Giving Addicts a Second Chance Through Music | Apes of the State | TEDxLancaster

Some of these band members know first-hand the ravages of addiction. They started a non-profit to give instruments to recovering addicts. The result changed their lives and those of others. Apes of the State are a folk/pop/punk band from Lancaster, PA. After a stint in rehab for drug & alcohol addiction in June 2014, band member April picked up a guitar and started writing songs. Armed with a new coping mechanism and motivated by the desire to take life in an entirely
new direction, she linked up with members Mollie, Dan, and Maddy. Together they have recorded one full length album and completed countless US tours. Their songs are categorized by their witty and pointed lyrics that cover topics such as love, heartbreak, politics, student loan debt, and overcoming addiction. On and off stage, they seek to empower people to use music as a tool in their own healing processes. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx