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Stories

Moments that have shaped my journey as a musician

StoriesGrowth MindsetCommunityAdvice and SupportMental SkillsMental Health FailureReflections on Mental HealthDepressionMoney and MusicBurnoutAdvice from Mentors and Friends
StoriesStories
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16 months after my first suicidal thought, this message reminded me I still had a reason to live.
Oct 14, 2025

16 months after my first suicidal thought, this message reminded me I still had a reason to live.

And it helped me fall in love with music and life again.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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Dreams Aren’t Meant to Keep You Awake
Oct 07, 2025

Dreams Aren’t Meant to Keep You Awake

If your dreams keep you up at night, it’s not a sign to give up. It’s a sign you deserve support. I'm here to give it to you.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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A Quiet Street, A Guitar, and Me
Sep 16, 2025

A Quiet Street, A Guitar, and Me

I’ve been working on something different and I want you to read this first

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
Sometimes you just need a cry. And Eva Cassidy makes me cry... time after time
Sep 03, 2025

Sometimes you just need a cry. And Eva Cassidy makes me cry... time after time

When a voice feels like a hug you didn’t know you needed

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
A World Where Musicians Are Thriving (But the Coffee Tastes Like Shit)
Jul 22, 2025

A World Where Musicians Are Thriving (But the Coffee Tastes Like Shit)

Welcome to the multi-verse...for musicians

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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The panic attack that nearly ended my music career
Jul 15, 2025

The panic attack that nearly ended my music career

If burnout, pressure, or anxiety have stolen your joy for music, this one is for you.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
The night I made grown men cry
Jun 24, 2025

The night I made grown men cry

And why it changed the way I teach, perform, and talk about mental health.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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If Ed Sheeran can ask for help, so can you. It’s okay to not be okay.
May 13, 2025

If Ed Sheeran can ask for help, so can you. It’s okay to not be okay.

Because behind every great musician is a mental health story we never hear. Until now.

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
When Success Feels Like Free-Falling
Feb 18, 2025

When Success Feels Like Free-Falling

A story about fear, Frozen songs, and finding your voice at 100km/h

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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How to stop doubting yourself and start embracing your success
Jan 28, 2025

How to stop doubting yourself and start embracing your success

Why Imposter Syndrome Is a Sign You’re on the Right Track

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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How to Find Hope in a Broken Music Industry
Jan 14, 2025

How to Find Hope in a Broken Music Industry

Two moments that reminded me why music still matters

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
StoriesStories
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Why Being a Musician Is Like Cooking Rice
Jan 07, 2025

Why Being a Musician Is Like Cooking Rice

Just like rice, there’s more than one way to cook up a fulfilling music career

Brian Zhang
Brian Zhang
I write about my journey with depression as a musician to challenge the mental health stigma and help fellow musicians build resilience in today’s music industry.

The Mental Musician

I write about my journey with depression as a musician to challenge the mental health stigma and help fellow musicians build resilience in today’s music industry.

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