Papa Roach vocalist Jacoby Shaddix recently opened up about the importance of normalizing conversations regarding mental health. In a new interview with the Australian media outlet Heavy, the frontman discussed his ongoing mission to break the stigma surrounding addiction, depression, and su*cidal thoughts by openly sharing his own personal struggles.
Reflecting on how these themes have always been deeply embedded in the band’s identity, Jacoby Shaddix noted that channeling pain into positivity is a core part of their message.
“It’s always been a fabric of who we are and what we sing about and what we talk about in our music. Taking the darkness and turning it into light, taking lemons and making lemonade — just a goofy saying like that really means something deep.”
He further emphasized that while personal healing is an internal process, true growth comes from using those experiences to serve and support others who are struggling.
“Change, transformation has been a huge part of my life, creatively, personally, spiritually,” Shaddix stated. “And the mental health conversation has come to the forefront in the recent years. And I think it’s important that we address it. I think it’s important that we find ways to heal and grow and then take what we’ve learned individually and pass it on to somebody that is in need of healing and growing. I think in order to keep that healing and that evolution, you have to share it. You gotta help somebody that’s in need. And I think that that is the magic. It’s not about just healing and growing; it’s about healing and growing and helping and serving. That’s where the magic is. ‘Cause if you just keep it for yourself, that’s not how you change the world. And I think it’s an inside job in the beginning to heal and grow, but then, like I said a million times over, if you share that and you can help somebody else, it helps put things in perspective, I think.”
Looking back on his long tenure in the music industry, the singer expressed a strong desire to pass down the knowledge he has acquired over the years.
“It’s been an evolution for me in this career, and I think we’re entering into this era of there’s some wisdom that I’ve gained and I wanna share it,” he concluded.
Aligning perfectly with this message, Papa Roach recently released the official music video for their emotionally charged new single, “Wake Up Calling“. Directed by Hannah Gray Hall, the visual arrived in March following the track’s initial January release via New Noize Records/ADA.
Much like the band’s previous vulnerable hits “Scars” and “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)“, the latest track highlights a more melodic and introspective side of their songwriting while maintaining their signature raw honesty. Produced by Colin Brittain (known for his work with Linkin Park, All Time Low, and A Day To Remember), the song dives deep into themes of self-reckoning, emotional dependence, and human connection. Fans initially got their first taste of the track three months ago when the band debuted it during a surprise performance for an industry audience at Whiskey Jam in Nashville, Tennessee.
