No matter what sort of health issues you’re dealing with — physical or mental — you should never have to go it, or Mo it, alone. That’s the spirit of Movember, and everyone’s favourite alt-psych-rockers Ocean Alley embody that spirit perfectly.
Ocean Alley have been killing it for over a decade, having just dropped their new single ‘Tangerine’, but large parts of that decade have seen the band on the road, from state to state, country to country. In fact, the music video for ‘Tangerine’ was shot while on tour.
But, while the rockstar touring lifestyle might seem like a non-stop riot, the band tells LADBible Australia that there are some pretty big downsides.
“The long travel days, different time zones and new cities can get really exhausting at times,” the band said.
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In fact, having just embarked on a recent tour throughout North America, the boys opened up about some very specific challenges that put a toll on their mental health.
“It was a successful tour but being away from home can be tough on relationships at times and the distance and being in a different time zone can create a sense of disconnect.”
We all know the pressure that feeling alone can put on our mental health, and men’s mental health needs our attention. Men are dying, on average, four years sooner than women, with suicide being the leading cause of death in men aged 15-54. In 2022, over 3,000 Aussies took their own lives, and the majority of them were blokes.
But, one thing Ocean Alley is sure of is that any negative feelings they have on the road are softened thanks to being around a bunch of lads going through the same thing alongside them.
“Having your bandmates with you makes a huge difference, though. You’re all going through the same ups and downs, so it creates this sense of family which really helps to keep the mood positive,” the band says.
“Being friends from school and having that connection makes it easier to open up about personal issues, whether it’s on tour or anything else on your mind. It’s safe to talk about things because you know the boys get it and can offer support and advice that comes from a place of understanding.”
The band serves as a too-bloody-important reminder of the power of just having your mates around you. That support network helps with those undergoing physical health issues, too. Aussie lads are dealing with prostate and testicular cancer at an increasing rate, with one in five of us receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. On top of that, testicular cancer cases have risen by 60% in the past 30 years.
That’s why participating in Movember is crucial — you directly help to raise awareness and funds toward these causes, and there’s two key ways to do it.
Obviously, you can try growing the best Mo you can, and Ocean Alley sport some of the finest Mos the music industry has ever seen. You can also get Moving for Movember, by pledging to walk or run 60kms to honour the 60 men who die by suicide globally every hour.
And, of course, you never have to do Movember alone.
Why not get your mates and family around the good cause? You can even form a fundraising team — choose a captain or take charge and start your own! Whichever way works for you to participate in Movember this year is the best way to do it!
Ocean Alley are preparing to make their Movember debut this year, and they’re absolutely stoked with the work Movember does.
“Movember is important because it raises awareness about men's health — it encourages men to take care of themselves and seek help when needed,” the band say.
“Supporting Movember can reduce the stigma and encourage other men to seek help and support each other.”
So, go ahead with confidence and sign up now at Movember.com. You can build out your Mo Space and learn more about how you can be involved this Movember.
Jackson Langford