64 | Chris De Banks: Not Saints, 90s Drugs & The Creativity Myth – Building a Sober Music Scene

Believe in People

Matt speaks with Chris De Banks, founder of Not Saints - the UK’s only not-for-profit record label supporting musicians in recovery - to explore the powerful intersection of music and sobriety. From navigating the drug-fuelled 90s music scene to building a sober creative community, Chris shares his journey through addiction, recovery, and the founding of Not Saints. Together, they unpack the myths that link creativity with substance use, challenge the glamorisation of addiction in pop culture, and spotlight how stigma can be dismantled through storytelling, sober events, and authentic musical expression.

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This is a toolkit for recovery & resilience. Whether you’re in recovery or seeking to understand addiction, there’s something here for everyone.

📩 Contact: [email protected]
🎵 Music: “Jonathan Tortoise” by Christopher Tait (Belle Ghoul / Electric Six)

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🎙️ Facilitator: Matthew Butler
🎛️ Producer: Robbie Lawson
🏢 Network: ReNew

Chapters

1. Introduction to NotSaints and Chris De Banks (00:00:00)

2. 90s Culture and the Path to Addiction (00:00:59)

3. Debunking the Tortured Artist Myth (00:05:33)

4. Cultural Influences and Modern Drug Use (00:08:13)

5. Genetic Predisposition vs. Environment in Addiction (00:15:05)

6. Rock Bottom Moments and Windows to Recovery (00:19:52)

7. Physical Dependency and Alcohol's Grip (00:26:10)

8. NotSaints: Music as a Recovery Tool (00:31:17)

9. Rapid-Fire Questions and Conclusion (00:39:24)