Northern Island’s ROE tackles the stigma surrounding mental health on moving new single ‘Down Days’. It comes on the back of a support slot for Snow Patrol on their UK arena tour and winning ‘Best Emerging Act’ at the 2018 Northern Ireland Music Prize. The track is beautifully emotive, with sumptuous melodies and restrained production.
“I was having a really bad day. I felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone without annoying them, and I was angry and frustrated at myself. I felt like my brain was about to explode, with no idea how to handle it. That night I came home and started to write this song as a way of trying to make myself feel better. It’s okay not to feel okay. At a time when it can feel that we’re surrounded by negativity and constant social pressure, it’s important to remember that no matter how shitty you feel, you are not alone.” – ROE