15th.