In the wake of several tragic losses, more than fifty music industry professionals have banded together to create an industry-wide mental health support initiative, Backline.
A hub for artists, industry professionals and their families to quickly and easily access mental health and wellness resources, Backline has partnered with leading support organizations and care providers to streamline access to services specifically geared towards the music industry including Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, Anders Osborne’s Send Me a Friend, VA Way, and more.
Backline’s creation was supported by industry professionals including Ben Baruch (11E1even Group), Nadia Prescher (Madison House), Joshua Knight (Paradigm Agency), Jay Sweet (Newport Folk Festival) & Peter Shapiro (Brooklyn Bowl).
The Backline website will start as a referral-based system, where professionals will assess visitors’ needs and lead them to appropriate resources. Backline’s goal is to provide a network of on-demand mental health services available at no (or low) cost for industry professionals, with a focus on addressing the unique challenges and stresses of our space.
“There are wonderful organizations who have been doing great work to support the health and wellness of the music industry. What we saw was a gap in making these resources easily accessible. Mental health treatment is not one-size-fits-all, so it is our hope that by bringing these organizations together in one place, and providing case managers to guide visitors through the resources, we can make it simple to get the help you need,” says Hilary Gleason, CEO of Level, Backline’s convening body.
Level pairs businesses and bands with non-profit organizations while identifying what resources each has to bring to the table to build innovative campaigns and events that align with each party.
In the coming weeks, Backline’s educational materials and trained professionals will make their way onto tour buses, green rooms, backstage areas, and beyond. “The Relix Roadie Lounge is honored to be working with Backline to show musicians, techs, crew, production staff, and all the hard working people behind the scenes, that there is always help. The road can be a lonely place. Together, we hope to give support and a home away from home with Backline,” adds Josh Rowe, VP of Partnerships & Events at Relix Media Group.
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