Reflecting an era where unprecedented consumption of country music in the recording and touring realms is creating a growing demand for mental health resources for country industry workers, the Country Music Association has recently announced they will invest $600,000 in infrastructure assistance for Amber Health, Backline, ECCHO Live (formerly Touring Career Workshop), Music Health Alliance, MusiCares, and Porter’s Call, six music industry-affiliated organizations operating in the mental health space.
Each organization will receive $100,000 aimed specifically at benefitting maintaining the artistry of creatives amid the increased demands of “touring, creating, and working in an industry that thrives on vulnerability and emotional expression often take a toll on mental health at a pace that exceeds other industries,” adds a press statement.
“Mental health resources are no longer optional — they are essential. By supporting these organizations, CMA is not just addressing the growing needs of today but also building a more sustainable and supportive future for the people who are the heart and soul of country music.”
Data paints a somber picture of touring industry
CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern adds that the investment “demonstrates CMA’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for mental health resources within our business, whether that means counseling, healthcare advocacy, financial guidance, substance abuse care, disaster relief, or even basic living needs,” citing recent natural disasters in California, Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee heightening the need for the CMA to join the “frontline on all aspects of mental health” and “prioritizing health, humanity, and creativity,” while not “compromising the well-being of (those who work in the country music industry.”
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The CMA cites a 2019 Amber Health Touring Health and Wellness Survey where over 1,400 touring professionals noted that industry professions reported a level of clinical depression five times higher than the general population. Half of those queried drank alcohol regularly, while dealing with issues including suicidal ideation and losing touring colleagues to suicide, plus having strained personal relationships, in general.
In response, only one in five of the polled touring professionals sought professional help.
As a result, the CMA has launched an online mental health hub that will serve as a comprehensive portal for industry members and offer information on mental health and wellness support resources.
More on organizations benefitting from CMA assistance, in brief
The organizations receiving CMA benefits double as the companies featured on the trade organization’s new mental health hub. They are as follows:
- Amber Health
- Amber Health delivers tailored mental health and wellness solutions for artists, tours, festivals, and music companies via a team of licensed clinicians offering proactive mental health support and on-the-ground clinical programming. For more information, visit https://amber.health/.
- Backline
- Backline is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that streamlines access to music industry-tailored organizations and care providers that offer case management, support groups, and wellness support on or off the road. For more information, visit https://backline.care/.
- ECCHO Live (formerly Touring Career Workshop)
- ECCHO Live focuses on the health and well-being of live music professionals, offering education, resources, and community to address challenges unique to touring life. Their services include financial guidance, wellness programs and career support. For more information, visit https://www.touringcareerworkshop.com/all-access.
- Music Health Alliance
- Music Health Alliance is a nationwide nonprofit helping music professionals access affordable, no-cost and comprehensive healthcare, including mental health services to provide restorative health and well-being solutions to their clientele. For more information, visit or call 615-200-6896.
- MusiCares
- For 35 years, MusiCares has offered preventive, emergency and recovery programs that support music community health and welfare. The U.S. based, independent 501(c)(3) charity, MusiCares also offers direct financial grant programs, networks of support resources and crisis relief. For more information, visit MusiCares.org.
- Porter’s Call
- Porter’s Call serves the touring music artist community with confidential and free-of-charge mental and emotional health support specifically attuned to the music industry. The organization invites artists and their spouses/partners to share their stories with guides who understand the challenges they face both on and off the stage. For more information, visit PortersCall.com.
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