Surviving the music Business (without losing your mind)

Strictly (the music) business

It can sometimes feel like we have no right to feel let down or depressed as folks who get the pleasure of making music for a living. It’s no surprise that there, like everywhere else, is a mental health crisis in the music industry. It’s a common refrain (no pun intended) that musicians are tortured artists…. but does that need to be the case? There’s plenty of room for self-care and mental health practices in the music business. Let’s dive in.

The Pressure Cooker Effect

There can be an outside perception that the music industry is just hard while your “grinding” (bro). Well, reality is, unfortunately, that it’s not a 1:1 relationship between finding success in the music business and having an easier time as an artist and a creator. Welcome to the pressure cooker that is the music business. With so much riding on your success, it's no wonder that many musicians find themselves teetering on the edge of burnout.

Navigating the stigma

I will say - it’s very much within the cultural zeitgeist for artists to talk about their own mental health struggles. Where there used to be a stigma around discussing how you feel, as an artist, there is certainly more space for artists to, not only talk about the tough topics that they’re facing every day, but also to incorporate that narrative into their creative process and their branding. Think about the reason that you personally got into music - I’d say the majority of folks who started writing music, started writing music with the sole objective of creating a space to share their insecurities or their needs that they were not able to express otherwise. That’s great news because now is simply no different from then - you can use the artistic process to share and express yourself in ways that others might even connect with.

the music business tightrope

Okay, so you can feel free to share and vent and all that good stuff, but the question remains: what’s for the public and what’s just for me? It's all about self-care. Whether it's carving out time for mindfulness, hitting the gym, or simply indulging in a 7-12 hour Netflix binge, it is not only understandable, but absolutely vital that you prioritize your mental health amidst the chaos of the music business.You’re allowed not to share a song you wrote if you feel it’s too personal. You’re also allowed to share a song that you wrote if you think that it’s too personal, but it would feel GOOD to share. While there are plenty of drawbacks to being your own boss, one of the HUGE benefits is that you don’t have to do anything that you’re not 100% comfortable with. It’s about taking steps forward and seeing where your (figurative) center of gravity is.

Pictured: You, navigating the music business

the support system

When you’re trying to look for your own way forward in the music business, it's easy to feel like you're on your own. But the truth is, everything that you’re going through - all of the self-doubt, the impostor syndrome, the depression, every artist has to navigate those roadblocks. In fact, one of the most universal parts of being an artist is facing some form of rejection, depression or generally feeling like s*&t. When you reach out to other artists, whether it’s to commiserate or just to vent about how things are going, you’ll be building bonds with other people in the same position as you. Those bonds can last a lifetime and they can really be the anchor that keeps you from floating off too deep into your own head.

the Simple Plan principle

Now, not to put far too much thought into it, but the scholars in Simple Plan said it best when they wrote: “I’m just a kid and life is a nightmare.” Truer words have never been spoken - but that simply does not need to be the case. When you feel like things are far from perfect, there are plenty of measures that you can take to make it a little bit easier to get by. We just happened to build a little list based on the timeless classics of Simple Plan.

Welcome To My Life

Do you ever feel like breaking down? Do you ever feel out of place? All of us have felt, at one point or another, like somehow [we] just don’t belong and no one understands [us]. Mindfulness allows us to take stock of what’s actually going on around us. Does everybody hate you today or do you, maybe just maybe, feel a little self conscious? Are you the worst guitarist that’s ever walked this earth or (mind-blowing I know) do you maybe just need to take a breather? Your body is constantly sending you signs that your brain can have some trouble interpreting. So, pay attention to those knots in your stomach, those tension headaches, and figure out what your body is trying to tell you. It’s one thing to be hurt and to feel lost, but when you start to read the signs that your body is sending you, you might be surprised at how intuitively you can move past those negative feelings and get back on the horse.

Sorry, I can’t be perfect

… and that is OKAY! There can be an outside perception that the stage show that you’re seeing is effortless and all of the extremely talented people around you are just way better than you at what they’re doing. That’s rarely the case. Let’s just call it what it is - comparison bias is a trick that your brain plays to make you think that all of the people around you are secretly judging you and think that you SUCK. That’s never the case. Almost everybody who goes up on a stage or puts their music on the internet for a living is absolutely terrified of the prospect that people won’t like it…. until they’re not! Nobody is infallible, nobody is perfect and that is a good thing. Creating a space where you feel like you can be open about your insecurities will allow you to vent those negative feelings and, from there, to use those feelings as your suit of armor.

Introducing your mental health support team

I’m Just a Kid and Life is a Nightmare

Negative thinking can be like a whirlpool in the music business. You can start with one negative thought, maybe that you’re not working hard enough - that will usually lead to a variety of other negative thoughts (I’m not practicing enough! I don’t like how I look on stage! My music doesn’t sound CATCHY enough!!) and before long the thoughts are trying to pull you under. Okay, okay let me tie it back to the song - once you’re mentally stuck where you feel like life is a nightmare and the world is having more fun than you, you need some HELP to pull yourself back. Take a day and focus on self-care. I know, it can be a tall order trying to prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental well-being in a world that constantly demands your attention. So, carve out time for activities that nourish your soul, whether it's going for a walk in nature, practicing mindfulness meditation, or simply curling up with a good book. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.

addicted

Think back to the first time you wrote something and loved it. I’m sure you would do quite literally anything to chase that feeling again - it’s addictive (see what we did there?). It can feel really natural, after music becomes your career, to job-ify the work that you’re doing. While it’s a great idea to take your music career seriously, don’t forget what got you addicted to it in the first place. You’re an artist first - that’s what drove you to the music business - all of the rest is tangential to your mission. It’s great to learn how to market yourself, it’s great to be a DIY producer. Those are great things…. but the number one and most important factor in being a part of the music business is creating music.

Finding Harmony: Self-Care Tips for Music Professionals

You've chosen a career path filled with passion, creativity, and the occasional existential crisis. But the most important thing to remember is that there are plenty of resources for you to tap into when you’re feeling burnt out. Luckily we’ve got them laid out here:

Therapy and Counseling

We know how it is - you’re a musician with a busy schedule and it can be hard to find support that works for you. Whether you're grappling with performance anxiety, imposter syndrome, or just the general stress of life in the music business, therapy can provide a safe space to unpack your emotions and develop coping strategies. So, don't hesitate to seek out a licensed therapist who specializes in working with musicians. Your mental health is worth investing in.

Support Groups and Peer Networks

They say misery loves company, but here's the thing – so does healing. Joining a support group or peer network for musicians can provide a sense of camaraderie and understanding that you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's an online forum, a local meetup, or a formal support group led by a mental health professional, connecting with fellow musicians who share your struggles can be incredibly validating. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.

Online Resources and Helplines

From online articles and self-help guides to crisis hotlines and chat support, there's a wealth of resources available to music professionals in need of support. Whether you're looking for tips on managing anxiety, coping with depression, or simply seeking a listening ear, organizations like MusiCares, Help Musicians, and SoundMind offer a variety of mental health resources tailored specifically to musicians. So, don't hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.

Sailing Through the Storm: Mental Health in the Music Industry

In an industry that glorifies hustle culture and sacrifices well-being for success, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But here's the truth – you are not defined by your productivity or your accolades. You are valuable simply because you exist.

Seeking Support

If this journey has taught us anything, it's that seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Whether it's therapy, support groups, or simply reaching out to a trusted friend, know that you are not alone in your struggles. Music labels may come and go, but your mental well-being is worth fighting for.