Bands That Have Helped My Mental Health Recently (Bands I Run To)

I thought I’d share some positivity in the form of music! Here are some of the bands that keep my spirit lifted when I’m not feeling the best. Maybe they’ll help boost your mood too!

These are the bands 10 times out of 10 I’ll have blasting through my ears when I’m on my run/walk around town 3-4 times a day!

It’s funny isn’t it… if you think about it… music is actually super personal! You can learn a lot about an individual by the music they listen to. I never used to think too much about it, but writing this now, I think it’s quite exciting to learn about people via the means of music!

The Struts
Who doesn’t like The Struts? One day I’ll have as much confidence as Luke Spiller, and maybe one day I’ll even look like him… that’s the friggin’ goal. He’s one gorgeous talented creature that is for sure. Right, let’s stop gawping.
The Struts have so many feel good songs, I honestly can’t help but throw some moves to them. They make my heart beat faster, get my adrenaline pumping, they unlock that little box that has all my serotonin and dopamine kept in it and it comes flooding out when I listen to these guys. This band makes me feel so damn SEXY. I could be strutting down the street, greasy hair up in a ponytail, stale perfume, no makeup… and I’d still feel like the most confident badass in the world – capable of achieving my dreams and grabbing them with both hands. They made me realise that I deserve better, and I am the only people in this world that can give that to myself.
The best thing about this band is that it really doesn’t matter whether you are stone cold sober or completely rat arse drunk… they still sound out of this world and give you the feeling of an orgasm. Can you tell I really like this band yet?
TOP 3 SONGS:
Put Your Money On Me
Primadonna Like Me
Dirty Sexy Money

Kris Barras
Barras is usually on an absolute constant repeat. First thing in the morning, the second my eyes open… reach for the Spotify app… play Kris Barras. SORTED. I’m not sure what it is, but Kris Barras always manages to get me pumped and ready for the day – especially when I used to have to get up for work. I can listen to Kris play guitar all day, I’m always utterly mesmerised when I see him play live. His songs have such attitude, and we know I’m a sucker for anything with proper hearty punchy riffs, and that is exactly what he offers. He is also such a wonderful lyricist and it is a delight to hear him sing. Kris Barras is very talented and I genuinely enjoy just chilling out and embracing that talent. However, I find when I’m out on my walk or run (no matter what time of day) his songs are so motivating and I always come back home with a little more fire in my belly, and a lot more belief in myself. There isn’t a single mood where I won’t listen to Kris Barras – his music has comforted me when I am sad, and it’s also brought me joy when I’m happy. If you’ve ever seen me about town, speed walking around with my headphones in and I’m totally in my own little world and zoned out…. I will definitely be rocking out to Kris Barras. Good luck trying to get my attention when his music is playing!
TOP 3 SONGS:
What You Get
I’m Gone
Rain

Steel Panther
If you really really really love me… then you’ll listen to Steel Panther with me. You know, sometimes… the only thing you really really need is… STEEL PANTHER! If I’ve got a bit of a grump on, or I feel like I can take on the entire universe and win, then these are the boys I’m blasting through my earholes. They help me to remember what life was like outside of a pandemic and help to remind me that there is so much life outside of the town I live in. I love the fact that they write all lyrics so many people are too scared to put into a song, and it isn’t rap music… it’s 80’s hair metal! YES QUEENS!!
This band really unleash my inner lioness. I feel the need to backcomb my hair, pull on my ripped leggins and try to lick everything in sight. As the saying goes “you don’t know the real Jodie till you’ve seen her dance to Steel Panther“, and it is so true! Steel Panther are my F*CK YOU band, they help get rid of all that built up negativity I keep locked away deep inside but they also fill me right up to the brim with confidence and give me an ego boost so if anyone was to come up to me and decide to be a bit of a dick, it wouldn’t be their best decision.
TOP 3 SONGS:
17 Girls In A Row
If You Really Really Love Me
Tiger Woods

Paul Weller
Even though this guy is the definition of a musical genius, I seem to gravitate to him most in my lowest of moods. Maybe the emotions hit differently or something. He just seems to know how to heal open wounds, with his smooth like chocolate vocals, and his genuine genius lyrics partnered with the most gorgeous guitar tunes you could ever dream of. When I’m in a hole that is basically drowning in sadness and I’m sinking very quickly into a depression or fit of anxiety, I always go to Weller. I love his music all the time, he is a God like genius; but when I’m out on my walks and I’m feeling incredibly alone and have a lot of sad emotions I haven’t quite got out my system yet, I’ll have Weller in my ears. I’ll completely zone out and switch off from the outside world and immerse myself in his music, remembering a really beautiful period of my life and I always seem to imagine myself looking my absolute best, in stiletto heels and a gorgeous sequined dress and I’ll be dancing like I know how to dance and in those moments, life will seem peaceful again. Nothing calms me more than Weller.
TOP 3 SONGS:
Above The Clouds
Out Of The Sinking
Saturns Pattern

The Treatment
You can’t get much more upbeat and motivating than The Treatment. I always stick on The Treatment when I need to kick my arse into action. I have the best job in the entire world… I get to work with rock bands! Every little girls dream right? No? Well it was mine! Being a pretty little princess never appealed to me, I always wanted to be a badass independent rocker. However, sometimes I get stuck in a rut and have little to no motivation… but The Treatment pick me up by my lady bollocks and shout in my face “hey! look! we’re awesome, and so are all the other bands! get up, get dressed, go on that run and organise a damn festival!“. They are a great band to listen to on a run or walk, I’m always singing along out loud – I probably make the locals worry! There is so much power behind them, in the drums, in the vocals and in the guitars. It really does drive you to achieve your goals and to be the absolute best you can be. They demand to be listened to LOUD! I always feel like the rock chick I am after a good head banging session to these guys. Sometimes we need a kick up the butt and a proper look in the mirror to go out there and be proud of who we are!
TOP 3 SONGS:
Let It Begin
Rat Race
Let’s Get Dirty

The Who
A band of my childhood! I have to admit, The Who sound the best in the summer… I’m not sure why I think that, but during the hot weather The Who are my GO TO! I love listening to The Who, I just have a lot of good memories and vibes attached to this band. I get a prop buzz when I get their lyrics right as well… there just isn’t anyone writing songs like they did back in the day. Take me right back to my roots, remind me who I am at heart and that I am clever, passionate and kind of awesome in my own weird way. I gain a swagger in my walk, a spring in my step, a bounce in my hair, a confidence in my personality, I gain some faith in myself again when I rock out to The Who. They’ve been with me through my whole life pretty much, I don’t remember not being a fan of The Who. I am 100% authentic Jodie when I have this band in the background… the innocent, music loving, kind, sweet, passionate little rock ‘n’ roller I always am, ever since childhood. They should know!
TOP 3 SONGS:
5:15
Eminence Front
Won’t Get Fooled Again

I hope this blog has been somewhat interesting to read, perhaps you have decided to check out some awesome bands I have mentioned or maybe you even feel the same about a few I have named. I hope this has been a good read none the less.

Please do feel free to check me out on my social media platforms linked below:
INSTAGRAM : Nozfest
FACEBOOK : JodieBowie
FACEBOOK : Nozfest
FACEBOOK GROUP : Nozfest
WEBSITE : www.nozfest.org
YOUTUBE : JodieBowie

See you soon!

Jodie x ❤ x

Life Update: Walking, Why I Disappeared & GIGS!!

I thought perhaps it was time for another Life Update. I do enjoy writing these, and I think you guys enjoy reading them. It’s been a few months now, so it’s time to update you lovely lot again. Let’s get cracking!

 

FITNESS
Towards the end of lockdown I started going for an hours walk a day to get me back into things before returning to work. However, I enjoyed walking so much I carried it on. I installed a step-counting app and I’ve become a little obsessed with counting my steps now. I’ve been working myself up to walking 25,000 steps a day. I love it so much, and I can feel myself getting fitter! I even jog and run now – who’d have thought it.
I love being able to breathe in the fresh air, I feel like I’ve achieved something when I go for a walk, my mind is always a lot clearer as well (the fog gets lifted), also keeps me fit for both my jobs 😉
I actually have a body-shape and have lost a lot of weight, which I’m not mad about at all. Running, drinking water and cutting out alcohol has brought me a whole new lease of life, and I’m loving it!!!!

MENTAL HEALTH 
My mental health took a bit of a hit at the beginning of the month. For some reason a group of people at the local pub decided it would be great entertainment to start several rumours about me and start on me in person. It really did effect me and I lost a few really special people in the process which has really upset me. I still have days where I will spend the whole day crying about what happened, and to a lot of people it probably isn’t that big of a deal, and I’m being dramatic etc, but when I say it upset me, I mean it full on broke me. I’ve never had rumours spread about me, and I’ve never had someone get in my face for just sitting down; to then lose people who meant the world to me, honestly it was like someone ripped my heart out, threw it away and then shredded it.
Luckily my CBT Therapist got me to work on my Core Beliefs, and that has helped me realise that I am not some drama fuelled trouble making slut, I am actually a really nice person and those people who started all of the drama are probably just jealous and bored. Apparently it happens a lot at that pub, which is such a shame!!
I decided to actually deactivate all my social media accounts for well over a month – thank you to those kind people who took over looking after Nozfest for me while I had some proper me time to really reflect on life and recharge my batteries.
To help myself stay proper sane I’ve given up alcohol… again! I’m determined to stay teetotal for a good long while this time. I wasn’t a huge drinker anyway, only in social situations, but now all I drink is water or orange juice. Go me! I do feel a lot better not having alcohol – my mind is a lot clearer, and I’m a bit of an emotional drunk anyway which isn’t the best look haha.
I’ve been meditating for at least 30mins every night – I always wake up feeling calmer and at peace after I’ve done some meditation. It sounds like a technique that’s a bit of a cliché, but it really does work. I’ve also been taking Nytol which is a sleeping tablet – helps you fall asleep naturally, as my mind tends to overthink at night and it takes me hours to settle down.
CBT and a few lifestyle changes are keeping my spirits up 🙂

NOZFEST/NOZLITE
Business is beginning to pick back up again – FINALLY!! We have dates!! We have things to work for – yaaayy!!! We should all know by now that I have to be working on the next big project, usually while I’m still working on another. I just love what I do so much, it is my whole life, my whole world, it has 95% of my attention always, I’m always on the look out for new bands and ways to improve on my organisation and promotion etc.
We have a date for Nozfest 2022 – 3 bands have already been booked onto the line-up, we’ve had over 50 apply!! I’m also working on the line-up for the November Nozlite in 2021 – it’s all happening, and I couldn’t be more proud!
It really does surprise me when I hear about how excited bands get when they hear about opportunities with Nozfest etc, I think I underestimate myself a lot, but I have worked super hard to get to the position that I am in right now, and I will be forever grateful for all the love and support that I get from people – I couldn’t do any of my dreams without all of you guys! ❤
So, we have:
15th May 2021 – Nozlite
14th August 2021 – Nozfest
6th November 2021 – Nozlite.
Tickets : www.nozfest.org 

NEW FRIENDS/OLD FRIENDS
Following the pub incident, I actually reconnected with a lot of my old friends that I’ve known for 10 or more years, it’s been super lovely to see all their gorgeous faces again. Growing up is hard, because people start having their own lives and own commitments which sometimes makes it harder to actually see each other – but the great thing is, even though we are all on different paths now, when we do see each other, it’s like no time has past at all and we still love each other just as much as we always have done ❤
I’ve also been trying to make some new friends, because I don’t actually have any friends in the town I live, so I thought it was probably about time I tried to make some friends – I’ve actually met some really kind and cool people! I find it really hard to actually make friendships with girls – I just find them too bitchy and clicky, and I’m not into that kind of attitude and drama; guys are just easier to get along with… they generally don’t have any other motives than to just talk to you. Recently I’ve made a few female friends, and they are so cute and beautiful, I just wanna squish ’em! It’s nice to find people that have your back. Of course I’ve made a few guys friends too and they are equally gorgeous, in fact a few of them are now helping out at Nozfest which is super cool!!
It’ll be great to be back gigging as well, as a lot of my mates are usually at gigs or are the musicians playing… and those are my people you know, although they are more like family ❤

COVID UPDATES
It’s a strange new world we live in right now isn’t it. I don’t know if I’m used to it quite yet, I hope we do eventually get back to some of normality – I’m not sure I’d like this to be our ‘new normal’. I don’t like all these masks and screens.
I’m not sure how anyone else is feeling or if it is just me, but everyone seems so much more moodier and horrible! Like politeness and being kind has just gone out the window. Maybe it’s because we’ve been stuck inside for so long? Not a lot of people seem to have respect for people and things anymore, and it’s quite sad to see really.

GIGS
I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve bloody missed gigging! At the start of lockdown, I was sort of relieved, I was able to catch a break. Now I often find myself getting emotional, sat there thinking “I bloody miss my bands!!” and I do so so much. I’m used to seeing a band every weekend, if not more! I haven’t seen any bands or musicians so far this year – I’m freakin’ pining for it now.
I’ve booked up already to see a few bands. Going to see The Who in Cardiff as well as Thunder! I CANNOT WAIT, it’s going to be incredible. I’d love to find a group of people who’d wanna go gig travelling with me. Music is my thing and always will be. I need live music to help me function. I just miss everyone so damn much, and I can’t wait until we can all go out again and watch some incredible bands and create new magical memories. I guarantee you wont be able to drag me away from gigs in 2021 – but my whole world will be bands again ❤ Bands just seem to find their way into my life ❤
To go from over 40 shows a year, to none… sometimes I feel almost brain dead. Does anyone else get what I mean? It’s so hard to explain how important bands and music is to me, but even I didn’t realise that live music in particular is a huge part of who I am as a person.

ACCEPTING MYSELF/KNOWING MY WORTH
Taken a long time to get there, but I made it in the end.
Having time to myself helped me remember who I am and I do actually enjoy and appreciate my own company. I don’t think I’m a bad person, but I have made mistakes… but so has everyone else, no one is perfect, we all have our faults, but I think my qualities outweigh anytime I’ve had a little wobble. At the end of the day, I have learnt that if people are okay with losing me, then that is on them – because I give so much to people, and I will always be the type of person who loves too much, and believes that everyone is worth a struggle; but I love that about me, because there are a lot of people out there in this world that wouldn’t give people another chance, and would write them off as soon as they made one tiny mistake. That isn’t me.
I will never need people in my life, I’m way too independent to need people to feel things – but, I will always want select people in my life, and I’ll never forget or give up on those people. If you are one of those people I want around, you’re lucky because I’m so much happier alone 95% of the time.

NEW HAIR
I decided to completely change my hair. I was kinda bored of the blonde anyway, there’s a lot of bad memories attached to the blonde hair and I just felt like it was time to get rid.
I chose to get the length cut too, it was getting pretty tatty at the ends anyway, and I do miss my really long hair a lot – but I think I look a little cuter when I headbang now with short hair haha. It is a lot easier to maintain, but I’m pretty sure I’ll end up growing it again because I usually always do that. I feel like I’m unleashing my inner Josh Todd!!
I also got the colour changed, so I’m now a brunette! Although in some lights it has a reddish tint to it which is pretty cool, my blonde is also still a little visable in certain light, but that’s because I got a balayage. I think in the future I’m going to go 100% dark brown, but not just yet. I’m just so thankful and relieved the blonde is GONE!! I feel like a whole different person, and I can feel the positivity coming back…. I know it’s just hair but… eugh, gosh it was a state!

I think that is all I really have to update you all on! I’m hopefully getting a new JodieBowie logo soon, so watch out for that 😉 I also have a personal instagram account… but I’ll let you search for that!
I hope this has been somewhat enjoyable to read, and maybe some of my experiences in life have helped some of you 🙂 I try to be 100% honest with you guys, because the world needs more open and honest people in it ❤ I love you guys!!

You can follow me on my social media accounts here:
INSTAGRAM – JodieBowie
INSTAGRAM – Nozfest
FACEBOOK – JodieBowie
FACEBOOK – Nozfest
FB GROUP – Nozfest
YOUTUBE – JodieBowie

I love you all so much, thank you for all your support and for sticking around and being patient ❤

See you soon!

Jodie x ❤ x