Teen who passed out from stage fright is pursing his dream as a music producer

A Caboolture teen who would get the shakes and pass out on stage because of anxiety has relived his amazing journey on how he pushed past demons to pursue a career as a music producer.

Former Tullawong State High School student Seth Houghton is determined to pursue a successful career as a music producer, something that wasn’t possible a few years ago.

Due to crippling anxiety Mr Houghton could not perform in front of a crowd.

“I would literally shake and pass out,” he said.

“The anxiety and self-consciousness would kick in so much that I shut down.

“I’ve been doing music for as long as I can remember.

“I graduated high school with a certificate II in engineering and sound production, hoping to find my way into a music career.”

The 19-year-old produces remixes and creates music with his DJ kit, guitars and drums, uploading songs to a Youtube channel.

He has been part of the Sound Connections program that supports youth who are experiencing difficulty coping with school, homelessness, living independently, managing their mental health or needing assistance with disability.

Mr Houghton struggled with anxiety throughout his childhood and was later diagnosed with anxiety disorder.

Nineteen-year-old Seth Houghton has become a confident performer after battling crippling anxiety. Picture: Contributed

His anxiety also prevented him from being socially active at school.

“It was hard because I didn’t know anybody there,” Mr Houghton said.

“I kept my distance and said to myself, “I don’t know any of these people, I’m going to wait for them to introduce themselves first because I’m always the person that likes to go last.”

Aaron Shanahan, Seth Houghton and Jess Lean from the Sound Connections program. Picture: Contributed

Eventually through Sound Connections Mr Houghton jumped on stage and sang in front of his family, partner and families of the program’s participants.

“I kept coming and coming because it got me away from family and into a different environment,” Mr Houghton said.

It was a way I could relax and show my expression of music to others.

“Throughout it was hard but it eventually got easier and easier the more I came back because with music, it’s very calming with me, regardless of what genre it is.

It could be heavy metal, Bob marley, it doesn’t matter.”

Seth’s program mentor Jessica Lean has watched his confidence grow.

“Every week there seems to be a new outfit, he will jump on stage and tell everybody that he’s there,” Ms Lean said.

“Obviously we’ve gotten to know him and so he feels safe within himself.

“It’s a non-judgemental place, they don’t have to pretend to be anyone else.

“If you’re struggling with something in your life, you can come to this program and do music.

“Getting help with something that you need, that can change a life.”

Sound Connections is part of the Lutheran Services’ Intercept Youth and Family Program.