Some fans may have noticed that Melbourne’s Slum Sociable haven’t been too visible in recent months, despite their upcoming record slated for an October 13th release. Today, the group have broken their silence, explaining that their absence has unfortunately been due to ongoing struggles with mental health.

Slum Sociable’s Miller Upchurch took to social media today to share a short note explaining the band’s absence, using the opportunity to candidly discuss battles with depression that he has experienced over the last year.

“You may have noticed a lack of presence and activity from us over the last six months, which has not been intentional,” wrote Miller. “I’m writing this to open up a discussion on mental health, and to take what I think is a step in the right direction when it comes to facing something like depression, by being open and honest about it, instead of hiding from it and everyone I care about.”

“Over the last ten months I have been struggling with depression, to the point where I feel overwhelmed every day, and almost anything could send me into a downward spiral where I retreat from the world and have a shit time, doing nothing but thinking about all the negative aspects of my life. In times like those it’s practically impossible to find any motivation to do anything or see my life as worthwhile.”

Miller noted that depression had detrimentally affected the duo’s productivity over the last six months, and as a result, have Slum Sociable have decided to postpone the release of their debut album until Friday, November 24th.

“That is the reality of it,” Miller continued. “It affects people’s work, families and lives every day, and in being someone who struggles with it, all I want is to be able to help those who don’t feel like they can or know how to help themselves, by opening up about my own battle.”

The group’s post was concluded with a deep appreciation for their fans for appreciating the position they have been in, which resulted in an outpouring of love and support from said fans all over the group’s various social media accounts.

Slum Sociable’s self-titled debut album is now scheduled to be released on November 24th, be sure to catch the duo this Friday when they play with Fortunes for Melbourne Museum’s Nocturnal.

If you or somebody you care for needs help or information about depression, suicide, anxiety, or mental health issues, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

YouTube VideoPlay

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine