“Melodies and lyrics moved me when I was really young. It’s a mixed blessing –it allows you to feel things very deeply. But it can be draining”: Session guitarist Jon Conley has faced mental health challenges all his life. Here’s what keeps him going

Jon Conley.

This article is part of Guitar World's series of interviews and features with artists addressing and raising awareness around themes of mental health, particularly as they relate to musicians.

Jon Conley’s passion for music began as a toddler in Paragould, Arkansas. “Anytime music would come on television, it pulled me in and I would grab my toy guitar,” he recalls.