Ten Hands

Ten Hands formed in New York City in the late 1990s with Ryan Olstein on vocals and lyrics, Doug Robinson on guitar, Mark Feingold on bass, and Eric Klerks on drums. The band's name came from the idea of holding hands during difficult times, which reflected Olstein's personal experiences with depression and anxiety that shaped much of their writing.

Their music mixed alternative rock with folk and electronic elements, but what stood out were the lyrics that dealt plainly with mental health. Songs like "Don't Listen To The Voices In Your Head" and "Alligator Brain" became touchpoints for listeners who recognized those struggles in themselves.

They released albums including their self-titled debut in 2000, followed by "The Sound of Two Hands Clapping" in 2003 and "The Healing Process" in 2007. Their work appeared in some television shows and films, which helped spread their music beyond their initial New York following.