Our music has struck a chord with people and can help with mental health
Twin brothers delighted their tunes are giving people hope
A set of Hamilton twins have turned the stresses of lockdown into powerful music to help people struggling with mental health.
Brothers Mick and Phil Muir have been overwhelmed by the reaction to their latest song titled ‘One’, which has resonated with many already.
They perform as Mick N Phil and fans have got in touch to express their love for the lads’ music – with one woman even getting their lyrics tattooed on her back.
Their new track is inspired from recent campaigns surrounding BLM and LGBTQ issues and injustices, and was written to be accessible for all problems facing society today.
It has already been streamed 8000 times.
Mick told the Advertiser: “We released one of our own songs at the beginning of last year called ‘Like It Used To’ and it opened things up for us a bit, with more people listening.
“It was about mental health and a lot of different things that had happened.
“We had been writing so much through lockdown but obviously weren’t able to go play anywhere.
“One of these songs was our song ‘One’ and it seemed to be a lot about things going on at the forefront of our minds so we decided to go for it and get it recorded and released.
“People have told us the lyrics were very strong in particular during this current climate and we got a lot of really nice messages.
“The song is very universal and can be placed in many situations and help you just the same.
“We had a girl send us a picture about a month ago with a tattoo of some of our song lyrics, which is mental. I never thought I’d see that.
“She told us she had been through a really hard time and our specific lyrics helped her every day. That put us on a path of thinking that our music matters to people and can save people.”
The duo believe in making a positive impact through music which can help people in their own battles with mental health.
“We’ve been playing since we were kids, and lyrics and being able to change things has always been very important to us”, Mick added.
“We believe that if anybody gives you a podium to say something then you should try your best to make a difference if you can, and for us this song is taking that opportunity and grabbing it with both hands.”
The brothers, aged 30, volunteer in various mental health networks including a charity that helps teach music and singing as a way to deal with mental health. Mick added: “I’ve seen a massive difference in myself from doing it and it’s great how when you connect with other people it can make a difference in your own personal life.
“I was struggling with my mental health for a number of years through different things, but singing for me and going on stage definitely helped. I’ve got more self confidence. I’ve got more selfworth from doing it.
“Music has opened so many doors for me and I would like to see it do the same for other people.”
Mick N Phil were lined up for a number of festivals this year, including TRNSMT, before the pandemic meant mass gatherings were brought to a halt. However, the band used the time out to work on their material and face the live scene in a stronger position next year.
Mick said: “Phil and I are best pals, always have been always will be. Lockdown has given me more time to reflect. It’s given us more time to realise what’s important as well as being creative and think where we want to be. Phil was struggling with confidence and different things and was really writing ‘One’ about himself at first, then we sat down and were able to make it more inclusive and universal to help other people listening to it.”
You can see all the latest from Mick N Phil’s music at www. facebook.com/micknphil