From the outside, working in the music industry seems like a dream – listening to new music before it’s out, going to parties, and working with your favourite artists.
What most people forget is that there’s just as much, if not more, pressure to succeed, deadlines to meet, and long hours that often go outside the traditional 9-5 job.
Support Act have teamed up with Levi’s to launch Tune Ups: Mindfulness Tips for Musos and More. The six-part series looks at how various musicians, managers, roadies and tour bookers alike tune in and look after their mental health.
Watch Adam Briggs (ARIA, APRA and triple j award winner), Maggie Collins (manager of DZ Deathrays), Stephen Wade (owner of Select Music), Alex the Astronaut, Cam Batten (stage manager of Falls Festival), and Joel Birch (Amity Affliction vocalist) talk about how they wind down and check in with themselves in stressful times.
Support Act CEO Clive Miller says “Tune Ups highlights how important it is for all of us to be aware of our mental health, and provides some great examples of how people in our industry manage their wellbeing.”
“We want everyone working in Australian music to have access to the Wellbeing Helpline number so they can call it, or get their bandmates and colleagues to call it, when it all gets a bit much and they need someone to talk to.”
The campaign comes after Support Act recently launched a free and confidential Wellbeing Helpline. Available 24/7 and across 365 days a year, the helpline gives you access to mental health counsellors who know what it’s like to work in the music industry.
Trials for the helpline received positive reviews.
“They reported feeling very comfortable in being able to discuss their problems in a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental environment with people who understand the challenges of life in the music industry.”
Ultimately what Support Act hopes to do is do it to help break down some of the stigma surrounding conversation about mental health and to help raise more awareness about how these issues can and do affect people’s lives.
“We hope it inspires anyone who may be doing it tough to know that they are not alone, and that they can reach out to our free, confidential Wellbeing Helpline at any time on on 1800 959 500 if they want to talk to someone about any aspect of their wellbeing.”
The Wellbeing Helpline can be reached by calling 1800 959 500 and is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Visit the Support Act website here for more information.
