The Soundcheck report is a national study of mental health in Canada’s music industry, based on surveys, interviews, and focus groups with over 1,200 workers. It finds widespread mental health challenges, with rates far exceeding the general workforce. Anxiety, fatigue, and depression are common, driven by financial instability, irregular work, performance pressure, and workplace culture. Stigma and limited access to support remain major barriers. The study highlights systemic issues affecting all roles, not just artists. It recommends coordinated national supports, improved workplace standards, financial reforms, and ongoing research to create a healthier, more sustainable music industry.
As a Canadian musician who has navigated mental health challenges over the years, I strongly resonate with the findings and recommendations of this report. It’s comforting to know I am not alone in facing these struggles, yet it’s deeply concerning how many of my colleagues continue to suffer in silence. This is a call to action for all of us in the industry: let’s work together to create a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone.
