That is an opinion column. The ideas and viewpoints expressed are these of the creator, Dr. Sunni Lampasso, a psychologist, govt coach and the founding father of Shaping Success, the place she helps EDM artists and business professionals elevate their careers whereas prioritizing wellness.
Because the creator of “Level Up Your Influence: A Self-Awareness Guide to Maximizing Your Growth and Unlocking Your Inner Leader,” she empowers artists to beat psychological roadblocks, keep away from burnout and construct a long-lasting legacy within the music business.
Loneliness is a contemporary epidemic—30% of younger adults in America really feel lonely every day or a number of instances every week, in response to the American Psychiatric Affiliation. For EDM followers, raves and festivals provide a spot to attach, belong and really feel alive. Nonetheless, the expertise can have the alternative impact for the DJs who deliver us collectively.
As a psychologist who coaches DJs, I’ve seen how isolation impacts artists past what followers see. They consistently juggle artistic calls for, enterprise pressures and expectations with out the assist system many professionals take without any consideration.
Earlier than working intently with DJs, I did not absolutely grasp their way of life’s bodily and emotional depth. However I now see how deep the struggles run, from the small stage to the principle stage. DJs want assist, readability and steerage to navigate the highs and lows whereas constructing a sustainable and fulfilling profession.
Followers expertise the artwork—the vitality of the DJ’s efficiency and the music they produce—however they do not see the hidden aspect: the loneliness, the stress and the extreme strain DJs expertise behind the scenes. The very levels that unite us can isolate them and amplify loneliness, which causes an elevated danger of tension, melancholy and bodily well being points if not addressed.
Fixed display screen time and political divides contribute to a rising sense of isolation for each followers and artists. EDM occasions present followers with neighborhood, however touring DJs usually expertise grueling journey, separation from family members and the strain to persistently carry out. The competition expertise permits followers to recharge. Nonetheless, many artists depart feeling drained and remoted as they rush to their subsequent present.
Touring schedules will be brutal. Some DJs mess around 300 exhibits annually, usually with restricted assist and schedules that do not embrace a lot time for wellness. Mixed with a scarcity of self-care, loneliness additional will increase the chance for burnout, substance use and psychological well being struggles.
We have seen it firsthand. Avicii’s tragic loss of life in 2018 was a wake-up name, and extra just lately, Alesso canceled exhibits as a consequence of well being considerations and exhaustion. Many business giants, together with Armin van Buuren and Zedd, have spoken about utilizing alcohol to push by means of performances.
The dialog about psychological well being within the music business is not new, however actual change has been sluggish. The latest launch of the intimate Netflix documentary I am Tim, which chronicles Avicii’s life and profession, has reignited the psychological well being dialog, however extra must be finished. If we would like our favourite artists to thrive, we have to rethink how the EDM business helps its expertise.
Some artists, labels, followers and competition organizers are starting to acknowledge and deal with the challenges of artist loneliness, however we want extra widespread motion. Actual change requires a collective effort from your entire EDM neighborhood:
Labels and managers
Prioritize sustainable careers over continuous touring. Mandate relaxation intervals and supply psychological well being, wellness and training assets. And all the time keep in mind to deal with artists as folks first.
Competition organizers and membership homeowners
Create backstage wellness areas, normalize breaks and provide assets like therapists or efficiency coaches.
Artists
Construct sturdy assist networks inside and outdoors the business, and prioritize staying related when on the street. Converse brazenly about struggles to assist break the stigma and push for higher circumstances. Attempt to restrict touring alone. Construct a staff that cares about you as an individual and does not simply view you as a model.
Followers
Acknowledge that DJs are human. If an artist cancels a present for well being causes, present empathy and assist relatively than criticism and judgment. Present assist past the music—deal with artists as you’d deal with a buddy.
EDM is constructed on a basis of respect. And that respect should prolong to the artists who create the music that fuels our greatest moments.
