The progressive metal project Kadima is the brainchild of Seattle-based guitarist Aidan Israel. The project debuted with the album All Birds Deserve to Fly earlier this year which explores Judaism, spirituality and experiencing difficulties with mental health. With 2020 bringing challenging times to everyone around the world, I wanted to explore his thoughts of mental health and music. Read the interview below!

1. In your debut album, you delve into details with mental health struggles. Do you find music helps to explore and process difficult times?

Music has been an important part of my life since I was twelve years old. Even when I had nothing, I had guitar and I had music to help me get through rough times. I’ve always been a fan of concept albums and when I went through my mental health journey I decided that writing a concept album would be a great way to express my unique experience. One of my many mentors, Eric Brown, always told me, “The most important thing about music is expression.” In terms of playing music expressing oneself is a way to explore and process difficult events in our lives. Hopefully from a listeners perspective they can relate to the music I write or any music to help process their difficult experiences.

2. With all of the challenging events of 2020, how do you think music, and any artform, can be beneficial to wellbeing?

A lot of people are stuck inside and can’t do their normal jobs right now. Many of the music venues are suffering and it’s hard for musicians to monetize during this time. That being said with the increase in livestreams and the push to record, I believe some of the best albums and music will be written during this time. Having an outlet gives people such as myself a way to help further our expression. From the listeners point of view, it’s vital that people have an outlet of serenity during these times.

3. Have you been affected as a musician with the global pandemic?

To a degree much as anyone else. I really wanted to assemble a live lineup for Kadima but that just is not possible right now. I hope to write some more music during this time.

4. Do you think your music has helped others?

I hope people who pick up my album can relate to the issues that it focuses on and use it to help their experiences. I hope that it can potentially inspire people to seek help and be kinder to themselves. We all struggle and have our demons. We are all in this fight together.

5. Have you any thoughts on what the future holds for Kadima?

I hope to use it as an outlet of expression and to write some more music. I wish to tour one day and make many more albums. I hope it can inspire people along the way as I was inspired by many other musicians’ records.

Kadima’s links:

Bandcamp: https://kadima.bandcamp.com/releases
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0AiZs9Gg7RtFNMNw106NZ5?si=OU1lJf7DRtC0WQ5foxzeAg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadimamusicai/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KadimamusicAI
Merch Store: https://kadimamusic.threadless.com/