^{We, photographer Claudia Gschwend and writer Melanie Biedermann, have been having a private conversation for many years: music can be soothing, ecstatic, communal, and spiritual, so could we experience it as healing, too? As we’ve learned the origin stories of artists who have dedicated their lives to music, something has become clear to us: music is deeply tied to our identities, and, as such, our mental wellbeing.}

“In music, the state of connection is more important than form or technique.” Domenico Lancellotti (right side)

“Music gives me the feeling of transcendence.” Mabe Fratti

“Playing music is a moment of connection.” Oki Kano

“Making genuine art means that you are more open, more vulnerable, more in touch with feelings.”
Farah Chamma (pictured right)

“Most of the time it’s about silence.” Stephen O’Malley

“It’s hard to keep safe, mentally, if you can’t express yourself.” Shoko Yoshida

“Music could have a much more positive impact” Niels Nieuborg aka Arp Frique

“Music is a big deflflator for violence.” Anthony Sahyoun (second from left in the picture below)

“If you make music that is true to yourself, it will work in a healing way. ”
Jason Kohnen

“Music makes me feel like I belong somewhere.” Muhammad Dawjee