The chorus of support for the mental wellbeing of artists, songwriters and others across the music industry continues to swell. MusiCares, the arm of the Recording Academy that provides healthcare and financial assistance, is amping up its support with the launch of a digital hub in conjunction with nonprofit organization The Jed Foundation (JED) that offers suicide prevention and mental health resources tailored specifically for music professionals.
The site, which went live April 14, follows findings from the 2025 MusiCares Wellness In Music Survey that 11.4 percent of music professionals reported suicidal ideation during the last year, up from 8 percent in 2024 and more than double the rate seen in the general U.S. population. The data also shows that one in six respondents had lost a colleague to suicide in the past year.
“The numbers are heartbreaking, but they tell a story we cannot ignore. When 11.4 percent of our peers report thoughts of suicide, it’s not just a statistic, it’s a call to action. The music community is one of passion, connection and creative brilliance, yet too many are suffering in silence,” said Theresa Wolters, executive director of MusiCares.
“We owe it to music people to ensure the resources and support they receive are evidence-informed, accessible and grounded in the realities of this industry. By partnering with JED, we’re helping to change that reality through best-in-class expertise. These new resources will give music professionals the knowledge and tools to recognize when someone is struggling, have real conversations about mental health and find the help they need for this growing problem.”
As the rate of emotional distress and suicide risk across the music industry continue to escalate, the new site serves as a dedicated hub for articles, self-guided learning and resources that address issues such as financial instability, grief, isolation, the pressures of touring, and the emotional toll of overwork. It also features a self-paced suicide prevention training course created by JED’s mental health and suicide prevention experts for artists, crew members, managers, and support teams.
“Music can reduce stress, boost mood and build community, but the people who make it all happen can also experience mental health challenges,” said Dr. Katie Hurley, JED’s vice president of community initiatives. “We’re proud to partner with MusiCares to create mental health and suicide prevention resources specifically for artists, crews and teams, rooted in evidence-informed practices and tailored to the diverse realities of life on and off the road. Together, we’re providing support that can help reduce suicide.”
The partnership builds on MusiCares’ long-standing efforts to normalize conversations, reduce stigma and provide resources around mental health in the music industry.
The microsite launches amid a groundswell of recent moves to better support those who work across the music ecosystem. In February, the organization Backline launched a 24/7 crisis help line with support from Spotify, Live Nation, AEG Presents, Kahan and his organization The Busyhead Project, among others. Amber Health, a company that provides mental healthcare for artists and their teams across global tours, festivals and events, has seen an escalation in contracts during the past year including support for Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts World Tour in 2024 and 2025.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
