Black Midi‘s Matt Kwasniewski-Kelvin has confirmed that he’s been taking some time off from the band recently due to mental health issues.

The London four-piece shared their guitarist’s short statement on his mental health in a post on their social media channels earlier this morning (January 15).

Kwasniewski-Kelvin said in his statement: “I’ve been taking some time off from the band as I have been mentally unwell.

“Because of this, I haven’t featured on forthcoming material. I’ll be back soon.”

Accompanying Kwasniewski-Kelvin’s statement was a post from Black Midi, who said that they are “fully behind our best mate in his recovery and can’t wait ’til we can all be + play together again soon”.

“It almost goes without saying but please respect Matt’s right to privacy surrounding this,” the band added.

Black Midi also recommended the work of the Samaritans in the UK for those people who might be struggling with their mental health and need someone to talk to.

“Do reach out to friends/family/loved ones to let them know how you’re feeling, you’d be surprised at the lengths people will go to help you,” Black Midi said.

Black Midi’s last official release was their February 2020 single ‘Sweater’. Their debut album, ‘Schlagenheim’, arrived in June 2019.

For help and advice on mental health:

• ‘Am I depressed?‘ – Help and advice on mental health and what to do next
• Help Musicians UK – Around the clock mental health support and advice for musicians
• Music Support Org – Help and support for musicians struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or mental health issues
• YOUNG MINDS – The voice for young people’s health and wellbeing
• CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably for young men
• Time To Change – Let’s end mental health discrimination
• The Samaritans – Confidential support 24 hours a day