Words By: Jack Humphrey

Over two decades in and still one of the most prolific groups in the pop-punk scene, Sum 41 has never been a band to play it safe. Teaming up nothing, nowhere, one of the most exciting new acts on the scene, for an anthemic statement on one of the most vital issues of our time, their latest single “Catching Fire” is certainly no different. One of the most powerful cuts from their seventh studio album Order in Decline, the emotional track was singlehandedly written and produced by singer and principal songwriter Deryck Whibley in his home studio in Los Angeles, California.

Fans of the band know that the Sum 41 frontman has always had a penchant for delivering authentic, heart-on-sleeve lyricism, but for Deryck, this one cut particularly deep. Written as a form of catharsis to deal with his wife Ari’s attempted suicide in 2013, “Catching Fire” confronts the frontman’s shock and desperation in the aftermath of that scary event. “It just felt so liberating,” Deryck told People. “It was almost like I was able to say everything I wanted to say within that song, because that’s how I speak best. We were able to really move forward and be able to now talk about things like that.”

As the couple continues to heal, Sum 41 is using “Catching Fire” as a vehicle to shine a light on mental health awareness and help others who have lost loved ones to suicide cope and move forward. The emotional single’s accompanying music video allows many of the band’s fans to honor and memorialize their loved ones who had recently taken their own life. Directed by previous Sum 41 collaborator John Asher, the black and white video captures the poignantly raw feelings such tragedies may evoke with vivid transparency, bolstered by a moving verse by pop-punk newcomer nothing, nowhere. “As someone who has had to deal with mental illness throughout my life… it was a no brainer when Deryck approached me to get on this song,” the young firebrand later remarked. “I think it’s important to let those close to you know that you love them and that you are there for them unconditionally. I’m a lifelong Sum 41 fan and I’m honored to be a part of something like this.”

With Mental Health Awareness Month drawing to a close, Deryck hopes that fans will ultimately find something positive and redemptive in the band’s latest effort. “In sharing [Ari’s] story, we are hoping to let others know they are not alone and that if you need help, there is no shame in saying so.”

For more than two decades, Sum 41 has been a trailblazer in the pop-punk scene with a career hallmarked by gold and platinum-selling records, Juno Awards, and a Grammy nomination. Over the years, the band has maintained a passionate fan-base with a reputation for heart-pumping rock jams, bitingly honest songwriting, and electric live shows. Across seven albums, the band has never been afraid to take risks challenging weighty topics, while never sacrificing their defiant pop-punk spirit. Their latest album Order in Decline is available now on Hopeless Records.

For anyone that needs help, please contact The Suicide Prevention Hotline or call 1-800-273-8255.

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