Music Expression and Mental Health: Isaiah’s Journey and the Transformative Power of Sound
EarthQuaker Devices
At EarthQuaker Devices, we’ve always believed in the power of sound. As creators and lovers of music gear, we know music isn’t just about performance—it’s about connection, catharsis, and personal transformation.
That’s why we’re proud to support the work of The Portal Foundation (H37P!) and their innovative Music Expression program, now led by the deeply inspiring Isaiah Mitchell, known for his work with The Black Crowes and Earthless.
“I guess let me just tell a story,” Isaiah begins. “Growing up, you face problems—things you don’t know how to handle. I didn’t know how to turn to people to talk. I turned to alcohol. It was how I coped.”
Isaiah’s story is raw and real—about the pain of isolation, hitting rock bottom, and the fear of losing everything. “It took a long time. I was scared I’d die, or do something horrible, or lose it all—which was already happening. That’s when things changed.”
Sobriety, for Isaiah, wasn’t just about quitting. It was about discovering how to live again—fully, honestly, and creatively. “I’m all or nothing" he shares. And through that clarity, he found healing in the place that had always been waiting for him: music.
Healing Through Creativity: The Power of Music Expression
Isaiah details a recent Music Expression session: A man walks in—skeptical, exhausted, raw. “He was slightly standoffish,” Isaiah remembers. “Probably because he wasn’t high. He was feeling everything he’d been trying to avoid.”
But then the music starts.
“We began working on a song together,” Isaiah says. “People love art. People love expression. Music opened him up. As the session progressed he became more alive, more participative. He sat up straighter, got into the process, and we connected. For those moments, all the anxiety disappeared. He was just there. Creating. And something beautiful happened.”
By the end, the man who walked in heavy with doubt walked out a little lighter.
“There was a shift in him,” Isaiah says. “That’s what music does—it puts you in a place of extreme presence. That’s what living is.”
Why Music Expression Matters: Music as a Lifeline for Mental Well-being
The Music Expression program at the Portal Foundation (H37P!) is more than music therapy—it’s a journey of emotional release, reflection, and reconnection. Participants—no matter their background or musical ability—are guided through storytelling, songwriting, and sound exploration. It’s a process of being seen, of breaking through pain, and stepping into creative power.
In 2025 alone, over 150 participants are expected to engage in the program. Many report improved emotional resilience, clarity, and well-being. In a world where anxiety and loneliness continue to rise, programs like these are a lifeline—offering people a chance to reclaim their voice and their sense of purpose.
Isaiah’s Role: A Musician Giving Back
Isaiah brings more than musical talent to this work—he brings empathy, presence, and lived experience. “I understand the struggle,” he says. “I know how powerless and fearful people can feel in those early moments. I’ve been there.”
To the participants, Isaiah isn’t just a facilitator—he’s a living example of what healing through creativity can look like. His sessions are not about perfection, but about presence. “Music is a meditative place,” he reflects. “It brings you into a zone where you're lost in creation. That’s Zen. That’s where life and beauty are. That’s honoring life.”
Partners with Purpose: EarthQuaker + The Portal Foundation (H37P!)
At EarthQuaker Devices, we’re rooted in community and creativity. We’re proud to align with The Portal Foundation (H37P!) and PORTAL EXP, organizations redefining how we talk about—and support—mental health.
Together, we’re committed to:
De-stigmatizing mental health through open conversations and creative expression.
Providing tools for emotional resilience like somatic coaching, breathwork, and sound healing.
Building inclusive, supportive communities where no one feels alone in their struggle.
We believe in amplifying this work. And we invite our community—musicians, creators, and fans—to join us in supporting this mission.
Get Involved: Join the Movement
You can support mental health and music expression in several ways:
Donate: H37P! is growing to meet increased demand. Your contribution supports mentorship and creative therapy for those who need it most. https://www.h37p.me/make-a-donation
Partner with Purpose: Join our network of companies who pledge 1% for mental health. Show that you and your brand support what matters. Reach out here.
Experience the Portal: Join the virtual and live events like Club Consciousness, breathwork circles, somatic coaching and immersive weekends—or gift a Music Expression session to someone in need. These spaces create healing, one moment at a time. https://www.h37p.me/music-expression
This is the Moment: Centering Mental Health in Culture and Community
Mental health is health—period. And yet, so many still suffer in silence, unsure where to turn or how to begin healing. By supporting or engaging with programs like Music Expression and elevating voices like Isaiah’s, we’re not just talking about mental health—we're doing something about it. Every song written, every session held, every person seen and heard is a step toward a world where emotional well-being is prioritized, not stigmatized. Let’s continue to create, connect, and advocate—because awareness is only the beginning. True change comes when we show up - for ourselves, each other, and for a world where healing is not only possible, but expected, supported and celebrated.
Written in collaboration with EarthQuaker Devices, Portal EXP, and The Portal Foundation (H37P!).
