April 1, 2026

I know what day it is. I promise this isn’t a joke.

Today, I’m releasing “Do Not Disturb”, a 10-track lo-fi album about mental health, burnout, boundaries, and needing everyone to leave me alone.

And I want to be really honest with you about where I was when I wrote it.

The Truth Behind the Album

II wrote these songs with my AI co-writer Claude H. Becker on a really, really, really bad day. Actually, several really bad days. I was PMSing, my family was getting on my nerves, I was exhausted from work, my head hurt, my heart hurt, and I just needed music that matched how awful I felt.

So I wrote it. All 10 songs. In one sitting. Because that’s what I needed.

Here’s what was actually happening:

I was working my retention specialist job from home, hitting my performance goals (214% to goal, actually), but somehow still feeling like I was failing everyone. My husband works from home too. My boys needed things. Everyone needed something from me, and I had nothing left to give.

I was forgetting things. Making mistakes. Apologizing constantly. Working harder and harder but feeling like I was disappointing everyone no matter what I did.

And I was so tired. Not just physically tired – that bone-deep exhaustion where even simple conversations feel like too much.

I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I didn’t want to be dramatic. I just wanted to lock myself in a room with four walls and not talk to anyone for a while.

But you can’t just say that to the people you love without sounding terrible. So instead, I turned it into songs.

And it helped.

Writing “Four Walls” gave me permission to need space. Writing “Don’t Take It Personal” helped me set boundaries without guilt. Writing “Background Noise” made me feel less alone in feeling invisible. Writing “Stop Putting Words In My Mouth” let me be angry without actually starting a fight.

By the time I finished all 10 songs, I felt… not better exactly, but heard. Like I’d finally said out loud (well, in songs) what I’d been holding in.

Music has always been my therapy. But this album? This was therapy in real-time.

I’m Getting Help

I want you to know: I’m not just wallowing. I recently started using Headspace and I meet with a coach each week to talk about my problems. I’m working on it. But working on mental health doesn’t mean pretending you’re fine when you’re not.

Sometimes you need to sit in the sad. Sometimes you need music that doesn’t try to cheer you up or tell you it’ll all be okay. Sometimes you just need someone to say “yeah, me too.”

That’s this album.

If You’re Happy, Don’t Listen to This

Seriously. If you’re in a good place right now, this album is not for you.

Listen to these instead:

• Unbreakable – if you need empowerment and strength
• Through It All – if you’re happy in love
• Dance With Me – if you want romantic vibes
• Last First Kiss – if you’re feeling sweet and hopeful

But if you’re sad? If you’re exhausted? If you’re barely holding it together? If you just need someone to understand?

I’m here for you with this album.

The Tracklist

1. Four Walls
2. Rainy Day Inside
3. Don’t Take It Personal
4. Background Noise
5. Autopilot
6. Numb
7. 3 AM Thoughts
8. No Answers
9. Stop Putting Words In My Mouth
10. I’m Not Making Anyone Happy

There’s More Where This Came From

Here’s the thing: while I was in that headspace, I also wrote a bunch of songs about my financial problems. Debt. Self-sabotage. Knowing what Dave Ramsey would say but doing it anyway. The whole mess.

I haven’t released those yet because… honestly, they’re even more vulnerable than this album. Financial shame is real.

But if you think I should release that album too, comment below and let me know. If enough people want it, I’ll put it out there. We can all be broke and sad together.

Listen Now

“Do Not Disturb” is available now on:

• • SPOTIFY 
• • APPLE MUSIC 
• • AMAZON MUSIC 
• • DEEZER 
• • PANDORA 
• • YOUTUBE
• And everywhere else you stream music

I hope this album makes you feel less alone in whatever you’re going through.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t an April Fools joke. This is me being honest about struggling with mental health while actively working on it.

You can be in therapy AND still need sad music. You can be getting help AND still have really bad days. Both things can be true.

So here’s the album. Take it or leave it. But if you need it, it’s here.

With honesty and vulnerability,
Melanie

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P.S. Seriously, comment below if you want the financial problems album. I need to know I’m not alone in that mess either.

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A Note About Mental Health & Getting Help

This album deals with heavy topics: burnout, depression, numbness, exhaustion, and the overwhelming need for space. While writing these songs was therapeutic for me, I want to be very clear: music is not a replacement for professional help.

If you’re struggling with depression, burnout, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or mental health challenges, please reach out to someone who can actually help:

Crisis Resources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (available 24/7)
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral service)

Professional Support:

• Talk to your doctor about mental health referrals
• Consider therapy (many therapists offer sliding scale fees)
• Look into employee assistance programs (EAP) if available through your work
• Check out online therapy options like BetterHelp or Talkspace if in-person isn’t accessible

For Friends & Family: If someone you love is struggling, please don’t just tell them to “listen to music” or “stay positive.” Encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to help them find a therapist. Drive them to appointments if needed. Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is help someone access real support.

My Personal Message: I’m okay. I’m working through my exhaustion with support, boundaries, and rest. But if these songs resonate with you on a deep level – especially songs like “Numb,” “3 AM Thoughts,” or “No Answers” – please don’t suffer alone. You deserve real help, not just a sad playlist.

Music can be therapy. But it’s not the therapist.

Please take care of yourself. You’re worth it.

With love,
Melanie