What is Stop Trying, Start Crying?

This is a messy space. It’s a space to have your life queries and questions answered – no matter how big or small – with empathy, without criticism, and with a sense of fun. It is, hopefully, something like a community, except we’ll only ever know as much as we want to of each other.

Each issue, I will respond to a question that has been sent in anonymously, putting my many mistakes and chaotic life decisions to use in providing food for thought and perhaps some musical recommendations to see you through.

It’s time to stop fretting and to start feeling – to stop trying and to start crying.

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Why should I follow your advice?

You shouldn’t. Nothing is prescribed here – this is just a means of exploring and listening, through the time-honoured method of hiding behind a keyboard. Maybe you’ll find something to think on, or maybe you’ll leave with your own opinions stronger than ever. Not everything has an easy answer.

Who are you?

I am a writer and musician living in London. I am the Guardian’s Global Music critic and also work more broadly as a journalist.

I am not a therapist or a newspaper columnist. I am a pisces, which is why I think I give good advice, and why I also have a book of poems out.

How can I send you my problems?

Please send your anonymised queries to stscnewsletter@gmail.com

No issues are too vague or too niche, so get writing in…