#64 - Chris De Banks: Not Saints, Music & Recovery, 90s Drug Culture, Alcohol Dependency, The Creativity Myth, The Stigma of Addiction & Building a Sober Music Community

#64 - Chris De Banks: Not Saints, Music & Recovery, 90s Drug Culture, Alcohol Dependency, The Creativity Myth, The Stigma of Addiction & Building a Sober Music Community

In this episode, Matt Butler sits down with Chris De Banks, the founder of Not Saints, the UK’s only not-for-profit record label supporting musicians in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Chris opens up about his own struggles with addiction, growing up during the 90s music scene, and how the glamorisation of substance use influenced his journey. He shares candid stories about his battle with alcohol dependency and the turning points that led him to sobriety.

Chris also debunks the myth that drugs and alcohol fuel creativity, emphasising the importance of authenticity and clear-headedness in artistic expression. The conversation covers the stigma surrounding addiction and how Not Saints provides a supportive community for artists in recovery. With a mix of humour and raw honesty, Chris's story is both relatable and inspiring. Tune in to hear how he transformed his life and is now helping others do the same through music.