'I Started Fearing The Studio': Support Act Music Conference To Tackle Mental Health

Ahead of Support Act’s inaugural Head First music industry conference discussing mental health and wellbeing at the Factory Theatre, Sydney on 25 May, four of the speakers share their insights into mental health and their journeys in the music industry.

Reuben Styles - musician and founder of Y.O.G.A.

Panel - Social feed for your mind: navigating social media mindfully and supportively

The music industry can be an insecure place and the pressure all-consuming.

After Peking Duk’s hit “High” was such a big success, there was an underlying constant need to follow up with another smash. I started feeling worried every time I entered the studio, wondering if we could create another great song. It got really stressful and my anxiety went through the roof. I even started fearing the studio! I realise now that I was too focussed on the goal and less focussed on the process.

I’ve learnt to cope by stepping away for a while and doing things outside of music, like writing a kids’ book and opening a bar in Melbourne! I also found putting in the effort to spend 20 minutes a day doing some exercise really helps and stepping away from social media for a while is a must. You can’t post or comment when you’re riding a bike or running!

I’m really proud of my latest solo project, You’re Only Great Always (Y.O.G.A.), which is a space where people can come together to talk about mental health and support one another. That helped me to fall in love with music again and listen for enjoyment after a long time of not being able to do that.

As Joyride (The Meeting Tree) once wisely said - life is long, slow down.

Nathan Cavaleri - musician

Panel - Parenthood, kids and mental wellbeing

In the words of Angry Anderson, “Pain has been my greatest teacher”. I only realised the truth in that wisdom when reflecting on my biggest achievements and strengths to find that they often sat on the other side of tough times. Be it emotional or physical challenges, I now try to perceive them as opportunities for growth rather than battles. 

That first step onto the stage after my four year mental health battle was f***ing terrifying. Two fundamentals got me through - my understanding and acceptance of fear, and a solid reason on why I’m willing to deal with it! 

Understanding fear helped me to develop strategies and the “why” gave me the fuel to take it on. Funny thing, these experiences not only put anxiety in the back seat, they got me back in touch with my heart’s desires. They woke me up!

Eliza Hull - musician, writer and disability advocate

Panel - Parenthood, kids and mental wellbeing

As a musician with disability, I have found the music industry at times inaccessible. When I became a parent, the music industry felt even more inaccessible. I realised quickly that the music industry was not set up to include parents. I feel like the industry sees becoming a parent as not marketable, especially for women.

Lately I have been prioritising my own mental health. I do this by seeing a psychologist to talk. I also reach out to other musicians and have open and honest conversations. I meditate, and spend time in nature, and am learning the power in saying no to opportunities. 

It's really easy to burn out if you say yes to everything. I think this is especially true after all we have been through as an industry during COVID, so lately I have been creating more boundaries and prioritising my own mental health and self-care.

Ali Barter - musician

Panel - Does music have a drug and alcohol problem?

I quit drinking in 2012, the year I put out my first EP. Before that, nothing was happening for me. I had to put down the booze before I could take any meaningful or successful steps in music. This means that I have only experienced the music industry as a person who doesn’t drink.

I am a member of a 12 step program which has provided me with great support to make sure that I feel comfortable touring and hanging out in music venues that are centred around alcohol, like pubs, bars, festivals and backstage areas.

I personally have never been worried about telling people that I’m sober and so therefore everyone around me has known that I don’t drink and thankfully, I have never felt any pressure to do so during my music career.

Having said that, many people don’t have the knowledge or support that I have had to stay away from drugs and alcohol, and so I believe we need more visibility of people who don’t drink in the industry and greater support for people who are struggling with addiction. Being on tour can be a lonely and dangerous place for anybody, and this is especially true for addicts and alcoholics. It is very easy to turn to substances as a coping mechanism while on the road.

When I realised drinking was a problem for me, I was completely overwhelmed with the thought of how I was going to live in the world not drinking. Everything in our culture is punctuated with alcohol. This is also true in the music industry, so although I personally have had no issues staying away from alcohol during my career, those who are trying to quit might be feeling the same kind of anxiety and confusion about how to manage touring, shows and events without alcohol and drugs.

I’m looking forward to sharing my experience and working towards creating greater support for those struggling with addiction as well as opening the discussion around drugs and alcohol in the music industry.

For more information, agenda and tickets, visit supportact.org.au/head-first/