An important study is being done into the mental health in the Canadian music industry. Preliminary results are dire.
[This was my column for GlobalNews.ca. – AC]
We’ve heard tales about the tortured artist for decades, even centuries. We’ve mythologized the idea that artists must suffer for their art, but there have been few attempts to scientifically quantify and explore the source of that suffering.
This is the objective of a survey launched by Revelios [Mental Health Works], a mental health awareness company headed by CEO Catherine Harrison.
As a recording and touring musician herself, Harrison has seen firsthand what musicians in Canada often endure, and how pursuing such a career can impact their mental health. The first round of results from about 800 initial respondents of all ages was unveiled last week at Departure/Canadian Music Week.
The survey included not just musicians but anyone associated with the Canadian music industry, among them musicians, roadies, promoters and venue operators. The industry employs more than 100,000 people in Canada and contributes almost $11 billion to our GDP.
The findings from the survey are terrifying. By any measure, they indicate that the Canadian music scene is in the midst of a full-blown mental health crisis,
