Six months ago Andrew McMahon, the lead singer of Something Corporate, known for his wild blonde hair as well as his tendencies to jump atop his own piano during shows, was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia at the age of 23. In a recent interview with the Badger Herald, Andrew described his diagnosis as a "predestined lesson on slowing down" and awareness that recording a solo record and touring at a "borderline dangerous pace" had serious consequences on his health.
However, despite major stints of heavy medication, hospital visits and physical weakness, Andrew has managed to release his solo record Everything in Transit under the alias Jack's Mannequin. He has also kept in touch with fans through an online blog. One of his August entries reads, "Until the day I found out I was sick this record was the closest thing to my heart and I quickly realized why. Because when I hear this album it is a testament to the people and things around me that make my life so sweet."
Although Andrew asserts that the album was not meant to be a "self-prophecy," he describes it as "strangely representing the events that would occur" after the discovery of his cancer. Andrew states that the title of his record was partially due to his enjoyment of the word "Mannequin," but a song he wrote for a childhood friend inspired the reference to Jack. Ironically, Jack had been diagnosed with child leukemia. Furthermore, references to ambulances, doctors, illness, lyrics like "maybe this will be the last song I write" and the last song recorded on the album, "Dark Blue" attest to the foreshadowing of his battle with cancer.
Originally a marketing strategy for the release of his solo record, Andrew manages to make his blog personal, updating fans on his musical career and his current medical condition. He describes his blog as "a place to connect with fans, a place and location where all the pieces come together and fans can experience life in southern California." Andrew's entries not only help fans connect with Andrew on a personal level; they also demonstrate first hand how cancer can make artists more spiritually creative in their work. McMahon notes on his blog what he called a bizarre coincidence in his life. "The culmination of years of work and inspiration now falls on the same day that I will be transfused with stem cells from my sister to fight the monster huddled within my marrow," McMahon said. "I can say for the first time that I am not afraid, and while this is a feeling that can undoubtedly change with time, I feel cradled by this universe and the immense love that comes from it."
These touching entries on life reflect McMahon's gift of connecting to his audience through his writing and inspiring lyrics. His blog displays a real perspective of living with cancer, describing it as the "monster in his marrow." He also demonstrates how being ill can make one realize the simple beauties in life such as the connections between people. There is no doubt that everything posted on the blog comes straight from his heart — what is written on paper comes directly from the soul.
Andrew illustrates how he eases his mind while sick. The musician describes music as a "spherical compass," and although he is unable to write often because of his lack of energy, he states that when he was really sick in the hospital he would "think about a song, put on his iPod and it would be a shot of energy to the blood." During the interview, Andrew said that although he is not a very religious person, he is, in fact, very spiritual and has had healers and yoga instructors in his hospital room. He comments that they "help me meditate and keep my mind strong and healthy." Andrew feels that having "all faiths rally around" him is amazing and that studies show people who are prayed for by family and friends see a difference in recovery. Andrew appreciates support from fans and even said that Chris Carrabba, lead singer of Dashboard Confessional, called him two days ago to see how he was doing, which was greatly appreciated.
Although McMahon describes leukemia's effect on his philosophy of writing as a "jury still out" and a "derail of efforts," his newest single "The Light and the Buzz," scheduled for release within the next month, was inspired by his bone-marrow transplant. Andrew explains that the first hundred days after a bone-marrow and cell transplant are crucial for leukemia patients and the song represents "healing and coming back from a tough time." The end of his own one hundred days will be around Christmas.
Because leukemia patients must inhabit a stress-free environment for the first six to 12 months of their remission, Andrew will initially only tour locally in southern California and will have to stay off airplanes and tour buses because of the likelihood of infections. Hopefully, after his recovery, the beloved musician will be able to return to the stage, where he feels the "biggest rush and high" and maybe make his dream tour with Tom Petty come true.
After selling more than 20,000 albums in one week, Andrew continues to write about the success of Jack's Mannequin's debut record and the gratitude he feels for his supportive fans. Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin fans are certainly pleased to hear of McMahon's strengthening recovery and hope to see him back on his feet, and on the stage, soon.