Noelle Skaggs is one of the lead singers of “Fitz and the Tantrums,” an indie pop and soul band that’s been making hit music for more than a decade. Music has been a huge part of her life. But, the lifestyle and stress opened the door to a mental health crisis.
Skaggs grew up around music. Her father was a DJ, so she was around classic music from artists like Tina Turner and the Temptations. As a young girl and teen, she liked to perform, but had a hard time around other kids, and was bullied.
After high school, she became a professional songwriter and singer. She did back vocals with performers like “The Black Eyed Peas” and Miley Cyrus.
She joined a band called “The Rebirth,” which had hits in Europe and Asia.
In 2008, she joined “Fitz and The Tantrums.” The group had a number of acclaimed albums, and appeared on shows like The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The band toured extensively. Skaggs says the heavy workload amplified her mental health issues. She says it went from an issue to a crisis.
Skaggs says she reached out for support. She says she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She say she got help through therapy, as well as medications.
She says she’s now doing well, and has a better balance to her life. And, she’s embraced the issue, speaking out to try to reduce the stigma so others will consider reaching out for help.
Fitz and the Tantrums are among the headliners of a concert on the South Coast this week to raise money and awareness about mental health issues.
The Sound Mind Mental Health Music Festival will take place Thursday night at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. It’s part of the ongoing “Concerts in Your Cars” Drive-In Movie style concert series. Proceeds of the concert will benefit NAMI, a non-profit which provides free programs and services for those with mental health issues.
Ticket information: https://bit.ly/2RnCuBN
