Behind the glamour and excitement of Canada’s vibrant music scene lies a troubling reality that has long remained in the shadows. A groundbreaking survey has finally quantified what many industry insiders have suspected for years: mental health challenges are pervasive throughout the Canadian music industry, creating an alarming situation that demands immediate attention.
The first-ever comprehensive assessment of mental health in Canada’s music sector reveals distressing statistics that paint a picture of an industry in crisis. Over 80% of music industry professionals report experiencing significant mental health challenges—nearly double the rate found in the general Canadian population. These findings come from a detailed study conducted by the Canadian Music Health Alliance in partnership with Ryerson University’s music research department.
“The numbers are worse than we anticipated, but sadly not surprising to those of us who have worked in this industry for decades,” says Marie Leblanc, executive director of the Canadian Music Health Alliance. “We’re dealing with an environment where precarious employment, financial instability, and intense pressure create a perfect storm for mental health challenges.”
The survey, which collected responses from over 1,500 music professionals across the country, identified several key contributing factors. Financial instability emerged as the primary stressor, with 74% of respondents reporting significant anxiety about their economic future. The gig-based nature of the industry means many professionals lack the security of steady employment, benefits, and predictable income—challenges that were severely exacerbated during the pandemic.
Work-life balance appears nearly nonexistent for many in the industry. Over 60% of respondents reported regularly working more than 60 hours weekly during peak periods, with touring musicians and production staff facing particularly grueling schedules. The survey found that 68% of touring professionals reported symptoms consistent with burnout.
Shannon Williams, a Toronto-based sound engineer with fifteen years of experience, provides perspective on the findings: “There’s this expectation that you should be grateful just to work in music, so people don’t talk about the toll it takes. I’ve watched colleagues spiral into depression while continuing to work punishing schedules because they can’t afford to take time off or fear being replaced.”
The substance use statistics are equally concerning. The survey revealed that 42% of respondents reported using alcohol or other substances to cope with work-related stress—significantly higher than rates in the general population. This pattern of self-medication often evolves into dependency issues that remain untreated due to stigma and lack of accessible resources.
Even more troubling is the reluctance many expressed about seeking help. Less than 30% of those experiencing mental health challenges had accessed professional support, citing barriers including lack of insurance coverage, inability to take time away from work, and fear of career repercussions if their struggles became known to employers or colleagues.
The Canadian music industry generates approximately $3 billion annually for the national economy, making it both a cultural cornerstone and significant economic contributor. Yet despite this financial impact, supports for those working within the industry remain woefully inadequate.
In response to these findings, several industry organizations are mobilizing to develop targeted mental health initiatives. Unison Benevolent Fund has announced an expansion of its counseling services specifically for music professionals, while the Canadian Federation of Musicians is advocating for policy changes that would extend basic health benefits to independent contractors.
“This survey should serve as a wake-up call for the entire industry,” says Dr. Nathan Cooper, lead researcher and health psychologist specializing in creative industries. “The sustainability of Canadian music depends on addressing these issues systemically, not just offering band-aid solutions.”
As discussions around mental health become increasingly prominent in Canadian politics and society at large, the music industry’s crisis represents a microcosm of broader challenges in how we approach work, wellbeing, and sustainability in creative fields.
The question now facing industry leaders, government agencies, and health advocates is stark but
