It’s been just over a year since Sean Martin, the lead singer of The Night Café, took his own life at just 26 years old. As a fan of Sean and the band for the last 5 years, it’s painful to see the loss of someone so creative and talented. The outpouring of love for Sean and the support for his friends and family was incredible, and it is a testament to his personality and his passion that his death has left a void in the lives of so many.
School mates Sean, Carl, Josh, and Aaron came together to form what was originally the band Bunkbed in 2013, and they released their first single, ‘Growing Up’, as The Night Café in 2015. After multiple singles and two EPs, Get Away from the feeling (2017) and Bunkbed (2018), they released their debut album, 0151, in 2019. Their final record, the EP For Better Days, came in 2021, and it closes out the outstanding discography of a band with an unmistakably vibrant indie sound. After discovering the band in 2019, I was lucky to have the chance to see them live at The Globe in Cardiff in 2022. Now, looking back at that gig, I’m nothing if not grateful for the music Sean and the band made.
Mental health is a major focal point for The Night Café. Sean’s work as such a force for good in his music, whilst facing his own struggles, is an inspiration, and it deserves to be celebrated.
The idea of looking out for and being there for others is embedded in the band’s identity, seen as early on as the single ‘Together’, released in 2016. The line “But I can only try to pretend I know how you’re feeling” stands out. It can be difficult to empathise with others when they’re dealing with issues you may not fully understand, but ‘Together’ is a reminder that the crucial part is being there to listen regardless. When Sean sings “I’ll be there till the end”, it’s a powerful statement of commitment to being that support. This sentiment is carried through the rest of their music. ‘Strange Clothes’, the song from which Get Away From the Feeling takes its name, deals with witnessing the changes of a friend going through a tough time. The track offers a wall of shoegaze-like sound to help drown out the negative thoughts, and the line “If I could, then I would feel it all for you” is hammered home in the chorus to reaffirm the message of unwavering support.
The music is also often a medium for introspection on Sean’s own mental state. The final track on 0151, ‘Leave Me Alone’, ends the album with a focus on the feeling of wanting to distance yourself from others because of your mental struggles. The song can be seen as an acknowledgement of Sean’s experience with bipolar type 2, with the refrain “I’m just waiting on this day to pass by” referring to the endurance of low points along with a belief that better days are ahead. One of the band’s biggest and most powerful songs is ‘Turn’, which Sean spoke about in an interview on the Vintage Society Podcast in 2021, explaining its significance. Sean discussed his feeling of isolation and depression that inspired the track. However, he emphasised the catharsis that the making of the song provided for both him and members of the band that were dealing with loss and similar emotions at the time. It’s the raw honesty with regards to mental health in songs like ‘Turn’ that make it so easy to connect with The Night Café, as well as being indicative of the importance of their music. As Sean said in the interview:
“Having real things to write songs about definitely sparks the inspiration to actually want to speak about it”
Sean Martin
The direction the band took with the themes tackled in their work is a defining example of using music to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health.
In the wake of Sean’s death, the messages in his music carry even more weight. It’s crucial to note that Sean was also outspoken about his mental health outside of his work. Through his social media, he discussed his struggles and raised awareness for those dealing with chronic migraines and mental health issues. Sean’s girlfriend Hannah made a tribute to him through instagram shortly after his death, writing “I’m inspired by his ability to still create through the pain, to create beauty in such an unfair situation.” Hannah also raised an invaluable point with regards to supporting those who are struggling:
“Yes talking is important and yes men need people to lean on, but Sean spoke loudly and was still mostly misunderstood/not believed. If I can say one thing it would be to actually listen when people talk and don’t deny or minimise anyone’s experience.”
Hannah Thomas
The legacy Sean leaves behind is one that calls for us to look after each other. As Hannah wrote, the importance of actively listening to and being there for those we care about when they are struggling cannot be overstated. The band’s music is an ever-present escape for so many fans. Because of that, I don’t doubt that Sean’s story and the music he made has inspired people to open up about their own struggles, whilst being there to support others when they need to talk about theirs.
Help is available. Here’s a link to a range of support services, including 24-hour helplines, for whenever you need to talk to someone about how you feel.
The Night Café on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ShwUjKIwQRaUJij7jgRhp
Vintage Society Podcast – The Night Café Episode:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6hI5bJUXn9sxfUxWoKlF6J
Ben Parr, 15th January 2025