"Solace in Silence" by Not Enough Space Song Meaning: A song for support during thoughts of suicide
Not Enough Space, led by dual vocalists Lizzie Kristina Raatma and Liv Mitchell, has quickly established themselves as one of the most respected bands in the heavy music space. With vicious vocals and punishing breakdowns, the Florida-based metalcore band has skyrocketed in streams through the grind of touring and festival placements.
But Not Enough Space is more than an exceptional and engaging musical outfit: every performance comes with visible soul, much of it centered around a commitment to themes of mental health and life’s heavier moments. Lizzie and Liv took time to share with HeartSupport about their song “Solace in Silence,” a song that has become a point of solidarity for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts.
What events inspired “Solace in Silence?”
Not Enough Spae was founded in Florida in 2018, blooming from the seed of a covers band Lizzie Raatma was posting online. Lizzie initially formed the band with Anthony Martinez, who would go on to be part of Dark Divine. After a few initial lineup shifts, Lizzie brought her friend Liv on board in 2022 as Anthony transitioned to touring with Dark Divine.
“She learned harmonies and screams within two weeks and played her first show with Dark Divine, Famous Last Words, and us. It was a sold-out show,” Lizzie recalls. “Anthony tracked all the harmonies and screams for her so she could figure it out, and she's been there since.”
Liv brought more than just her unique vocal mastery to the band; she also brought her own lived experience with mental health and the power of music community. In fact, music community became what cemented the band’s name.
Although it began as a joke about bringing more gear to gigs than the local Florida clubs had space for, later a member of the scene who frequented the band’s shows came up to them, saying, “I've searched for this my entire life. This community is everything to me. I hope one day this world has enough for you guys, Not Enough Space.”
“‘Enough Space’ was such a beautiful sentiment, so we didn't change it,” Lizzie explains. That name took on even more meaning after the friend who named the band passed away. “It’s a tribute to our friend, Eric.”
What is the meaning of the song “Solace in Silence?”
The song “Solace in Silence” was primarily written by Liv Mitchell and guitarist Tristan Kaos. They were inspired by “I Won’t See You Tonight Part 2” by Avenged Sevenfold, which was written about band members M. Shadows’ response to Justin Sane’s suicide attempt. Inspired by the lyrics about being left behind, Liv and Tristan set out to write their own honest take on what might lead someone to choose to attempt suicide.
“The chorus is the final goodbye, and the verses talk about what got you there and how it evolved,” Liv explains. “I personally struggle with depression terribly. I was diagnosed at a young age, and it was healing as an artist to talk about the thoughts that go through my head.”
It’s a message fans have resonated with, frequently approaching Not Enough Space with their own stories of suicidal ideation. That reponse has added meaning and weight to the song.
“Fans will message me later saying, ‘I'm doing much better now, thank you.’ It's special to be able to say that you helped somebody in a way,” Liv shares.
The vocalist and songwriter adds, “I hate the phrase, ‘there's a light at the end of the tunnel.’ I won’t lie to somebody, telling them, ‘It's going to be great, you're going to do just fine.’”
“I struggle on a daily basis, and being open and honest about the struggles it takes to push through a depressive episode or suicidal ideation is a huge thing for me. I tell people, it's going to suck, it's going to hurt, and it's going to be hard, but that doesn't mean that you can stop trying. You have to want to do this for yourself. You have all of these people that love and care about you, and you have to push through.”
— Liv Mitchell, Not Enough Space
What is Not Enough Space’s message on mental health right now?
As more people hear Not Enough Space and discover “Solace in Silence,” the band remains committed to communicating about the more stigmatized mental health topics. They also stay rooted in what helps them personally through the hard, stuck feelings that inevitably surface when trying to scream your way out of the dark and into a brighter day.
“Something I try to tell myself as a positive affirmation is to take yourself seriously, because a lot of people want to shove it down. If you numb it, it doesn't go away. Take yourself seriously and let yourself feel all the hard feelings, because that's the hardest part of healing,” Lizzie says. “If you can embrace that and still show up to a show after a long work day, the worst week, or the worst month of your life? You're never going to regret going to the show you didn't feel up for. You're going to meet people and connect to the songs you've been listening to through hard times. It teaches you to stop avoiding it and face life with your heart and all the things that you love.”
Liv wholeheartedly agrees: “I remember I have my dog at home, my siblings, and my husband, who is our guitarist. He and I do this together, so we struggle together. He gets it, I get it, and we know how to balance it out. Family, community, and music. Writing lyrics feels like therapy. You sit there, get it all out, and it works.”
“If you come to our shows, it doesn't matter what age you are or who you are, as long as you know that you have a comfortable space. This is a place for everybody,” Liv says earnestly. “We try to harbor a safe space and a fun, inviting environment. Your life matters. Everybody's lives matter. There is no point in giving up when you just started. We're going to continue to push that notion that everything matters, you matter, you're loved, and we don't want to do this without you.”
Full interview with Not Enough Space
In our conversation with Not Enough Space, they shared more about both where they’ve been and where they’re headed — expounding on their origin story as a band and hinting at what they’re focused on in new music to come. You can watch the full interview below.
Find Not Enough Space on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
“Solace in Silence” by Not Enough Space lyrics
Wish I could say I'd apologize
But I'm so sick of feeling trapped in my own head
In my mind is where I fantasize
That I'll be 6 feet deep and laid to rest
I pray that death will set me freeStuck in a dream and I've passed on
Found solace in silence with nothing left to mournI'm drowning in a bottle
Of my own misery
Let's raise a toast to sorrows lip
Here's to the end of me
Making time to say goodbye
'Cause that's the past that I've left behind
I pray that death will set me freeStuck in a dream and I've passed on
Found solace in silence with nothing left to mourn
You can't bring me back
I was never meant to last
Found solace in silence with nothing left to mournSix feet deep
Beneath the trees I lay in peace
Nothing left, no misery
I'm finally set free
This is the way things were meant to beStuck in a dream and I've passed on
Found solace in silence with nothing left to mourn
You can't bring me back
I was never meant to last
Found solace in silence with nothing left to mourn
