Researchers are raising a red flag for mental health in the music industry.
A new Revelios [Mental Health Works] report, titled Soundcheck: Mental Health in the Canadian Music Industry, has released its findings, claiming that the industry’s lack of mental health resources has reached a critical tipping point.
Following up on a preliminary report from last May, researchers reveal the “urgent challenges requiring action,” through identifying the key factors leading to mental health issues in the music industry, including financial stress, unrealistic performance expectations and ever-changing industry demands.
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The study is billed as the first comprehensive Canadian study of its kind and outlines data from over 1,250 nationwide music professionals — collected through bilingual surveys, focus groups and in-depth interviews. Participants include artists, crew members, managers, venue operators, educators, media professionals, festival staff and executives — affirming that this isn’t just an issue exclusive to musicians, but one that deeply affects the whole music industry.
“Having our own Canadian baseline data is critical. We often assume things aren’t as bad here as elsewhere — this report challenges that assumption directly,” Catherine Harrison, president & founder of Revelios, tells Billboard Canada. “The findings mirror international data on mental health in the music industry, and that should prompt an honest, open conversation about the state of well-being in our own backyard.”
Harrison clarifies that it’s not just a problem for musicians, but for the entire industry.
“Poor mental health is not an artist problem. It cuts across every role, every type of organization — corporations, nonprofits, freelancers. The entire ecosystem is affected. And until we recognize that, our response will keep falling short.”
Almost unanimously, participants (94%) confirmed that mental health issues are widespread across the industry, with 86% of respondents personally experiencing mental health challenges, while 95% have witnessed others struggling.
The majority of symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, persistent sadness and sleep disturbances. Often, these issues aren’t met with the right resources, the report argues. This results in industry professionals feeling burned out, distressed and in extreme circumstances, leading to suicidal ideation, with between 43%-53% of participants feeling that life isn’t worth living, and have considered suicide.
“That’s not a footnote. That’s a crisis,” Harrison says.
Read more here.
Montreal Musicians Launch Cultural Boycott of Israel
Montreal artists are joining a cultural boycott of Israel.
Musicians For Palestine Montréal is a grassroots group comprised of musicians and music industry workers. The organization joins a rapidly growing global movement dedicated to building solidarity within their communities advocating for Palestine.
Over 80 musicians and cultural workers, including Patrick Watson, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Bibi Club, TOPS, Sean Nicholas Savage and more have added their names to the list.
In addition, 34 music labels, promoters and organizations have joined the boycott, such as Arbutus Records, Constellation Records, Hot Tramp Management and Bravo Musique.
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The boycott is in accordance with the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, stating that artists and organizations joining the initiative will refuse to perform in Israel, accept funding from Israel or associated lobby groups.
“Musicians and cultural workers have a crucial role to play in the struggle for social justice,” shares a spokesperson for Musicians For Palestine Montreal in a statment. “We refuse to allow our music and our labour to artwash apartheid and genocide. When our governments fail us, it’s our duty to come together to collectively refuse complicity.”
On the group’s website, they invite other musicians, artists and organizations in Montreal to join in: “As was demonstrated by the musicians who stood up against apartheid in South Africa, a cultural boycott of Israel is not only an appropriate and historically proven tactic, it’s an ethically necessary one.”
Read more here.
Erin Benjamin to Depart Canadian Live Music Association After More Than 12 Years
Erin Benjamin is stepping down from her role as president & CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA).
Benjamin announced she is leaving the position after 12 years. She will remain in her role until April, supporting the maintenance and transition of the organization’s programs, partnership and advocacy initiatives.
“Leading the CLMA has been one of the great privileges of my career,” she says.
“What began as a shared vision across a passionate community has grown into a strong national organization with a clarity of purpose and the capacity to forge lasting change. I’m so, so proud of our incredible team, our community, proud of what we’ve built together, and excited for the organization’s future.”
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Throughout her tenure, Benjamin has supported and advocated for the country’s live sector, representing the needs of venues, clubs, promoters, festivals, agents and touring professionals. Benjamin assumed the role of CEO in 2019, following the live music organization’s rebrand from Music Canada Live to CLMA.
During the pandemic, she coordinated with the industry and government, leading national efforts to help the live music sector survive and recover. Benjamin has argued for live music as a cultural and economic industry to be recognized at the federal level.
Last year, CLMA facilitated Hear and Now, the first-ever national economic impact assessment of Canada’s live music industry. The data built a case for the importance of public investment and policy development.
Earlier this year, Vancouver music industry executive Nate Sabine was appointed chair of the live music organization, a notable addition to the company’s leadership team. He shares that Benjamin’s impactful role in the country’s live music scene “cannot be overstated.”
Read more here.