Is Making Music Making You Depressed? New Study Shows That Music Takes a Psychological Toll on Artists


by Cari Cole

 

Just to be a musician takes 15 – 20 years of hard work to even be worthy, and that’s the straight up truth. 10,000 hours and nothing less to stand on that world stage. And all without any promise of any real return. Not for the faint of heart. It’s a very noble and honorable quest. Yet, it’s one of the most unsupported fields in the arts.

A recent article from Pitchfork says that musicians are way more likely to be depressed and anxious. Pitchfork says: “Working in the music industry might indeed be making musicians sick,” reports survey by the University of Westminster and the charity Help Musicians UK. Musicians and music industry professionals may be more than three times more likely to suffer from depression than the general public, according to a new study published by Help Musicians UK, a charity for UK musicians. The report, titled “Can Music Make You Sick?,” is based on a survey of 2,211 people by the University of Westminster and its music-business think tank, MusicTank. The bulk of participants identified themselves as musicians, with live crew, music management, and audio production among other roles represented. Of all respondents, 71% reported they have experienced anxiety and panic attacks. Another 65% reported they had suffered from depression. By comparison, 19% of the general UK population over the age of 16 suffers from anxiety, depression, or both, according to the latest official data. It’s the lack of support doing something that’s not considered ‘real work.’” (*Pitchfork article)

That last line above is a real kicker. Ask any musician. And it’s not just some musicians – every musician feels or has felt this at some point, or maybe does right now. A conversation I had last week about the lack of credibility artists have to deal with before they are “proven.” It can be devastating. So much so that some artists walk away because they can’t stand the degradation.

It’s important that we work together to change this perception. Being a musician is honorable, notable, admirable. Period.

It’s time to take some power back. Yepper. Just because people don’t get you, don’t let it get you down. Knowing your worth, standing more firmly rooted in your own shoes, and having a dignified response can turn it around quickly instead of lost weeks spent spiraling down.

 

3 Ways to Instantly Uplevel Your Musician Mindset and Own Your Music Career

 

1. Be Proud Of Yourself

 

It’s not everyone who can do this. From the hours and hours of sacrifice to become a musician, to the years of performing & touring to prove yourself, to the inexhaustible resources one has to provide and all dedication and commitment against the odds — you should be very proud of yourself. Stand a little taller my friend. How we think about ourselves is how others feel us. Plus, you deserve it.

 

2. Daily Positive Musician Mindset Practice

 

Fact: Musicians need all the help they can get. Fact: Your mind fights you every day (often it’s your subconscious, not even your conscious mind.)

Establishing a daily practice where you boost your mindset will work nothing short of magic in your life as a musician.

First, when you wake up, speak aloud one thing you are grateful for. “I am grateful for xxx.” This simple practice elevates your mindset and sets you up for a better day (and it takes 5 seconds ;))

Second, after you state your gratitude, set your intention for the day. What would you like to experience more of in your day? Using intention, we can color our day and affect the outcome more powerfully. “I intend to experience more clarity today…” Fill in the blank that you really want to have more of each day.

This simple practice (that takes all of 15 seconds) has profoundly impacted and improved my quality of life in the 3 short months I’ve been practicing it. Let me know how it goes for you!

 

3. Taking Care of Those Who Don’t Understand, Without Dimming Your Light

 

Just standing up for yourself and helping those around you understand what you’re up against, and what you need, can make all the difference.

Here’s a few responses to help:

To the person (Mom or Dad) who don’t understand why you’ve chosen this path:

“I know most people don’t understand what it’s like to be a musician when it seems so impractical. I know that a career in music is not easy, but for now, I am willing to take that risk. I decided awhile ago now that I’m a musician through and through – and that it’s never going to change. I have a gut feeling that if I stick to it, I can accomplish some success. Even if you don’t get what I’m doing, your support and understanding would really help ;). Thanks!”

To the friends and fans that wonder why you haven’t made it yet or gone on the Voice (or worse already have and still haven’t made it):

“It’s not so simple. The music industry is a complex industry and each artist’s path is unique. Being on The Voice or getting signed does not even guarantee you’ll make it. Sometimes it actually hurts you more than it helps (how many famous artists do you know who came from these television series?) The truth is, I’m working on it and I’m closer than ever before. Hang in there with me, and you’ll be the first to toast to success with me! (Oh and that gives you plenty of time to find that vintage Valentino dress ready for an award ceremony! ;)”)

You CAN do this. I’m rooting for YOU. Never give up ~ ever. I’m so glad I didn’t.

 

* To read the full Pitchfork article click here.

 

 

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Hi, I’m Cari Cole.

You’ve got talent, but you want to become great at it. You’re in the right place! My mission is to help you refine your unique artist vision to bring to the world.

About Cari Cole

Cari Cole is the CEO / Founder of caricole.com and CCVM: Label Without Walls. She is a Holistic Vocal Coach, Artist Development Expert, A&R Director, and Songwriter based in New York City helping artists for the past 38 years. She is a mentor for Women in Music and The Association of Independent Music Publishers.

Her latest venture, CCVM a label services company, provides artists with a seamless path from creation to completion. After 30+ years of observing the overwhelm and challenges that artists face, Cari pulled together the best top creative professionals and designed a new approach to supporting our artists.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on Cari Cole's website is informational only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on Cari Cole's website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

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