SMB College Group recently welcomed local Leicester band, The Mercians, to their Brooksby Campus to perform and speak to students about the importance of mental health!
The band played an array of their own hit songs, including ‘I don’t mind’ and ‘Oxygen’, alongside a cover of ‘505’ by Arctic Monkeys. They also played their own new song ‘Hurdles’, which was inspired by the ups and downs experienced in their own lives. Between songs, different members of the band took centre stage to speak to students about their own experiences with mental health and discrimination.
Matt Cominotto, front man of The Mercians, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 23 years old. He talked about his struggles with depression and what his experiences had taught him about the importance of opening up about mental health. Matt said, “had I have not admitted that I was struggling, I would not be able to stand here today to tell you about it.”
Harry, bassist and songwriter, talked about his experience with discrimination, he said “Be kind – there’s no excuse to not be kind. You never know what’s going on in someone’s life.”
The students enjoyed listening to the band and were encouraged to reach out to the band if they wanted to talk about mental health, as they’re big advocates of young people having the space to be open and honest about their mental health.
The Mercians have previously opened for former Kasabian front man, Tom Meighan, at his homecoming show in Leicester in 2022, and will finish their very own headline UK tour this month. The band continues to see success and have hit iTunes alternative #1 twice in a row with their last two singles!
Front man, Matt said “we have been here at SMB College today playing for the students; we are currently on a school tour up and down the UK. We do a bit of a mental health talk and we play a few tunes. If you want to find out more about us head on over to our website https://www.themercians.co.uk/”
Find out more about studying with SMB College Group by coming along to one of our Open Days in 2024, sign up today! https://www.smbcollegegroup.ac.uk/