Suicideboys: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Rebellion
Embracing Sobriety and Authenticity
Now that both members of the group, Suicideboys, have embraced sobriety, they are cautious not to proselytize to an audience that comes to them for a release from their own personal pain. In an interview, lead vocalist and rapper, Ruby da Cherry, also known as Petrou, stated, "A lot of our fans haven’t gotten to that point yet. We don’t want them to necessarily feel abandoned – like, ‘We saw the light, good luck on your own.’ We still try to dive back into what we felt years ago. We were miserable, and we didn’t realize the drugs were a big part of what was making us miserable."
Maintaining Independence and Creative Control
Throughout their ups and downs, Suicideboys have focused on retaining control over how their music is made and distributed, which has been essential to staying true to themselves. Petrou emphasized, "Everything that we can do as independently as we can, we do it. Labels don’t see a share of our profits, and we don’t really work with other artists. You’re not going to see us at the V.M.A.s. Scott and I just keep to ourselves."
Confronting the Music Industry
When they have crossed paths with the conventional music industry, they’ve rankled the powers that be. Petrou shared an anecdote about being offered the chance to fly a flag of their choice atop Los Angeles’s famous Capitol Records tower, but requesting an unprintable song title referencing their distaste for the music industry itself. The offer was quickly rescinded.
A Critical View of the Music Industry
Guitarist and rapper, Scary Terry, also known as Arceneaux, regards the music business as "a little too narcissistic for our taste." He explained, "We never wanted to rely on anybody for anything. We’ve had enough experience to know that was no good." Petrou echoed this sentiment, stating, "A lot of them seem a little too full of themselves. At the end of the day, you have a lot of people that make you ask yourself, ‘Why am I doing this?’"
The Power of Fan Connection
One answer to this question is the fans that have supported them throughout the years, becoming a core part of the group’s life in the process. In a constantly changing speech that Arceneaux has made during every Suicideboys concert since getting sober, he recounts his struggles and emphasizes that even when awash in life’s lowest points, "There’s hope that life can get better." Petrou added, "I get told literally by everyone that we meet that as a fan, 10 times out of 10, that we saved their life. It’s such a heavy statement, and we get told it so often that both of us completely deflect it. We say, ‘Well, thank you, because you saved our lives too.’"
Conclusion
Suicideboys’ journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery, creativity, and connection. By embracing their authenticity and maintaining control over their music, they have built a loyal fan base that looks up to them as a source of hope and inspiration. Despite the challenges they have faced, they remain committed to staying true to themselves and creating music that resonates with their audience.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Suicideboys to pursue a career in music?
A: According to Petrou, the group’s early experiences with depression, anxiety, and addiction led them to turn to music as a means of coping and expressing themselves.
Q: How has their sobriety impacted their music and performance?
A: In an interview, Petrou stated, "We still try to dive back into what we felt years ago. We were miserable, and we didn’t realize the drugs were a big part of what was making us miserable." This renewed focus on their music has led to a more authentic and relatable sound.
Q: What is the significance of the group’s name, Suicideboys?
A: In an interview, Arceneaux explained, "Suicideboys was never meant to be taken literally. It was a metaphor for the destructive tendencies and the self-destruction that we went through."
Q: How do Suicideboys respond to the criticism and negativity they receive from the music industry and fans?
A: Petrou stated, "We’re not trying to make enemies. We’re just trying to make music that we’re proud of, and if people don’t like it, that’s okay." Arceneaux added, "We’re not here to please anyone. We’re here to make music that we believe in, and if people get it, that’s awesome."
