Tonic Rider were invited to provide an exhibition stand and participate on a panel to highlight mental health in the music industry.
On 25th / 26th May, the Tonic Rider team attended the 10th edition of the Brighton Music Conference hosted in association with the BIMM Institute at Brighton i360. The conference featured a full programme of keynote speakers, panels and exhibition stands, each highlighting key issues within the music industry and night time economy - such as sustainability, accessibility and mental health.
Tonic Rider were invited to provide an exhibition stand and participate on a panel to highlight mental health in the music industry. Across the two days, we had the pleasure of talking to so many people from the music industry and night time economy, including some old friends, to highlight our work promoting good mental health. The exhibition stand was another opportunity for us to showcase our new mental health zines for the music industry, alongside our new Tonic Rider Boxes - with many DJs and producers showing their support for these throughout the two days.
On day one of the conference, Tonic Rider Coordinator, Jeordie Shenton (pictured above talking at the conference), participated on the ‘Harm Reduction’ panel. The panel explored ways in which musicians and music industry professionals can take care of their physical and mental wellbeing. Jono Neale from leading ear-protection organisation, ACS, moderated the panel, which also featured David Crooks (The Peace Project), James Holdsworth (Last Night A DJ Saved My Life), Katy Porter (The Loop) and Tristan Hunt (Music Industry ADHD Coach).
At least four students revealed their dissertations focused on the topic. Another three students shared plans to run music events to raise awareness or in aid of mental health. Two graduates were interested in pursuing careers as therapists in the music industry. One group also wrote a coursework project on planning an event for Tonic, which they received the highest grade - a personal highlight for me.
Although for many, working in music continues to be tough, the enthusiasm of these students and graduates to promote good mental health in the music industry is an indication of a safer, fairer and kinder future.
