Song’s message
A 14-year-old girl’s encounter with bullying has helped inspire the song and music video of local band “Before Time Fades”.
Drummer Dan Best said he was blown away by “the beautiful and meaningful words” that came from Ruby Whiteley when she was asked to reflect on the bullying encounter.
Ruby stood up for a friend who was having a rough time with bullying.
Amongst those words and quotes written by the daughter of band vocalist Ben Whiteley was the poignant “Invisible Scars”, now the song title.
“I just thought about how I felt when I was bullied before,” said Ruby. “It’s not a good feeling. It just came to me easily I guess.”
Fresh off the back of powerful single “Bring Me Back to Life” inspired by a local man’s journey through mental illness, the band has demonstrated it is not afraid of tackling the difficult issues and sending important messages.
“We aim to write songs that have meaning and can resonate with people,” said Dan.
Adding to the meaning of the song, the “Invisible Scars” music video was filmed at Neerim District Secondary College and features Ruby and about 10 other local youth.
Ruby has previously been involved in Warragul Youth Theatre and several shows in Melbourne.
“Obviously Ruby, being an aspiring actor, plays the main person getting bullied,” said Dan.
The video takes the full circle of friends standing up for the bullying victim and a positive final outcome.
“It was special,” said Ben of the entire experience. “It was pretty special even watching Ruby in the film clip.”
As parents, Dan and Ben agree raising awareness of bullying through music was a nobrainer.
“You don’t have to try to get on board, I think all parents will be passionate about it.”
“Before Time Fades” is a four-piece band focused on writing original music. In addition to Dan and Ben are guitarist James McGrath and bass guitarist Mark Kruzinga.
They are currently focused on releasing “Invisible Scars” tomorrow ahead of a possible EP and recording further music.
“Invisible Scars” will be available on iTunes and Google Play with further information on offer at facebook.com/beforetimefades.