Gang of Youths frontman David Le’aupepe took a break from the recording studio to swing by FBi, joining Ash Berdebes for her last interview on Out Of The Box. And boy, did it pack a punch.

Talking about new music the band are working on, Le’aupepe quickly opens up about his ‘crisis of worth’. Gang of Youths’ debut album, The Positions, came from a dark period in Le’aupepe’s life; marked by substance abuse, depression and tumultuous relationships.

“It’s still highly autobiographical,” he says of the music he’s writing now. “I just don’t know if I have anything compelling to say anymore, which is my great fear… I worry that I’m the wrong person with the mic.”

Le’aupepe is now trying to steer his attention inwards, to decipher and comment on how he interacts with the world.

“So for me, now the most important question is – how do I say human things in a beautiful way – without this sad narrative?”

With a possible philosophy career ahead of him, Le’aupepe digs deep on all aspects of his life, both good and bad. Drifting from his religious upbringing to his ongoing struggle with mental illness, the interview reveals a powerful insight into how these moments contribute to the impassioned songs he writes.

“I’m pessimistic about man’s nature, but I’m optimistic about our potential. I’m of the opinion that – fuck, if I’m feeling like I want to end it all, there is a chance that I could wake up tomorrow and feel totally different. And… relying on that chance is the bravest fucking thing that you could ever do.”

Le’aupepe shared a personal playlist of musical greats such as Leonard Cohen and his own cover of Wilco’s ‘Jesus etc’. Why this tune?

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a better song in my life.”

Listen back to the full show and live cover above.

Tracklisting

Bruce Springsteen – Thunder Road
Leonard Cohen – Famous Blue Raincoat
David Le’aupepe – Jesus etc. (Wilco cover)
Broken Social Scene – KC Accidental
Patti Smith – Space Monkey
Comeback Kid – Wake the Dead
Shania Twain – I’m Gonna Getcha Good

While you are at it, check out the Out Of The Box Podcast to listen to Serge Negus turn the mic on Ash.

If this interview has raised concerns for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or check out Great Minds, our directory of mental health resources.