Talk Sober Live: Recovery Through Music, ‘My Imperfection’s My Most Beautiful Part’
In this new All Sober video spotlight, musicians in recovery Benjamin Lerner and Mindy Davey talk, sing and rap about the sickness, the scars and the future
Just as a successful artist can fall into addiction and despair despite their talents, you can be hopeless with a tune but still thrive on music therapy in recovery. Creative outlets, after all, are a powerful tool for coming to terms with the complicated emotions of early sobriety.
On the Sept. 14 episode of our Talk Sober interview and video series, which airs on Facebook Live, we caught up with two artists who happen to be both musically gifted and thriving in recovery. They may be pros, but Benjamin Lerner and Mindy Davey show what healing through music can look like for anyone: wrestling raw memories and feelings through lyrics, clearing paths toward hope over the course of a song.
Lerner is a classical piano prodigy, rapper and former IV drug user; Davey is a singer-songwriter 10 years sober from opioid addiction. Both let us into their studios for a glimpse of the process that releases trauma and triumph in bars and chords.
In “Scars,” Lerner sings of the reminders of his needle use. “I used to always be obsessed with what to do with my scars / But truth be told, my imperfection’s my most beautiful part / And I’m just proud that there’s a part of me that sets me apart / Reminding me how far I’ve managed to progress from the start.”
Davey, in her new single “Destiny,” reaches a similar place of pride and resolve. “I worked hard every single step of the way / Had the devil on the sideline, calling my name / But I’m never looking back again, moving up from where I’ve been.” Be sure to check out new and upcoming music from both Lerner and Davey, who have inspiring projects out now and on the way. Plus, follow All Sober on Facebook for more exciting live segments!
Topics
Essential Reading
More Inspiration
Subs & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Part 3: 'I'm a Loser (And I'm Not What I Appear To Be)'
Don Fertman reaches bottom as the jelly donut hits the wall. The latest installment of the longtime Subway exec's memoir.
The Joy of Baking (Sober)
Two months sober, Annie Zimmerman decided to make cookies. Now, her hobby turned passion yields fulfillment, connection and delicious soberversary cakes. Read the interview!
Subs & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Part 2: A Day in the Life
Don Fertman woke up one morning 40 years ago and poured himself a drink, as usual. But the future Subway exec didn't know this day would be far from ordinary.
Running Toward Recovery
Seeking purpose in early recovery, Annie Zimmerman rekindled an old fire with distance running — and found it carried her through some of her toughest trials in sober life.
Closer to the Shore
On Ben Tuff's third day in inpatient treatment, he had a surprising encounter that would eventually lead him to attempt a grueling 24-mile swim across the Narragansett Bay.
Subs & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Part 1: With a Little Help From My Friends
Don Fertman, longtime Subway exec, writes about a pivotal moment in his 40 years of sobriety: what happened after he went public about his recovery on "Undercover Boss."
Sober Holiday Tips: Meeting 'Share-a-Thons'
Need to get out of the house for a bit and see some friendly sober faces? Recovery support group meeting marathons run 24/7 from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day.
'Swim Tuff: How I Swam My Way Out of the Bottle' | All Sober Movie Night
Coming out of severe alcohol addiction, Ben Tuff barely knew how to swim. Ten years later, he makes a bold attempt to traverse the Narragansett Bay, taking on 24 miles of ocean in one day.