Ah! To be young again. Everyone wishes they could have some years back to make better decisions that might put them in a better spot today. I’m no different that many of you reading today. Twenty-four years old, very talented with the many years of life ahead. What could be better? Well, not all is roses even for those possessing youth and talent. Our featured artist this week seems to have a great start in the music industry, but there are always problems. Large and small. That’s part of life. After years of life and experience of parenthood, I view young artists and of course I’m happy for their success. However, I always have concern for their health and well-being. Perhaps it’s because I know something that they have yet to understand: fame and fortune cannot guarantee true happiness. Proper eating habits and rest are essential for all humans. They are neglected quite a bit by young people, especially young artists in the music industry. Summer Walker is another young, rising star making great music, however I am concerned about her health as the demand for her music grows. At this point it would be good to start looking into her start and viewing how she arrived at this plateau today.
Summer Walker was born in Atlanta, Georgia to a British father and an American mother, who eventually divorced. She said in Up Next, “We got older…my parents got a divorce, so it’d be, like, just me again. As time went on I didn’t really hang out with people. It takes a lot of energy out of me to maintain multiple relationships.” Her young life is filled with evidences of a person searching to find themselves. She operated a small cleaning service at the age of twenty. At the same time she was working as a stripper. I’m not judging her for her decision to work as a stripper, as the quest for money can be addictive. Many young women have started their successful enterprises by gaining seed money from work at strip clubs. The talent is their many times, it just takes this route to find it.
Music found young Summer as she taught herself how to play the guitar by watching tutorials on YouTube. Not too much later she started songwriting to her list of growing talent. Like many, Summer found songwriting a good mode of expression. “Whenever something is completely bothering me, I like to hold it in ‘cause I don’t talk to a lot of people. That’s why, a lot of times, my songs are emotional.” Her mother added a little more insight into Summer’s musical start. “At times, she just kind of hibernates and she internalizes quite a bit. Sometimes, when she really has deep thoughts and things on her mind, she goes and sits and she gets that guitar out. And she just sits and plays it and that’s just how she expresses herself.”
Almost immediately, Summer Walker got her start as a professional musician. Walker was discovered by a woman who has the same name as her and works as the studio manager of an Atlanta-based label LoveRenaissance. On October 19, 2018, Walker released her debut commercial mixtape Last Day of Summer, supported by her lead single “Girls Need Love”. Her album contained her thoughts on love, doubt, and womanhood. In late 2018, she went on tour with 6lack on the From East Atlanta With Love Tour. Following the success of her album, Apple Music named Walker as its newest Up Next artist in 2019, and became the number 8 R&B artist worldwide across Apple Music.
On January 25, 2019, she released her first EP titled Clear, consisting of four tracks of acoustic recordings. On February 27, 2019, she released the remix to her song “Girls Need Love” with Drake.
Summer Walker took home best new artist honors at the 2019 Soul Train Music Awards. After keeping her acceptance speech very short, as she suffers from severe social anxiety, Walker was met with some criticism by viewers in her comments who didn’t believe her disorder to be legit. Were the critics right? Was Summer Walker not really suffering from the disorder?
Summer Walker not only defended herself, but she added something for everyone to think about for those who may be struggling with a similar disorder in the future. “It makes me feel so bad cause it’s clear that if the children are developing or struggling with any type of mental disorder such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, it’ll be brushed to the side and will never receive any treatment because it’ll just be ‘an act.”
I thought it might be best if I got some information about social anxiety disorder from the National Institute of Mental Health. Below is a good description of the disorder:
Social anxiety disorder is a common type of anxiety disorder. A person with social anxiety disorder feels symptoms of anxiety or fear in certain or all social situations, such as meeting new people, dating, being on a job interview, answering a question in class, or having to talk to a cashier in a store. Doing everyday things in front of people—such as eating or drinking in front of others or using a public restroom—also causes anxiety or fear. The person is afraid that he or she will be humiliated, judged, and rejected.
The fear that people with social anxiety disorder have in social situations is so strong that they feel it is beyond their ability to control. As a result, it gets in the way of going to work, attending school, or doing everyday things. People with social anxiety disorder may worry about these and other things for weeks before they happen. Sometimes, they end up staying away from places or events where they think they might have to do something that will embarrass them.
Some people with the disorder do not have anxiety in social situations but have performance anxiety instead. They feel physical symptoms of anxiety in situations such as giving a speech, playing a sports game, or dancing or playing a musical instrument on stage.
Social anxiety disorder usually starts during youth in people who are extremely shy. Social anxiety disorder is not uncommon; research suggests that about 7 percent of Americans are affected. Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can last for many years or a lifetime and prevent a person from reaching his or her full potential.
In looking back at some of the things Summer Walker said in the past, and even the comments of her mother, the signs were apparent Some may wonder how Summer Walker is able to perform in front of large audiences of people. She is new to the industry, therefore we are not aware of her struggles. Also, the disorder might not be as prevalent while she performs. The best thing is that she is aware of it, and can be treated in order to reach her full potential.
Summer Walker said something else that provided food for thought, “I never really liked being in front of people or being the center of attention—it’s very nerve-wrecking. If I could really just slide music under the door and people get to enjoy it, that’s great.”
Yes, I am concerned about the health and happiness of young Summer Walker. With such a quick and huge rise in music, my only hope is the young star maintains balance, and not get overwhelmed by all that surrounds success. We might get more music soon, or maybe not. Nevertheless, I just hope she gives us music when she is ready. Social anxiety disorder is not a death sentence. Hopefully Summer Walker will sing and play the guitar for years to come.
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