Spotify has launched a global mental health initiative, Heart & Soul For Creators.
As part of the initiative, they are launching the first ever Global Mental Health Resource Hub, a comprehensive support platform.
Spotify has partnered with Backline, a non-profit organisation connecting music industry professionals and their family members with mental health and wellness resources. Through this collaboration, Backline is expanding its services beyond the United States for the first time. Grants have also been made to MusiCares, Music Health Alliance and Music Minds Matter.
“With the mental health crisis continuing to impact artists, touring crew, and industry professionals at every level, this initiative brings critical support to an international audience, removing barriers to care and meeting the global music community where they are,” said a statement.
“Backline is honoured to serve as a steward of Spotify’s investment into the creative community, ” said Backline executive director & co-founder Hilary Gleason. “Bringing our work to scale is a meaningful way to uplift the well-being of artists all around the world. This collaboration is taking these invaluable mental health and wellness resources beyond borders.
“Music knows no bounds, and now people who make music happen have access to care and a compassionate community. Our work together will help ensure that artists have the resources, support, and stability they need to thrive both personally and professionally.”
Heart & Soul is our commitment to the creators behind the music
Lauren Siegal Wurgaft
As part of this initiative, Backline’s programming will include: a global expansion of Backline’s resources, one-on-one support for the international music community, a free digital guide designed for every role in the industry, and therapy access for Spotify’s Equal, Glow and Radar ambassadors.
There will also be spaces for songwriters to discuss mental health and access support through studio residencies, along with wellness events at festivals.
In addition, Spotify has donated to Chappell Roan’s Backline initiative We Got You.
“It’s clear that the mental health challenges artists face are real, and that the current support systems often fall short,” said Spotify head of artist & label partnerships, Monica Herrera Damashek. “It’s on all of us in the industry to respond with action. That’s why Spotify is expanding its Heart & Soul for Creators initiative by helping Backline scale its Mental Health & Wellness Global Resource Hub internationally for the first time, and by offering one-to-one therapy access to Equal, Glow and Radar ambassadors in the US and UK. We know this is only one step but we look forward to building on this for a more supported, sustainable environment for the artists who shape culture every day.”
“Heart & Soul is our commitment to the creators behind the music,” said Lauren Siegal Wurgaft, head of social impact, Spotify. “Artists and songwriters face immense pressure, and their mental health can’t be an afterthought. Supporting creators’ wellbeing is essential to sustaining a vibrant music ecosystem. By working closely with trusted partners like Backline, we’re not just offering resources, we’re helping drive lasting change in how the industry approaches mental health.”
For more stories like this, and to keep up to date with all our market leading news, features and analysis, sign up to receive our daily Morning Briefing newsletter
link
