The last year has been one of the best of Shane Bunting’s life.
Better known as Madchild, a member of the hit Canadian hip-hop group Swollen Members, Bunting released his first solo album Dope Sick this past summer. The album instantly hit No. 3 in Canada.
But what makes this time in his life particularly special is that he’s sober.
“It’s incredible. I feel so blessed. I have a second chance at life,” he said in a phone interview last Wednesday.
For four years, the rapper was addicted to OxyContin and his addiction cost him everything he had built with Swollen Members, including more than $3 million worth of assets and finances.
After finally hitting rock bottom, Bunting made the decision to get clean and although it was a difficult battle, he’s been sober for two years.
Writing and recording Dope Sick was like therapy for him.
“It covers the whole gamut of my addiction, from what I went through to becoming sober,” he said. “It covers the dark and lonely and depressing times of being an addict and coming off of drugs. It also celebrates the last year of my sobriety, which has been very rewarding and fulfilling.”
Sharing his story is also important because he feels it can be helpful to others, especially those who might see him as a role model.
“It’s important for them to know how great life can get, especially for opioid addicts,” Bunting said.
Calling it synthetic heroin, Bunting said OxyContin addiction is an epidemic and it’s taken over towns.
“The problem with it is it seems very innocent at first. A painkiller doesn’t sound very threatening. If you have an addictive personality, it can become the most addicting thing you’ll ever do and the hardest thing to get off of,” he said.
“With drugs like cocaine or marijuana, it’s more of a mental thing to get off. With heroin and painkillers, it’s something you’ll get sick if you don’t take it after you’re addicted to it,” he added.
After everything he’s been through, Bunting said getting back into the music scene feels incredible and he’s grateful to his friends, family and his fans.
“Life is a reality and there’s going to be ups and downs,” he said. “Going through it with a clear head and getting to live my dream again is a blessing.”
Madchild performs at Crocks this Saturday, Nov. 24. The show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance. Age of majority required.
