The 25th - 28th April 2018 sees the return of the Brighton Music Conference (BMC) with a host of panels, seminars, workshops and parties covering the latest topics and trends in electronic music. Now in its 5th year, the UK’s premier conference for the electronic music will have a particular focus on social issues within the industry such as diversity and inclusion, stopping sexual harassment and mental health.
For the last of these topics I’ve had the honour of coordinating a panel on mental health for the Association For Electronic Music (AFEM) as part of my volunteer work on their executive board.
Studies, such as the one commissioned by Help Musicians UK, ‘Can Music Make You Sick?’, have shown that those working in the music industry are 3 times more likely to have mental health issues than the general public. The precarious nature of the work (financial security is often hard to come by), the ever-judging eye of social media, long and unsociable hours, touring, travel, lack of sleep and exposure to drugs and alcohol can all take their toll, often leading to anxiety and depression. So for those working in the music industry it is particularly important to be mindful of wellbeing in what is often a frenetic 24/7 world.
The AFEM panel ‘Mental Health & Music In The Mix’ will be moderated by AFEM’s Head of Membership Greg Marshall, on Thursday 26th April at 14:40 and will include speakers Christine Brown (Director, Help Musicians UK), Mike Hollingbery (Owner, Bozboz), Dan Tait (Pioneer DJ) who will be sharing their experiences and advice on mental health and how balance and wellbeing can be achieved.
Follow the link below for details on BMC and the AFEM mental health panel:
https://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/professional/
Those in the music industry needing needing help and emotional support can call Help Musicians UK’s 24/7 mental health support line on 0808 802 8008 free of charge.
https://www.helpmusicians.org.uk/news/latest-news/help-musicians-uk-launches-247-mental-health-support-line-an