EDM Gets Serious About Mental Health

As both a therapist and EDM writer the EDM community’s contribution to fighting mental health issues is near and dear to me. The curative powers of music, particularly those of EDM are well-known.  Many, including myself, describe the music as an escape, something that makes them dance and let go of all the struggles of daily life. What is less well-known is just how much some of our favorite EDM artists have suffered and continue to suffer from mental health issues. In recent years a handful of artists have gone public with their struggles to raise awareness. Others have created initiatives and found other ways to make an impact in fighting back against these issues. The genesis of this movement within the community is certainly one worth reviewing.

Many EDM fans cite Avicii’s untimely death in 2018 as a turning point within the community. After that, it became widely known that Avicii struggled with substance use issues and depression. Since that time we have seen many artists make statements about their own struggles with similar mental health and substance use issues. In response to Avicii’s death, Martin Garrix spoke out about issues that artists face on tours such as isolation and emotional and physical stress. Laidback Luke also voiced concerns about the demands put on EDM artists and their negative impact.

More artists have echoed these concerns and even taken public steps to mitigate the issue. Whethan and Alison Wonderland are just two artists who have canceled shows and made public statements about the need to care for their mental and physical health after long bouts of touring. Hardwell is an artist who quit touring for good in 2018 in order to better care for himself. Madeon is another artist who made his struggles known. In 2019 he included a note with the release of his single Be Fine explaining his struggle with depression and his fight for mental health.

There have been many notable resources and initiatives created within the community as well. In 2019 the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM), as part of a mental health initiative, released a guide for industry artists to help mitigate industry-related challenges that can lead to mental health issues. Also in 2019, the same association utilized the group Eclectic Toolbox to bring Mental Health First Aid Training to industry musicians. Artists are also getting involved. Illenium paired up with the Suicide Prevention Lifeline along with NV Concepts and Wicked Halloween in 2018 to create a campaign aimed at suicide prevention utilizing popular platforms like Instagram. This campaign raised money for the Suicide Prevention Lifeline and also encouraged fans to create short videos explaining what keeps them going and to share this with others.  Awareness is also being spread by way of documentaries. “Why We DJ-Slaves to the Rhythm” features prominent DJs such as Carl Cox, Erick Morillo, Peter Tong and more discussing the mental and physical effects of the EDM artist lifestyle. Steve Aoki also discussed similar issues in his Netflix documentary “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead.”

Another contribution is that of artists who personally model and encourage healthy practices to increase mental health. Lee Burridge is a veteran DJ who consistently and publically encourages the EDM community to engage in healthy practices and to use his shows as a means of achieving meaningful connections with others. Further, he personally and professionally endorses healthy practices such as yoga, meditation, and stretching. Many of his events even open up with group yoga and meditative practices.

The mental health epidemic stretches to both EDM artists and fans alike. Fans look to artists for relief and guidance and see them as role models. This is what makes campaigns such as Illenium’s so incredibly powerful and artists’ decisions to prioritize their mental health needs so important. On the flip side, artists need to care for themselves and be cared for by the groups that manage them. AFEM is doing great work on this front. They are currently developing best practices for industry professionals to follow that are aimed at protecting the mental health of artists. A three-day wellness retreat called Remedy State has also been created to help advocate and teach wellness and self-care within the dance music industry. Many management companies and labels have also come out with individual statements over the past couple of years announcing a new emphasis on prioritizing their artist’s mental well-being.

The industry has come a long way in such a short time but there is still much distance to go. It will be interesting to follow the community and see how mental health becomes further ingrained in the EDM culture and how it will affect artists and fans alike. As a therapist, I am pleased to see concrete steps being taken to reduce senseless deaths like that of Avicii and encourage healthy practices that promote well-being. With this, I wish my PLUR community peace, love, and health and always encourage you to reach out if you are in need of support.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 1-800-273-8255

National Alliance on Mental Illness- https://www.nami.org/Home

Crisis Text line- text 741741 to get connected to a Crisis Counselor