Behind the glamour of touring, streaming success, and sold-out performances lies a growing mental health crisis within the music industry. New research from Bath Spa University and Buckinghamshire New University reveals that musicians and music industry professionals are facing significant levels of anxiety, burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion, with social media pressure emerging as one of the biggest causes.
My PhD research explored the experiences of contemporary music industry professionals through interviews and focus groups. My aim was to understand how working in music impacts mental health, what support currently helps, and what changes are needed to create a healthier industry.
With social media, some participants described feeling trapped in a cycle of comparison, competition, and pressure to stay constantly visible online. Success seems to now be measured through followers, likes, and streams rather than artistic ability, which can create unrealistic expectations and damage self-esteem.
Many musicians explained that they feel forced to become “content creators” in addition to artists. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are now seen as essential for building an audience, but maintaining an online presence can understandably become overwhelming for some. Participants said that they felt anxious when comparing themselves to others online and exhausted by the pressure to constantly post and promote themselves.
Financial instability of the music industry also emerged as a major concern. Many participants revealed they needed ‘several jobs just to survive’, balancing performing with teaching, freelance work, and side jobs. This unstable lifestyle often leads to burnout and stress, particularly for freelancers who face unpredictable income and little to no job security.
Another recurring issue was the lack of preparation for the realities of the music industry. Some participants felt that music education often focuses on performance and business skills but fails to prepare people for rejection, instability, and the emotional challenges that come with a career in music. Some described entering the industry without understanding the mental toll it could take.
Despite these challenges, the research also saw several positives. Therapy was widely viewed as one of the most effective forms of support, particularly when therapists understood specific pressures of the music industry. Participants also highlighted the importance of community, peer support, and open conversations around mental health.
Learning to set boundaries and take breaks was another key theme. Some spoke about the importance of recognising burnout, stepping away from work when necessary, and protecting their wellbeing through activities such as exercise, walking, or time offline.
Most importantly, participants called for systemic change across the industry. The research clearly shows a need for a Mental Health Code of Practice that would establish standards for wellbeing, safeguarding, and a duty of care within the music industry.
Some of the suggested changes include mental health training, mentorship programmes, freelancer support, safe backstage spaces, and better access to long-term therapy. Participants also asked that managers, labels, venues, and educational institutions should take greater responsibility for supporting mental well-being.
