Panelists shared strategies that live musicians can use to look after themselves throughout their careers. Image credit: The MU.
In September 2023, MU Live, Theatre and Music Writers Official Natalie Witts-Kilshaw chaired a live panel discussion as part of the Fair Play on Tour 2023 programme. The panel highlighted a range of issues live musicians are facing in today’s industry and climate and the impact this has on mental health and wellbeing.
Panel participants recounted their personal experiences of struggling with mental health as performing musicians, and shared strategies that live musicians can use to look after themselves throughout their careers.
This panel comprised of:
The discussion took place at The Exchange in Bristol as part of Fair Play on Tour 2023, a series of events and masterclasses for the live sector, held at MU Fair Play Venues across the country.
Three in ten musicians report having poor mental wellbeing
Findings from the Musicians’ Census have revealed almost a third of the UK’s professional musicians experience poor mental wellbeing.
Musicians are experiencing a range of issues including discrimination, performance anxiety, burnout and financial instability - all of which affect their ability to build a sustainable music career.
The panel discussed the need to change narratives around the music industry and how it deals with and prevents mental health issues, as well as offering free support resources in South West England and beyond.
It's vital for live musicians to build rest into their routine
Between recording, releasing, rehearsing and performing, musicians who perform live often have extremely busy lifestyles. Part of building a sustainable career means being able to take breaks to practise self-care and avoid burnout.
Tumi Williams described how he plans regular time for gardening and cooking - activities that exist outside and independently of his career as a musician.
“It’s about making the time to do things you want to do that aren’t related to the anxiety and pressure that comes with the music industry”, he says.
Figuring out what your boundaries and energy levels are, as well as how they might change over time, is also incredibly important, especially with how unpredictable the music industry can be.
It’s about making the time to do things you want to do that aren’t related to the anxiety and pressure that comes with the music industry.
“What can be self-care for you, or what makes you feel calmer, or makes you kind of reset, can be different from week to week”, said Natalie Witts-Kilshaw.
There are a variety of free resources for musicians to learn about their mental health and what can help them recalibrate after a performance, tour, or busy schedule.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Advice Hub
A healthy diet can give you the energy for a successful tour
It’s challenging for performing artists to maintain a healthy diet and avoid the temptations of motorway services and takeaways when on the road.
“Over the years, my diet went out the door”, said Tumi. “Conversations about diet should be had a lot.”
What we put in our bodies directly impacts our mental health performance, and the time invested in a healthy diet can give you the energy you need for a successful tour - as well as help you recover faster during your rest time.
Musicians can adopt various strategies to avoid the temptations of motorway services and takeaways. Read our guidance on how to eat healthily on tour for more ideas.
Changing narratives around musicians' mental health
Musicians are not exempt from the pressures of more traditional workspaces.
An outside perspective of the music industry could assume that because their job involves doing what they’re passionate about, musicians don’t face challenges in the same way that more traditional careers do.
However, the grassroots music scene holds a great deal of nurturing power that it can offer to its wider community.
Carly Heath, Night-Time Economy Adviser for Bristol, pointed out that artists often bear an emotional responsibility towards an audience during a performance.
“For artists, performers, and promoters, audiences are often looking to us to create the vibe and to uplift them. If we can look after ourselves, then we can look after everybody else at the same time.”
Younger musicians are battling with a very different industry
Younger musicians growing up in the post-pandemic arts sector are dealing with a lot of challenges.
We have a responsibility to try and address some of the low-lying levels of anxiety that the younger community does just generally have.
Carly Heath highlighted how the additional cost-of-living crisis and climate crisis means that “our younger generations are carrying a lot of weight in the world.”
“We have a responsibility to try and address some of the low-lying levels of anxiety that the younger community does just generally have.”
The rise of social media also presents access barriers to younger artists trying to forge a creative identity and build a music career.
“They’re forced to constantly think about how they want to present themselves,” said Tumi.
Isie Potter’s advice was to “embrace the imperfections” as an artist. The vulnerability that is so often hidden for fear of rejection on social media can be the key for artists to build an authentic identity and connect with audiences.
Free local and national mental health support resources
There are a range of organisations offering free mental health support.
Resources for musicians based in South West England
Resources for musicians across the UK
See our mental health support resources page for a full list.
This event was brought to you by the union's Fair Play Venue Scheme, a project supporting musicians and the independent venues treating musicians fairly.
Set up as a response to concerns from MU members about poor treatment and pay when performing in grassroots venues, the scheme invites music venues to commit to the principles outlined in our Fair Play Guide.
View our Fair Play Venues