Ever found yourself stressed and turned to some beats by Beethoven/The Beatles/ Beyonce to help you unwind? World-renowned pianist, breathwork educator, and podcast host, Chad Lawson, has built a career of using music as medicine. And, made it his mission to explore and harness the therapeutic potential of music. His work seamlessly integrates soothing melodies with wellness practices, offering a soundtrack to serenity that resonates deeply with listeners.
Lawson’s journey into understanding the correlation between music and mental health is both compelling and transformative. Initially rooted in classical music, Lawson’s early career took a jazz-infused detour that led him to New York, where he performed alongside notable musicians and toured extensively. However, a personal struggle with ulcerative colitis marked a significant turning point. During this challenging period, Lawson shifted his focus to solo piano compositions, seeking a more emotionally intimate form of expression. This transition not only allowed him to explore music’s impact on mental wellness but also led him to incorporate breathwork and mindfulness into his practice.
Today, Lawson is celebrated for his minimalist and calming piano compositions, designed to foster peace and reflection. His latest album, Where We Are, exemplifies this approach. Each piece is crafted to encourage deep breaths, moments of stillness, and emotional healing. “The music is all about creating a space where listeners can slow down and just be,” Lawson explains. “Simplicity is where its true power lies—allowing the music the space to breathe, much like we do in breathwork.”
Lawson’s exploration of music as a tool for mental health is deeply intertwined with his practice of breathwork. He describes the relationship between music and breathwork as a dance, with each element supporting and enhancing the other. “Music and breathwork are closely connected when it comes to mental health,” he says. “Music stirs up emotions, while breathwork helps us regulate and ground those feelings.” For Lawson, the interplay between these practices creates a restorative experience that brings individuals back to the present moment, offering a sense of calm and balance.
The profound impact of music on mental health is not merely theoretical for Lawson; it is a personal reality. During his battle with ulcerative colitis, he found solace in his solo piano album Set on a Hill. The music served as a sanctuary during a turbulent time, and the feedback from listeners further illuminated its healing potential. One particularly moving message came from a woman who used his music as her husband took his final breaths. “It was a powerful reminder of how music can comfort people during life’s most challenging moments,” Lawson reflects. This experience underscored his belief that music is not just therapy for him but a source of comfort and healing for others.
Lawson’s approach to reducing stress and anxiety through music is characterised by slow tempos, simple melodies, and an emphasis on space. “Space is my favourite note,” he reveals. “It gives the listener time to digest the emotion before the next note comes.” By embracing simplicity and allowing the music to breathe, Lawson creates a soothing environment where stress and anxiety can melt away.
Minimalist composition, Lawson argues, plays a crucial role in mental clarity and emotional balance. “Simplicity in music is like decluttering your mind,” he explains. “When there’s less noise, you can focus on what really matters.” His music, with its stripped-back melodies and thoughtful use of space, helps listeners find mental clarity and emotional equilibrium, much like a breathwork practice.
The potential of music therapy in mainstream mental health treatment is another area Lawson is passionate about. While he has not yet collaborated directly with therapists, he has received feedback from mental health professionals who incorporate his music into their practices. “Music reaches deep emotional places that words sometimes can’t,” he notes. “I believe music could have an even bigger role in mental health care, and I’m excited to keep exploring that.” This belief drives his podcast Calm It Down. Where he combines music with conversations about wellness and mindfulness.
Calm It Down integrates music into discussions about mental health, creating a deeper connection with listeners. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many finding that the blend of music and conversation helps them achieve a sense of calm. Lawson recalls a particularly gratifying moment when a renowned concert pianist praised the podcast’s music. “It was such a surreal moment for me,” he says with a smile. “Creating a space where people feel heard and subsequently at peace is what it’s all about.”
For those new to using music as a tool for mental health, Lawson recommends starting with genres that resonate emotionally, such as classical, ambient, or lo-fi music. Pairing this with breathwork can amplify its effects. “It doesn’t need to be complicated,” he advises. “Just a few minutes a day, for example, can build a stronger sense of calm and mental clarity.”
Balancing his creative process with wellness practices is essential for Lawson. He integrates breathwork, mindfulness, and meditation into his daily routine and finds inspiration in activities like running and yoga. “Balance is key,” he says. “If I spend too much time on one thing, I end up neglecting another.” This balance extends to his personal life as well, with rituals like a standing lunch with his wife ensuring that he remains grounded.
One of Lawson’s favourite tracks from his latest album, Where We Are, is “Sanctuary.” He appreciates how the meaning of the song evolves for each listener, embodying the concept of personal peace. “Every performance feels like a new conversation with the audience,” he says. “It’s a piece that really captures the idea of finding your own sanctuary.”
Chad Lawson’s exploration of music and mental health reveals the profound impact that art can have on our wellbeing. Through his soothing piano compositions, breathwork practices, and mindful conversations, he offers a soundtrack to serenity that helps listeners find peace, balance, and ultimately healing.
Listen to Chad’s new album, Where We Are, here.
He is also touring Australia for the first time this October. Check out show dates below and buy tickets here.
Sunday 13th October – Brisbane, Cremorne Theatre
Wednesday 16th October – Sydney, The Neilson Pier 2/3
Friday 19th October – Melbourne, Fairfax Studio
