Backline Releases Free Mental Health Toolkit for Dance Music Community: ‘Seeking Help Is Not Something to Be Ashamed Of’

Backline has published a free mental health toolkit tailored to dance artists and industry professionals, with practical guidance for touring life, substance use, hearing health, sleep and venue safety.

The guide is available at no cost through Backline’s site and addresses the realities of electronic music work: late nights, early mornings, sets that stretch until sunrise and then flights to the next city. It includes advice on packing for tour, preparing to be away from loved ones, supporting immune health on the road and other specific needs for the EDM community.

Access the Backline EDM Mental Health Toolkit here.

“Music is therapeutic, but in live electronic it’s also a lot of late nights, early mornings, sets until sunrise and then flying to the next city,” Backline co-founder and executive director Hilary Gleason says in a statement.

“Seeking help is not something to be ashamed of,” dance legend Armin van Buuren is quoted within the guide itself. “The most important thing is to get rid of the shame. The cave you fear holds the treasure you seek. Ultimately, you can’t escape yourself.”

“We see firsthand how demanding this space can be,” adds LP Giobbi, “and tools like this are essential for empowering artists and industry professionals to look after themselves and each other.”

Backline launched in 2019 as a nonprofit focused on mental health and wellness across the music industry. Its recent initiatives include a 24/7 Mental Health and Crisis Support Line that began operating in January, one-on-one case management to connect people with vetted providers, and wellness programming such as mindfulness and yoga.

The organization reports it has invested $3.5 million into mental health and wellness since 2019 and has served 84,000 people.