Electronic Musicians Continued...
- Team Tonic
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Staying in the world of the electronic musician, this week’s blog explores an important piece of research in this area called ‘Performers of the Night: Examining the Mental Health of Electronic Music Artists’ .
The 2021 paper ‘Performers of the Night: Examining the Mental Health of Electronic Music Artists’ by Jolan Kegelaers and colleagues looked into the challenges that electronic artists face and how their unique world affects their mental well-being. The researchers surveyed these artists to understand their mental health, using questionnaires that measured anxiety, depression, and overall well-being. Beyond that, they explored factors like sleep, substance use, performance anxiety, and social support - things that could either help or hinder their mental state.
The study found that electronic musicians suffer with higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general population. But here’s the twist... the curveball... they also reported feeling moderately fulfilled by their work. It’s a complicated relationship as ever. The passion for musicking can bring joy, but the lifestyle can also be a mental health minefield.
The study found the usual suspects of sleep, substances, performing anxiety and support to be key factors when considering the impact on mental health. Lack of sleep, no surprise here! Late-night gigs and intense touring schedules mess up sleep patterns, and poor sleep fuels anxiety and depression. The study also highlighted how alcohol and drugs often became coping mechanisms, but of course, they do tend to make things worse in the long run. The performance anxiety factor was also named as a struggle, and we know from other research that even the best artists can struggle with nerves.
The continual pressure to deliver perfect sets can push anxiety levels through the roof. Interestingly, the research found that having strong connections with others—whether it’s friends, family, or fellow artists - can make a big difference. Of course, this is something that Tonic Music know first-hand from running the Tonic Rider Peer Support Groups for many years now.
Kegelaers and the team argue that it’s time to take mental health in electronic music more seriously. Artists need resources and support systems that are designed specifically for the challenges they face.
Here are a few ideas the study suggests:
Education About Mental Health:
Teach artists how to spot early warning signs of mental health struggles and ways to manage them.
Better Access to Therapy:
Connect artists with professionals who understand the music world and its unique demands.
Peer Support Groups:
Build a sense of community where artists can share experiences and support each other.
Promoting Healthy Habits:
Encourage artists to prioritise sleep, nutrition, and exercise—small changes that can make a huge impact.
In all, this study illustrated what it’s really like to live as an electronic music artist. Yes, the lifestyle is exciting, but it’s also filled with challenges that can take a serious toll on mental health. Addressing these issues isn’t just about helping individual artists - it’s about building a healthier, more sustainable industry for everyone.
Incidentally, Tonic Music offers all of the recommended strategies. Maybe I’ll tell Mr Kegelaers when I next meet him.
Adam Ficek hosts a monthly show 'Tonic Music' on Totally Wired Radio, where he talks to various guests about music and mental health. You can listen again to any of the previous show on the Tonic Music Mixcloud page.
