Musician Ejae said that songwriting saved her during an interview with TIME at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity [1].
This admission highlights the role of creative expression as a tool for mental health and resilience. By sharing her experience on a global stage, Ejae underscores how artistic output can serve as a primary mechanism for overcoming personal hardship.
The interview took place in Cannes, France, during the 2026 [1] festival. Ejae spoke about the intersection of her professional work and her personal survival, detailing how the process of writing music provided a necessary outlet during her most difficult moments.
"Songwriting saved me," Ejae said [1].
She credited the act of songwriting with helping her overcome various personal challenges [1]. The conversation occurred within the context of the festival, which celebrates creativity and innovation on an international scale. Ejae's testimony aligns with broader discussions regarding the therapeutic nature of the arts, and the ability of musicians to translate trauma into a structured, melodic form.
While the artist did not elaborate on the specific nature of the challenges she faced, she emphasized that the creative process was the catalyst for her recovery. The interview provides a glimpse into the private struggles of public figures, and the methods they use to maintain stability while navigating the pressures of the music industry [1].
“"Songwriting saved me"”
Ejae's public acknowledgment of songwriting as a survival tool reflects a growing trend of artists utilizing high-profile industry platforms to destigmatize mental health struggles. By linking her recovery to her craft during a major creativity festival, she positions artistic expression not just as a commercial product, but as a critical component of psychological well-being.
