Pain Behavior - Rising to the Top
During this time of Pride Month, we honor LGBTQ+ artists like Pain Behavior and their gifted musical abilities. Pain Behavior is a musician who creates songs with depth and meaning, as well as a grim edge. Pain Behavior recently released the song Heavy Light, which premiered on May 20th and is a moving tribute to both life and human connection. They also have several other songs, including Warrior, which, like its name, has a powerful story to tell. They discuss the sorrow as well as the inspiration of someone they once loved in a destructive way. Pain Behavior's commitment to pride doesn't stop there. They also took part in the annual Venice Pride event, where they performed and re-iterated their support. Pain Behavior is on the rise, and we're excited to see what they do next. Please read on to learn more about Pain Behavior and their musical path, as well as the inspiration and stories behind their songs, Heavy Light and Warrior, and their opinions on the importance of Venice pride.
Where are you based? I grew up in Hunger City, but now I look out from the forest in my mind.
What inspired you to get into music?
Musicians, poets, painters & video creators saved my life. Their story telling and emotions made me feel like I wasn't alone, in despair and discomfort, and gave me hope that I might come across like minded people if I ever broke free and ventured for myself. I have always felt destined to gather experiences and connect with people through storytelling. Music is the magic and the muse of my world.
Your music is dark, we love it! How would you describe your style?
I appreciate that! Thank you for listening. My style of communicating is very direct, emotional and explicit. My truth is always the compass for every creative endeavor, so I would describe my style as simply — honest.
You recently put out the song Heavy Light, can you tell us a bit about this song and what inspired it?
Heavy Light is a song about human connection, confusion and climax. Its an important song for me because it describes a process of thinking and promises I realize I make relating to sex, suffering and pleasure. Thematically, my pursuit for comfort, for a bit of ease in this life experience — has taken me at times, to some of the darkest moments of my life. Heavy Light is the moment before an outcome. The song is an invitation, an explanation, and ultimately a reason to come.
Warrior is a beautiful song. Can you tell us the story behind this song?
Thank you. Warrior is a song about a lover whose strength and flame intoxicated and inspired me. To me, they were so smart, expanded my perspective and gifted me beautiful treasures of thought and confidence. When we were apart, however, they behaved as though they were invisible. My hope for them was to always continue burning and expanding, but they didn't recognize the harm of their self destructive behavior. So I pleaded for them to stop endangering their life and offered full access to my body; hoping our sex would be enough for them to feel at peace in the world.
What do you hope your fans get from your music?
I hope they feel something from the music.
I hope they feel connected to a human experience and feel inspired to challenge their own.
I hope they love it, I hope they hate it. I hope they want to make their own.
Happy pride! We heard you just played Venice pride, can you tell us about this experience? Why was it important to you?
Venice pride was important to me because I was able to remind people that until black lives matter — the liberation that "Pride" is claiming to represent — hasn't happened yet. We are not in a celebratory space for anyone who is not an able bodied, white, cisgenered person. I am so grateful for the Venice Pride team to offer their resources and space for me to share a dialogue that hasn't been spoken to fruition yet.
Pride is only celebrated for one month a year for some people, how would you like to see it celebrated year long?
The list is long, but let's start with black lives mattering.
The past few years have been crazy. How have you been staying positive?
I have been focused on writing and conceptualizing visuals for my live performance shows. I find that being purpose driven is the best way for me to navigate the world.
What is your motto in life?
Uncover, discover, discard.
To stay connected with Pain Behavior, please follow them via the platforms below:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/painbehavior
Instagram @painbehavior
TEAR ME DOWN / NEW SPOTIFY AND SONG LINK WITH ALL PLATFORMS: https://painbehavior.hearnow.com/tear-me-down
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5DbXYpBmAsfA5HfTk9xqyg
Images by Daniel Guzman.
