In this paper I unpack how Mad–positive music may disrupt pathogizing mental–health discourses and affirm Mad subjectivities. I draw on the field of Mad Studies to discuss how Mad–positive music recognizes the subjugated knowledge(s) of self–identifying Mad persons, troubles the dominance of psy–disciplinary knowledge(s), and opens complex Mad–positive spaces. I empirically draw on Mad musicians’ lyrical work to demonstrate how Mad music may be epistemologically–dissonant with dominant mental health biomedical paradigms that pathologically root mental illness in individuals. Lastly, I suggest that Mad–positive music inserts Mad counter knowledge(s), complex radical narratives, and draws directly on Mad persons’ lived experiences in ways that offer new pedagogical insights into contemporary mental–health systemic practices.
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