The Three A’s and the Industry
October is ADHD awareness month and so we talked to three Musicians/Performers who have Neurodevelopment Disorders. They shared openly, honestly, and willingly what life is like and discuss their journey in the music industry, with the aim to promote acceptance and educate people on their reality.
Autism, Asperger’s and ADHD, although commonly referred to as Mental Disability, Neurodevelopment Disorders is the correct term. With 1 in 150 people affected in Australia it is something very close to home for most of us. We either have the issue ourselves, live with someone who does, are friends with, work with or related too. Either way the Triple A’s is something we all are touched by in some way or another. For most with any of the Triple A’s it is something they must learn to live with not only through childhood but through their entire adult lives. The Triple A’s are not curable only manageable and that is not easy for them or their nearest and dearest with 1 in 20 Australians having ADHD and 1 in 70 Australians are on the Autism spectrum which encompasses Asperger’s diagnosis.
According to the National Health Service the main traits of Adults with Autism are:
finding it hard to understand what others are thinking or feeling
getting very anxious about social situations
finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own
seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to
finding it hard to say how you feel
taking things very literally – for example, you may not understand sarcasm or phrases like "break a leg"
having the same routine every day and getting very anxious if it changes
not understanding social "rules", such as not talking over people
avoiding eye contact
getting too close to other people, or getting very upset if someone touches or gets too close to you
noticing small details, patterns, smells or sounds that others do not
having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities
liking to plan things carefully before doing them
The main traits of ADHD in Adults are:
being unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
constantly fidgeting
being unable to concentrate on tasks
excessive physical movement
excessive talking
being unable to wait their turn
acting without thinking
interrupting conversations
little or no sense of danger
Now given these traits, life can be hard to manage but imagine being a musician or performer who must deal with these. Imagine the challenges involved with touring. The challenges of collaboration and working with others. The struggles with patience and time management. This cannot be an easy road to travel but for those born to be a part of the music or entertainment industry, it is something they must overcome to chase their dreams.
We interviewed three Triple A legends to get their side of the story, how they feel and their own personal struggles to find their way in an industry that isn’t easy even for the Neuro typical people.
Aspy Jones has used his Autism and high-level Anxiety to drive him and is considered “one of the most important up and coming artists on the Sunshine Coast”.
King Cass is described as “a mix of new school R&B/Rap with an almost Limp Bizkit style cherry on top”. He promotes “making change” as a positive message through his music and has done so the last five years speaking at special events.
Ben Sorensen, a 17-year veteran of the entertainment industry that has worked around the country, on stage, on radio and as MC for special events. With Ben’s neurodiversity he is described as a “Brain for hire” a title that has seen him transition into hosting and voice work for several television stations.
ASPY JONES
When did you first realise that you had a form of mental disability and what was the diagnosis?
I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome which is a form of Autism when I was 8 years old so I guess I’ve always known that I’m a little different to most neurotypical people.
What about your condition makes you different/special/unique?
The funny thing about autism is that it affects everybody differently. My autism can cause social difficulties, anxiety, lack of focus and short term and working memory issues.
People who suffer from mental health often have a creative, gifted side, were you able to take advantage of this to forward your career in the music and entertainment industry?
It definitely helps my songwriting and creativity but there are lots of disadvantages which have hindered my career if anything.
What have been the benefits of being You in your quest for a career in music and entertainment?
Accepting my autism took a really long time. I hated being different and an outsider, but things have been much easier for me mentally once I stopped trying to be like other artists and just started being me. I now write about whatever I want to write about and be totally me when I perform.
What have been the drawbacks of being You in your quest for a career in music and entertainment?
So many! I find it hard to sell myself, network and build relationships quickly. I struggle to organise myself and my calendar has to tell me when to leave the house and I’m still late. I seem to have no concept of time! I constantly struggle to focus on whatever I’m supposed to be doing. I forget nearly everything - faces, names, conversations, things I’ve done, everything. I’ve written songs that I’ve completely forgotten about! I have slow working memory, so conversations can be difficult for me. And all the above gives me anxiety which then makes all the above worse! It’s a vicious cycle!
Have you had to change any thought processes, or routines, to adapt to your career in the entertainment industry, to reach your goals?
I’ve had to admit that I need help and luckily for me I’ve got an amazing support network of people around me that believe in me and give me a lot of help and support.
“People find me frustrating and annoying and I don’t blame them”
How are you treated within the industry, for example at an event with other artists and crews? Do you think you’re treated differently?
It’s mixed. People who know me well or have had experience with autism are usually great. But other people find me frustrating and annoying and I don’t blame them. I get really frustrated and annoyed with myself when I let people down. I try and be really nice to everyone and I apologise a lot!
A lot of travel is involved with touring and events. Do you struggle with the change and unfamiliarity that comes with life on the road?
Yes I do but it’s my goal and I always try and push myself out of my comfort zone! I plan to travel and tour around Australia once the boarders are open.
How do you find booking gigs? Is it an easy process? Are people prepared to give you a go?
I find it really difficult, you need to be able to sell tickets and get enough people through the door to fill the venue and I’m just not at that stage yet. It’s even worse during Covid times.
What does performing do for your self esteem?
Well, that depends on the gig, if people don’t connect to your music it’s tough but if they do, it’s the best feeling in the world. I’ve had a few gigs lately where I’ve caught people singing along to my songs with me and shouting out my songs as requests. That just blows me away!
Do you believe there is equal opportunity within the industry?
No I don’t, it’s getting better and we’re heading in the right direction but there’s a long way to go. Same goes for minority groups. It’s important for audiences to see someone they can relate to and festivals, venues and the industry as a whole need to be more inclusive in their line-ups.
What would you say to those people, who, like you, have a dream to be on that stage with an audience applauding their talent?
In school, I was talked out of following a music career and told to get a ‘real job’. It was one of the most miserable and depressing times of my life. Thankfully I got fired because I was terrible at it. I may not be a successful artist but I’m so much happier doing what I love. I think everyone should at least try and follow their dreams, you don’t want to spend the rest of your life wondering.
KING CASS
When did you first realise that you had a form of mental disability and what was the diagnosis?
At age 6 I was diagnosed with ADHD
What about your condition makes you different/special/unique?
I am a fast thinker. I have creative ideas. When I set my heart on something I go all out. My vision is broad and I can tap into that little boy I was and express my pain through music.
People who suffer from mental health often have a creative, gifted side, were you able to take advantage of this to forward your career in the music and entertainment industry?
Yes. When I collaborate or work along side others I have a strong creative process and I am happy to share my ideas and visions. When it comes to making the visuals for my music videos and concepts for music and vision for art covers I can articulate my ideas very well so the people can help me bring that vision alive.
What have been the benefits of being You in your quest for a career in music and entertainment?
I am able to share my trauma pain and my story through my music and have reached a lot of people that have needed to hear my message. Pulling them out the darkness with my music and people being able to relate to my story and the words I write and to see my story being told visually too.
What have been the drawbacks of being You in your quest for a career in music and entertainment?
Some people do not take me seriously. I have been bullied and ostracized heavily in this music industry. I guess because I’m so loud and proud and passionate that people mistake it for me being to over the top. Some people say I use my story to get ahead in my music career rather than seeing that I use the music to spread the messages I promote. A lot of it is tall poppy syndrome or people projecting there insecurities on to me and not seeing the changes I have made. It’s the people that are wanting to change and do better for there families. Why can’t they accept that I have changed, people need to stop looking through the past lens they have of me and look at me through a new lens of the man I am today.
“Every single day I battle with my emotions and the way I feel about my self”
Have you had to change any thought processes, or routines, to adapt to your career in the entertainment industry, to reach your goals?
Every single day I battle with my emotions and the way I feel about my self. I have to tell my self every day I’m proud of my self and I’m talented and keep speaking positive affirmations to myself. As well I have had to cut off circles that don’t support me in reaching my goals. I tend to give my self to much to people rather than step back and focus on me. My resilience and self belief would be what’s got me this far.
How are you treated within the industry, for example at an event with other artists and crews? Do you’re think your treated differently?
I guess this could be my inner critic going off but I feel like some people there are not interested in me. I try to make connections. A lot of people over promise and under deliver and kind of tell you what you want to hear. That can be so disheartening and pull me back to feeling that low self esteem. But in saying that I have meet some amazing caring artists, DJs, promoters that take me really serious and believe in my message and uplift me in those spaces. Their the real ones.
A lot of travel is involved with touring and events. Do you struggle with the change and unfamiliarity that comes with life on the road?
I haven’t found any struggles with that. I love travelling and love being on the road and running to an itinerary or schedule etc I’ve had to un-learn some old behaviours to be able to be comfortable moving around while touring and doing events and handling the work load etc.
How do you find booking gigs? Is it an easy process? Are people prepared to give you a go?
Yes absolutely people have given me a go, but mainly I create my own gigs/ tours to put my self on and for other artist that aren’t getting a shot. I like to create that safe platform for them to come express and share there talent. I have had a festival book me then cancel on me due to my past, again listening to the rumours from my past. We all have a past, pick up a new lens and see the real me. I am reliable and ready to work, help promote and more. I can bring a powerful message to your gigs events etc
What does performing do for your self esteem?
It uplifts me. I feel heard. After I perform I always have that one person come up to me and share how they are in a dark place and my music has helped them tonight/today. I just wrap my arms with care around them and stay connected even after the show. I can create the fan basses of die hard followers by being true to my message. No matter the event I will still be my unique self, not change up for any reason or to fit in. I bring my message and deliver it with justice.
Do you believe there is equal opportunity within the industry?
Yes and no. I feel there are some gate keepers that only put the big acts and celebrities on in those spaces. But I know it takes hard work and dedication and it is a numbers game. I've only been releasing music and established the King Cass movement 5 years ago so I’m patiently waiting for my big shot as I believe my message can reach and save millions.
What would you say to those people, who, like you, have a dream to be on that stage with an audience applauding their talent?
Don’t listen to the ones that say your not going to make it. Find your passion and drive that vision to the moon and back. Dream big, lift your head high, don’t focus on the negatives focus on the positives. Reach out, connect with like minded people. Watch out for people who just want to use you, it’s your craft your talent don’t let any one direct you, but in saying that be open to constructive criticism and other peoples ideas as some one's advice might be a new road to add to your journey. Don’t be afraid to take risks and just love everybody, hate can cause you to have step backs. The music industry is so competitive but like I say I just want be better than when I first started doing this and keep evolving as an artist. Last thing be true, unique and share the truth and your story through your music.
BEN SORENSEN
ben Sorensen
When did you first realise that you had a form of mental disability and what was the diagnosis?
Firstly, Autism can be described as a disability, but it’s mainly a wide spectrum of neuro diverse people with a range of different skills, abilities and challenges compared to neurologically typical people. We prefer not to use derogatory terms like “mentally disabled” and simply call ourselves Autistic, or Aspies a much kinder and accurate descriptor. Suffering also infers we know something other than what we know to be our existence… Autism is where your brain is literally wired differently, and its that way from birth. Most of the “suffering” comes from a lack of acceptance or understanding from the outside world.
What about your condition makes you different/special/unique?
It’s a common misconception that we are all like “Rain Man” when that isn’t at all an accurate representation of all Autistic people. There is a saying, when you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person. Many Autistic people, myself included, have the ability to hyper focus on one or a few things that we are very interested in, to the exclusion of everything else. We also see our Autism as part of us, part of who we are as a person, rather than a condition to be cured.
People who suffer from mental health often have a creative, gifted side, were you able to take advantage of this to forward your career in the music and entertainment industry?
Mental health is a massive issue for society as a whole, but poor mental health is more a co-morbidity than a feature/symptom of Autism. The arts have been a great creative and healing outlet for many struggling with depression and anxiety, as for my Autism, one of the areas I’ve been able to focus on is observational humour, communication and trying to create safe spaces for everyone.
What have been the benefits of being You in your quest for a career in music and entertainment?
Its not so much a quest - I have been earning a full time living from my work in the entertainment industry for the last 17 years, I think its fair to say, this is what I do. My unique selling points are my quirky different view I have of the world, my willingness to make just about anything work, and my resourcefulness to make sure it does!
What have been the drawbacks of having a career in music and entertainment?
One of the drawbacks was all the travel, I was on a plane every second week – but Covid fixed that! I think the main issue is that it takes lots of energy to be touring and working as I do, and Autistic people burn more energy than neurotypical people. So, for me it’s about managing work time and having adequate recharge time so I’m fresh and ready to go again for the next gig.
Have you had to change any thought processes, or routines, to adapt to your career in the entertainment industry?
I think all processes evolve to meet the needs of the ever-changing environment. Those who succeed are those who can learn, unlearn, and relearn for ultimate adaptability. My greatest gift has been a quick nimble brain for strategy and opportunity. As for routines, I have a love hate relationship with them. “I hate my routine, but don’t you dare change it!” Although sometimes you just have to step up and do it. It takes a lot of energy to be the best version of our selves daily, and I don’t always hit that mark, but it is an admirable goal to strive for.
“Autistic people aren’t less just different”
How are you treated within the industry, for example at an event with other artists and crews? Do you think you’re treated differently?
Autistic people aren't less just different. Artists and crews are fantastic. I’m treated equally as a human, which is exactly as I and everyone else should be. If I have some struggles or issues, like anyone, the arts community is kind, warm, and supportive.
Sometimes my personality is misread as being too short or direct, but we aren’t meant to be BFF’s with everyone.
A lot of travel is involved with touring and events. Do you struggle with the change and unfamiliarity that comes with life on the road?
I do sometimes… but that’s why I have some amazing hacks and a great team to minimise the effects! I have my publicist Bronny and my Manager James, who are wonderful at working out the details, I have my driver in Melbourne and Sydney who I know quite well, plus the staff at the airport lounge and in the air are wonderful at making me feel comfortable in everywhere I go. As for hotels, thankfully most hotels are pretty similar, and I try to get the same sort of room everywhere I go – particularly with those hotel breakfasts!
How do you find booking gigs? Is it an easy process? Are people prepared to give you a go?
Again, I don’t make a living from pity gigs? I am a professional entertainer in my own right. Not a disabled Autistic kid to throw a bone to. I work consistently because I’m good at what I do and add value to the shows I’m part of. Booking a gig with me is super easy – contact my team and they will do the rest! I’m very fortunate to have such a solid skilled team.
What does performing do for your self esteem?
I enjoy what I do, but pegging my self-worth to any job is a recipe for disaster. We are all more than our jobs, although when work occupies such a large part of our worlds, it can be hard to remember that. I enjoy performing as it gives me an opportunity to hone my skills and versatility. Performing for me is a mix of live stage work, studio time, writing, and filming work all joyously being authentically me.
Do you believe there is equal opportunity within the industry?
Absolutely not. We still see the LGBTQIA+ community, our proud First Nations communities underrepresented in today’s media and events. Their stories, their craft, their skill and talent are just as worthy and valid as any other. As for Autism, and Autistic people, there are some obstacles that can be a challenge, but the harsh reality is we still need to be able to find a way to complete the tasks the job requires. Having said that, I think the entertainment industry has a place for almost anyone who can complete the job as required and who can be creative and work hard, although for some the career trajectory may be less lineal.
What would you say to those people, who, have a dream to be on that stage with an audience applauding their talent?
I’d suggest to concurrently master whatever is quintessentially you, your uniqueness, and work on detaching your self-worth and ego from the concept of audience approval and fame. Fame isn’t the goal, but largely is a by-product of being exceptional at what you do. So.. Aim to be balanced, exceptional, avoid addiction of any sort and LOTS of therapy! Lol
We thank Ben, King Cass and Aspy for the time and honesty to make this piece happen.
By Michelle Symes