Mental Health in the Music Industry: My Insights from The Green Room podcast CGAgency LLC

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Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash

The music industry is a dynamic and demanding field that often takes a toll on artists’ mental health. In light of Mental Health Month, the recent The Green Room podcast featuring Ryan Dusick from Maroon 5 (Click the link here to catch the whole thing: https://variety.com/2023/music/news/mental-health-music-industry-green-room-talks-series-ryan-dusick-maroon-5-1235604832/) shed light on various important aspects related to mental well-being in the music industry. This blog post explores some of the key topics discussed, delving deeper into each issue to provide valuable insights for artists and music professionals. I hope you enjoy my take.

Embracing Compliments and Celebrating Accomplishments: One important takeaway from The Green Room was the need for artists to learn to accept compliments graciously. It is essential to acknowledge and be proud of your accomplishments, even in seemingly simple situations. By internalizing positive feedback, artists can enhance their self-esteem and build a healthier mindset. This wasn’t discussed but this was picked up when one of the guests paid a compliment to the host and it totally threw her off, I believe we all need to get better at this. I am still haunted by one compliment given to me which I should have responded to differently. I was hosting a car show booth and one of the organizers told me that I was good at it, and I responded with, “Yea I know” but I swear I was wearing a silly look on my face to make them know I was not being serious but I doubt they saw it, so yes, more practice needed with this for sure.
Prioritizing Fun and Managing Stress: As artists experience success in their careers, it becomes crucial to find enjoyment in their work. They must make conscious decisions to prioritize their mental well-being and avoid overwhelming stress. This includes evaluating tour schedules and meet-and-greet commitments to ensure they align with their personal needs and boundaries. It is important to remember that success should not come at the expense of one’s mental health.
Transforming the Relationship with Alcohol and Drugs: Alcohol and drug use has been prevalent in the music industry, often used as a coping mechanism or performance enhancer. The Green Room emphasized the need for artists to reframe their mindset around substance use. Rather than relying on drugs or alcohol as a crutch. I believe acts can use drinking or drug use as a way to celebrate their performances and creative achievements without depending on substances to do it for them. Maintaining a professional atmosphere during work and leisure activities can contribute to a healthier lifestyle as well, so keep the drinking and drugs out of the studio, and keep it to a minimum. You need to make sure that it is truly your talent doing the creating, not the drug or drink.
Realities of the Music Industry: Aspiring musicians or those who want to work in the back office need to be aware that the music industry is demanding and stressful. Attending festivals is not the work day, you must maintain a relentless schedule that can take a toll on mental health. It is essential to set realistic expectations and be prepared for the challenges that come with pursuing a career in music. So test the water before you jump right in…I think that is why there are so many internships in the music industry, we need that temp to perm way of work, the turnover in this business is crazy. When people do ask even me how they get into this business I do give them a fair warning that it is not easy and going to clubs and pool parties is not the life…it is pretty much nonstop and extremely stressful.
Overcoming Self-Doubt: Imposter syndrome and self-doubt are common among artists, even after achieving success. It is important to recognize that talent and hard work brought you to where you are, and you deserve to be in the industry. Surrounding yourself with a supportive team, family, or even your therapist can help combat negative thoughts and self-criticism.
Harnessing Gratitude and Seeking Support: Practicing gratitude can be a powerful tool for maintaining mental well-being. Although it may not be necessary to engage in gratitude practices daily, some find it beneficial. Additionally, open conversations about mental health are increasingly accepted and encouraged. Finding trusted individuals to confide in and seeking support outside of your immediate family can provide valuable insights and understanding. That is only if your parents are the type that are looking to say, “I told you so” if they were never supportive in the first place, so maybe avoid your Dad if he is that rough guy but hey, you might be surprised how much mental health even your parents are holding on their shoulders, probably all of their lives.
Honesty in Therapy and Medical Care: When working with therapists and medical professionals, it is crucial to be transparent about habits, including drug use. Honesty is vital for effective treatment, and professionals are there to help without judgment or repercussions.
Managing Anxiety in Important Meetings: Panic and anxiety can hinder performance, particularly in high-stakes meetings. The Green Room advised artists to focus on enjoying the experience and staying present. Remind yourself that no one is dying, and by remaining calm, you can bring your best self to the situation.
Authenticity, Positivity, and Serving Others: Remaining true to yourself and radiating positivity can attract positive experiences and people into your life. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network and distancing yourself from toxic individuals fosters mental well-being. The act of serving others and giving back can also contribute to a sense of fulfillment.
Advocating for Mental Health Services and Insurance: The Green Room highlighted the need for agencies and labels to take an active role in providing mental health services to artists and music professionals. This could involve partnering with organizations like Backline, a service mentioned in the podcast, that offers support for mental health in the music industry. Agencies and labels can prioritize mental well-being by allocating resources and creating programs aimed at supporting artists’ mental health. You can check out BackLine here > https://backline.care/Moreover, labels have the opportunity to offer health insurance to their exclusive artists. By considering artists as W2 employees rather than independent contractors (1099), labels can provide access to comprehensive health insurance coverage. This step can significantly contribute to the overall well-being of artists and alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with mental health care. Through a little digging, there are ways for companies to provide insurance to their 1099 employees as well so you no longer have to go the traditional route, so it might be a conversation to have with your employer.Thank you goes to The Green Room for giving me the content to write something for Mental Health Awareness month, so big ups, I’ll continue to check out future episodes – here is the link to their YouTube > https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV2-WnT-gFQgOYNx8YUERqw