Music Therapy

A Heartfelt Tribute to His Father

Rosie Awori

When he started his musical journey over 30 years ago Mike S’obrian, commonly known as Stemz, didn’t know that it would be music that would help him navigate a period of deep grief in his life.

“I’m still going through it,” he says to the CONTACT via phone interview.

The “it” he is referring to is the passing away of his father Allan “Tony” Ramroop S’obrian in July 2024. His father was born in Trinidad and Tobago and like most immigrants came to Canada with the hopes of offering a better life to his family.

He moved to Montreal from Trinidad in the 1970s and soon found work doing whatever he could to provide for his family. As Stemz tells it, his father didn’t actively create music while in Canada but he came from a rich musical heritage which he introduced his children to.

“I got into music because of him,” he explains, “back in Trinidad he played in a band with some family members. He played the bongo and was often always around the band and music, which is how I ended up playing and touring with the band for many years.”

As his father’s health deteriorated, Stems felt it necessary to put the touring on hold and come and be close to him in Montreal.

“It’s how I even ended up creating my studio (Stems recording studio) I wasn’t actively in music, but I could still create beats here and there without having to tour.”

And when his uncle passed away in Trinidad, he went into the studio to create a track to help him process the grief. He didn’t finish it but he had laid out some of the composition.
That was almost two years ago. Then when he lost his father, he picked it back up. This time pushing through the pain and creating the full track titled Traveler.

He explains how it was therapeutic for him to finish the song, and he hopes the song will resonate with those who have gone through some kind of grief and give them comfort. The paradox of sad music that although we don’t enjoy being sad a lot of research has shown that we do enjoy the art that makes us feel seen through grief.

“My dad loved life, he loved family, he loved bringing people together through cookouts and parties,” Stemz shares, “so I know he would be proud of me for pushing and doing this song.”

Stemz created and produced the track and it was mixed and mastered by Azaryah, and the vocal engineer David Millien, while Jay walker wrote and sang the vocals.

“Traveler” is now available on Spotify, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.

A Heartfelt Tribute to His Father Read More »

New Music Therapy Service Offered at CISSS Laurentides for Grieving Families

Maria Diamantis- LJA journalist

The Integrated Health and Social Services Center (CISSS) of the Laurentides region has announced a new music therapy service aimed at supporting parents experiencing perinatal grief and children and adolescents grieving the loss of a parent.

Music therapy, in the context of grief, offers a unique form of support where a music therapist guides individuals through their grieving process using various musical approaches. The therapist collaborates with the individuals to create a meaningful musical project tailored to their needs. This approach allows individuals to take a moment to reflect, express themselves differently, share their story, and come to terms with their loss, or simply to navigate their grief at their own pace.

“The grieving process affects the entire family unit, and each person experiences it differently. That’s why CISSS Laurentides is now providing care for grieving parents and youth through this service. This initiative aims to enhance our physical and mental health interventions for families in the region,” said Ms. Julie Delaney, President and CEO. The music therapy service is available at the CLSC downtown Saint-Jérôme facility or virtually. Those interested in this service can request it by emailing nathalie.maillard.cissslau@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.

For support related to perinatal grief, individuals are encouraged to contact Info-Social by dialing 811, option 2. Additional information about resources for perinatal grief is available on the Pregnancy and Childbirth page at santelaurentides.gouv.qc.ca.

This innovative service marks a significant step forward in the comprehensive care offered by CISSS Laurentides, addressing the often-overlooked emotional and psychological needs of families during challenging times.

New Music Therapy Service Offered at CISSS Laurentides for Grieving Families Read More »

Scroll to Top