- (Interview by Isaac Joseph Davis Junior)
There are millions of Americans who have rehabilitating disabilities that cause them to become prisoners in their own body, mind, and soul. This next artist continues to struggle with a common mental illness known as paranoid schizophrenia (click word to learn more about it). But unlike some who never fully recovered from paranoid schizophrenia, Joseph A. Peragine is taking his disability and turning into something that is magical, intoxicating, and bewildered.
Through his music, Joseph weaves a tale that illuminates the very essence of what experimental music is all about. Although his words are dark, his music is quite sobering and it takes you own a journey that once you return you will never be the same. One of the best treats about this artist is his voice; a mixture of acoustical and folk blended to a perfect sound.
Junior’s Cave at Music Now proudly presents Joseph A. Peragine:
Isaac-Joseph: It is our pleasure to introduce you to our readers of this Internet Indie Publication. I want to first start off by asking you about your personal struggles with paranoid schizophrenia. At what point did you begin to realize that you were having feelings that you could not describe?
Joseph: Now in my twenties with the self-awareness of my illness, looking back, I would definitely have to say that it dates back to about age 16. That was the age when my paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations really started to come out. Life changing experiences trigger the onset schizophrenia, and age sixteen was a very pivotal year for me.
Isaac-Joseph: Your music is beautiful. When I listen to it, I feel that I am on a journey of awakening. How has your own personal struggles help fueled your passion for music?
Joseph: I’ve always been into music for as long as I can remember. And music seems to be my coping device for all of the challenges and hardships that I face in life. My schizophrenia is a very intense thing, so I channel all of that manic energy into the positive outlet of music. It’s very healing for me.
Isaac-Joseph: For those who are living with a mental disability, what message would you like to send out to them about pursing their dreams?
Joseph: Anything is possible if you want it bad enough. Recovery is definitely possible and just recovery in itself and leading a normal life is a dream accomplished in my eyes. If one with a mental disability can do that, then they can do anything they put their mind to.
Isaac-Joseph: One of your most haunting tracks entitled Voices is amazing. At times during the song, I became frightened, saddened, and even bewildered. What were some of your thoughts running through your head when you produced this track?
Joseph: Pure insanity. I really wanted to capture the types of thoughts that were running through my mind at the time of my hospitalization. This track definitely represents one of the most frightening points of my schizophrenia.
Isaac-Joseph: What has been one of the most rewarding aspects about the music industry that you have experienced that you feel positive about?
Joseph: The ability to reach and inspire others by spreading the message that there is recovery from mental illness. That means the world to me.
Isaac-Joseph: How do you handle negative feedback that you received about your music?
Joseph: I take it as constructive criticism because I always strive to do better. I do realize that as a musician, not everybody is going to like what I’m doing nor will everybody understand it. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. But as long as I stay true to myself that’s all that really matters.
Isaac-Joseph: Name one artist that you feel has had the most influence on you as an experimental solo musician?
Joseph: Henry Rollins hands down.
Isaac-Joseph: Joseph, when you are performing live on stage, describe the emotions that run through your veins?
Joseph: Whenever I perform, I just try to channel everything else around me out and focus on pure intensity. In a way I kind of revisit my schizophrenia and channel that energy into the performance.
Isaac-Joseph: Do you consider yourself a role model to others? If so, what personal message do you have for them?
Joseph: If I could have the ability to be a role model and inspire others my message would be, “If I can pursue my dreams despite my illness, then you can do it too!”
Isaac-Joseph: One of the reasons that I found your music to be something that engages the listeners is how honest you are about who you are. Has this type of honesty about your struggles ever had any negative feedbacks from promoters or any venues? If so, explain how do you overcome this type of ignorance?
Joseph: No I’ve never really had any negative feedbacks so far. When people talk to me and see that I’m a normal person just like them, generally they get very curious about schizophrenia and want to find out more about it.
Isaac-Joseph: This is what we call our Shout Out time: Give props to those that have been a positive influence in your life:
Joseph: Definitely my family. Don’t think that I would have made it this far without them. They have been very supportive every step of the way.
Isaac-Joseph: Shameless plugs: (any future releases, tour dates, photo shoots, or anything else that you would like to divulge to our readers?)
Joseph: If you get a minute, to find out more about me and my music, and schizophrenia, please visit www.josephAperagine.com. Thank you! Have a great day!