My head is empty
When I stumbled upon an Instagram reel by My Head Is Empty (MHIE), I was instantly captivated. The depth of emotion in the music held me, and I was compelled to learn more. What I found was a story that hit me harder than I ever anticipated. It wasn’t just the music.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2021, MHIE is fighting a battle few of us can imagine. MS, a progressive brain disease, relentlessly chips away at the body’s ability to function. For MHIE, this means waking up each day unsure if his body will comply. Yet, instead of surrendering to the inevitable, he has turned his reality into a creative mission. MHIE’s music is more than an artistic outlet; it’s a race against time. As he puts it, “I am making as much music as I can before inevitably I wake up one day unable to function.” There is an urgency to his work that transcends the ordinary. It’s not just about creating music; it’s about leaving behind a legacy, a testament to resilience, creativity, and the indomitable human spirit.
Since his diagnosis, MHIE has produced an astonishing 94 albums, amassing over 800 songs. These are not just numbers; they are milestones of perseverance. The sheer breadth of his work speaks to his unyielding dedication, even as he navigates the unpredictable waves of MS. There are days when the disease loosens its grip, allowing him to play, compose, and record. These windows of reprieve become moments of intense productivity, as MHIE channels everything into his music before the storm inevitably returns.
His journey is not just one of personal triumph but also a testament to the support of an audience that has embraced his vulnerability and honesty. MHIE’s music features in various shows on the VICELAND network, the movie Terrifier 3, the Adidas documentary, and even in the video game Monsters: Trouble in Paradise by Q-Games. These accomplishments underline not just the quality of his work but the reach of his story.
In his message to fans, MHIE humbly shares his reality, writing, “I wouldn’t wish this on anybody. Thanks for listening.” These words carry a weight that lingers. They remind us that behind every note, every lyric is a person grappling with profound challenges. They also remind us of the power of music to transcend those challenges, to connect, heal, and inspire.
MHIE’s story is not just about MS; it’s about finding purpose in the face of adversity. It’s about choosing creation over despair, action over passivity. For anyone who has ever doubted their ability to overcome, MHIE stands as a beacon of hope and determination. His journey reminds us that, while life’s struggles may be unavoidable, our response to them is entirely our own.