A song to raise awareness about addiction

Published on November 25, 2024 by Gabrielle Sarthou

Just Swiim (Didier Iglesias) Photo Jérémie Perreault

“The lyrics are quite vague, in the sense that it was Bijou Violet who wrote them; she’s in pain, she has mental health issues, so they talk about being in an illusionary world. I, who had a past with addiction and who today works as an addiction worker, decided to use these words to make a song with her and a music video,” explains Mr. Iglesias.

A music video loaded with symbols
The music video, directed by Sacha Andrés Oliveira, tells the story of delinquent characters who consume substances, played by Jusst Swiim, Bijou Violet and two other actors. “They’re not real drugs in the video, but there is a decline. These characters end up separating: there are overdoses, and the main character, played by me, ends up finding redemption and the hope of recovery thanks to symbols, like chairs installed in a circle, a nod to fraternities meetings,” explains Mr. Iglesias.

Bijou Violet
Photo Didier Iglesias

A personal journey
Originally from Montreal, Didier Iglesias himself has gone through a long journey of rehabilitation: “I have been fighting drug addiction since 2010. I have undergone five therapies in my life. In 2021, during my fifth therapy at Sentier du Nouveau Jour in Lantier, it worked. I put all the effort possible and I set a life goal: to help my fellow human beings. »

Now a drug addiction worker, Mr. Iglesias supports people during their rehabilitation process, drawing on his personal and professional experience. “For some people, knowing that someone has experienced the same thing can be even more valuable. It encourages them and allows them to feel understood,” he explains.

Music as an awareness tool
After two albums under other pseudonyms, Jusst Swiim returns with a single powerful and full of emotions. “Before, I made music for fun, but now I find it a good medium to raise awareness. »

The message of Pretend Paradise is clear: consumption can offer a mirage of happiness, but often leaves room for a difficult awakening. “It’s a moment of illusion, but ultimately, when we wake up from this dream, we are deeper in our problem,” explains Didier Iglesias.

Jusst Swiim (Didier Iglesias)
Photo Jérémie Perreault

A collaboration of hope
Bijou Violet, co-writer and performer of the track, has also overcome personal challenges related to mental health and trauma. “We help each other through our difficulties. For both of us, music is therapy. »

By mixing music, video and community engagement, Pretend Paradise is an invitation to reflection, but also a call to hope. “It’s really about making people aware that it’s possible to stop using. It can help people to say to themselves: “I’m going through this or someone close to me is going through this, and there is a way out.” »

With ongoing projects including a remix for Camille Alloré, a soundtrack for another Sacha Andres-Oliveira film, and a collaboration with Mister Magic, Jusst Swiim continues to use his art to create a positive impact.

Sacha Andres Oliveira, director of the music video
Photo courtesy

Resources available

The video clip also includes direct references to five addiction resources: three therapy homes located in the Laurentians and Lanaudière (Pavillon du Nouveau Point de Vue, Les Maisons Péladeau and Sentier du Nouveau Jour), a Montreal harm reduction center (Cactus Montreal) and Drug Aide and Reference, a call service to direct people to suitable resources. “So far, I have seen a few artists addressing these themes, but without affiliating with centers. I find it important to display these resources and make people aware that it is possible to stop using,” adds Mr. Iglesias.

For information, contact the listening, support, information and reference line at 1-800-265-2626.

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