This month I want to do something a bit different in my Editor’s Note. I want to turn the spotlight over to, and onto, the important topic of mental health in our industry. As we all get ready to gather at industry tradeshows, conferences, and summits—so we can walk the show floors to see the latest gear, go to all the seminars, and learn all the training we can fit into a 3-to-4-day window, while also meeting and catching up with new colleagues and old friends in hurried hellos—remember to take a moment to pause. In the midst of all those seminars, you will find there are now several focused on Mental Health.
As a community we aren’t an industry prone to slowing down and taking stock of our own mental wellbeing, but we are an industry that is now actively trying to change that. No longer an avoided topic, but one discussed and shared at every industry gathering. Don’t think such a session is worth the time? Neither did Production Manager Marty Hom, one of the founders of THE Conference: Live at Lititz, who noted about a session he attended in Lititz, “I was a bit skeptical on the mental health thing, but I ended up using it on the Beyoncé tour, and I have to tell you, it was so beneficial. For me, I’m not a skeptic anymore. I think it’s something that the industry needs. I had a great response to it and think it should be something that’s provided on every tour.”
So, I direct you to two things, first the insightful LD-at-Large column this month on page 92, where Chris Lose welcomes Tamsin Embleton to discuss this very topic. And second to Embleton’s book which many in the industry, including Hom, highly recommend. Here is a bit more about the book: Edited by psychotherapist and ex music booker Tamsin Embleton, and published by Omnibus Press, Touring and Mental Health – The Music Industry Manual is an important new industry resource that will help anyone working in the touring and live event industry to identify, process and manage the physical and psychological difficulties that can occur on the road or as a result of touring.
Touring and Mental Health – The Music Industry Manual is supported by Live Nation. Michael Rapino, Live Nation’s CEO & President, stated of the book, “It’s encouraging to see mental health become part of the mainstream conversation across every industry, and it’s a priority to Live Nation to help create tools for artists and crew working in live entertainment. It’s so valuable to have a resource built by people who understand the industry and unique dynamics of touring, which is why we jumped at the opportunity to support what Tamsin was building with the Touring and Mental Health Manual.”
Covering topics including: emotional intelligence, depression, trauma, crisis management, anger, conflict, stress, addiction, eating disorders, anxiety, group dynamics, mindset, exercise, physical health, optimal performance, diversity and inclusion, romantic relationships, nutrition, sleep science, breathwork, meditation, mental capacity, psychological safety, and post-tour recovery, Touring and Mental Health – The Music Industry Manual is written by health and performing arts medicine professionals to provide robust clinical advice, cutting edge research, practical strategies and resources. Each chapter is underpinned with personal recollections from artists and professionals including Nile Rodgers, Justin Hawkins, Philip Selway, Charles Thompson, Katie Melua, Kieran Hebden, Jake Berry, Tina Farris, Taylor Hanson, Trevor Williams, Lauren Mayberry, Pharoahe Monch, Jim Digby, Neil Barnes, Stephanie Phillips, Will Young, Erol Alkan, Angie Warner, Suzi Green, Debbie Taylor, and Dale ‘Opie’ Skjerseth, among others.
Of the need for Embleton’s book, I agree with Hom, who said, “The perfect book at the perfect time.” I urge us all to get the book, go to the sessions, and listen to each other—and listen to ourselves. As an industry that excels at working together, I have no doubt we will, as an industry, come together to support each other’s wellbeing.
Michael S. Eddy
Editor, Projection, Lights & Staging News
