It’s not all glitz and glam for one half of Teddy Cream.

Travelling the world playing to thousands of starry-eyed dance music fans, performing sets on TV and radio – it’s the dream for a twenty-something, right? For Melbourne DJ Brandon Mangion, the touring lifestyle took its toll and the 24-year-old found himself relying on drugs and alcohol to cope with the demands of the job.

Over the past couple of months, Brandon has been taking the steps towards sobriety and raising awareness whilst doing so. Since announcing he’d be raising money for mental health charity Mindfull Aus, he’s amassed over $5.5K for the organisation which helps people with high-risk areas of poor mental health, acquire the skills and understanding to identify, control and express their emotions.

We caught up with Brandon to chat about the tracks that have been keeping his spirits up during his sobriety journey, check it below and head here to donate to his fundraiser:

https://give.everydayhero.com/au/brandons-fight-for-mental-health

1. Bob Dylan – ‘Blowin’ in The Wind’

This song is without doubt my favourite record of all time. It’s hard to describe and articulate WHY in words, but I get goosebumps every time I listen to it. It really hits home on a deeper spiritual level that can’t be expressed in words. This song offers rhetorical questions about peace, war, and freedom. It was released in 1963 and I believe it is still so relevant today, and will be forever. The answer, my friend, is Blowin’ in The Wind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWwgrjjIMXA

2. Jimmy Barnes – ‘Tougher Than The Rest’

The Jimmy Barnes rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Tougher Than The Rest’ is a song that inspires me, and moves me to the core of my being. It is a song that has been a massive help on the road to my recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. It reminds me of the demons I have battled and how far I have come to get to where I am now.

This track is my morning alarm every day, and it puts a smile on my face every time it comes on. Though the lyrics are written aimed at a romantic partner, I listen to Jimmy bashing out “Honey, I’m tougher than the rest” as a powerful affirmation that I am strong, I am courageous, I am tough, and I can overcome any obstacle that comes my way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWgC3DiuAOo

3. Glen Campbell – ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’

I vibrate at such high energy all the time, I am forever and singing and dancing, and sometimes I don’t shut up. I don’t know why I haven’t copped a belting for the singing antics on my 6am morning walks yet, I would have without doubt woken up so many people haha. Some people may call it obnoxious, but I just love having a good time. ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ is full of FEEL GOOD VIBES and I’m a massive fan of 70s country music thanks to my parents.

I resonate with the lyrics “I’m gonna be where the lights are shining on me” because ever since I was a young boy I was always in the spotlight, and to be honest, I thrive in it. I also resonate with the lyrics “Like a Rhinestone Cowboy, getting cards and letters from people I don’t even know, and offers coming over the phone” which is quite self-explanatory, I have built a career off pleasing and entertaining strangers. This song brings me great pleasure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kAU3B9Pi_U

4. Neil Diamond – ‘Sweet Caroline’

This track is without doubt the greatest singalong song of all time. It has the power to turn a frown upside down in an instant, and it brings people so much joy. While touring the world in my DJ duo Teddy Cream, I played this song in EVERY SINGLE SET and without fail, the reaction was priceless every time.

My finest memories are playing this song at Creamfields Festival in the UK year after year to thousands of happy partygoers at once, it brings joyful tears to my eyes when everyone sings it together. The power of community is so important to me, and I truly believe human connection is one of the most important aspects of life.

5. Oasis – ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’

I am a huge Oasis fan, and Don’t Look Back In Anger was another song I played quite frequently in my Teddy Cream sets, especially whilst touring the UK and Ireland. This song will forever bring back wonderful memories and remind me of how grateful I am to have been able to DJ and perform all over the world. I actually saw Liam Gallagher in concert before the pandemic kicked up a storm, and even though he didn’t sing this song, it was epic. I miss live music so much and can’t wait to be able to tour and go to concerts again. Don’t we all?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obeez6D3kKM