“A music artist can’t save your life.” as a 15 year old girl, this is the most incorrect statement I’ve ever heard.
2021 was probably one of the hardest years of my life, starting secondary school as a quiet and awkward 11 year old, my idea of hell. Days into my new school, the taunting and bullying immediately began – I’d always expressed myself differently, I wore crazy eyeliner and crazy clothes, however, I stopped, I turned into someone I hated. I wore clothes and makeup that made me feel uncomfortable, all I wanted was to fit in somewhere, anywhere.
I was alone often, I’d always been alone, I was a weirdo. I fell into a really dark place pretending to be someone I wasn’t.
I was never really a fan of music. Scrolling through TikTok I would get the occasional YUNGBLUD song, there was always a specific song that would run round and round my mind and a lyric that stuck with me for a few days afterwards.
I didn’t think much of it until I came across a video of Dom talking. “You are good enough, you are important.” I started doom-scrolling for hours through this crazy looking guy talking about how its okay to be yourself, I felt weirdly understood.
Listening to Dom became part of my daily routine. The first song that truly affected and stuck with me was Mars “Do you feel like your irrelevant?” Yes, yes I did feel irrelevant. I was in the worst place I ever had been, mentally and physically.
It was never anything serious though, he was just a music artist, it was unrealistic to even dream of meeting him or seeing him live.
That was until early 2024 an announcement from Ticketmaster came up on my phone. ‘Bludfest’. I had to go.
I had the time of my life, this crazy looking guy had created a space where I felt understood, accepted and heard. I felt so loved and so seen. I dressed how I wanted to, I expressed myself exactly how I wanted too. I realised this is the reason that I want to carry on – there is people out there that will accept you even if you don’t accept yourself.
I want to Thank Dom for everything he has done for me, he’s had such a big impact on my life and has changed my outlook on life. I love you so much for that. He has created the most beautiful fanbase where a group of misunderstood people have created their own family where everyone can feel understood.
Life is worth living and you are worth something to someone.
– Tiana