Award-winning singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and community advocate Stringz EMB  addresses mental health on his new single “Lights On,” featuring Will Buchanan & Katarra Parson. “I was inspired to write this song as a result of my own personal struggles of being in the light and forging a smile to hide a depth of depression,” EMB said.

EMB dives into the artist’s overwhelming sentiment of depression and self-awareness. The first verse of the single starts personal. Addressing how mental health issues changed relationships with close family and friends, ultimately faded away. As a rising star, the spotlight is definitely on him, but he admits his true vulnerability with the chilling lyric, “the sun is shining on me, but still I’m feeling.”

“Mental health is an issue that touches the majority of individuals. For years, we’ve been prepped and motivated to do what it takes to keep our emotions hidden as we carry out the duties of our day,” mentions Stringz. “Lights on” brings those issues to the forefront, opening up transparency around the feeling of an exterior smile that covers up deep and active depression. It is ok to not feel ok. The more we become comfortable with that statement, the quicker we’ll be able to create a true remedy for the emotional epidemic,” 

Watch the video below.