How can musicians prepare for a return to live performance after a break? In this episode, musician Lauren Aquilina talks about her experience of returning to live performance after taking a career break, following the release of her debut album, to focus on her mental health. Tour manager Suzi Green shares how she supports her artists so that they can stay fit and healthy while on the move, and Director of BAPAM Claire Cordeaux shares some of the common issues musicians are facing as they prepa...
Jun 13, 2021•41 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode, Lucy Heyman catches up with 220kid who tells us about his amazing capacity to bounce back from tough experiences and how tools like forward planning and organisation helps him stay mentally healthy. Musician and performer Rhoda Dakar shares how she channelled her energy to build resilience over the years and what we can do to help others, and CEO of Music and You Jack Williamson unpacks what resilience actually is and gives great advice on how musicians can become more resilient...
May 30, 2021•43 min•Season 2Ep. 14
What can singers do to understand, prevent and manage their vocal issues? In this episode, operatic Soprano Kate Valentine tells us about the vocal issues she faced and how they badly impacted her career and identity, including how she was diagnosed with a haemorrhagic vocal polyp and had to undergo surgery and long period of recovery. Vocal rehabilitation coach Jenevora Williams of BAPAM also tells us about the common vocal health issues, the warning signs to watch out for and how to prevent pr...
May 02, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Playing an instrument for a prolonged period of time can be both painful and tiring. In this episode, Oboist Ruth Davies reflects on how music college didn’t prepare her body for the demands of being a professional musician, shares how her symptoms impacted her mental health and what the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is doing to look after their players’ physical health. Physiotherapist and researcher Céleste Rousseau , tells us about the common physical issues that orchestral players experie...
Apr 18, 2021•25 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Where can musicians learn more about successfully financing a career in music? Musician Calista Kazuko shares her top tips on organising and managing her finances, what she’s learnt about the application process and how to make top quality content on a budget. Consultant Remi Harris shares the best resources to find funding that’s right for you and tells us her secrets of a successful funding application. Calista Kazuko: https://bit.ly/3cB3cP1 Remi Harris: https://bit.ly/2Pdya7f Easy Money book:...
Apr 04, 2021•27 min•Season 2Ep. 11
What can musicians do to make the most of online opportunities and audiences? DJ and producer Plastician shares how he's adapted to online performances over lockdown, what he's learnt from different streaming sites and what the future of digital might hold for him. Digital Consultant David Taylor shares tips on becoming an online musician and how this might help with work in the future. Plastician: http://bit.ly/30YOJGc David Taylor: http://bit.ly/3qZGIeM How to be an online musician: http://bit...
Mar 22, 2021•31 min•Season 2Ep. 10
What can musicians do to understand, prevent and manage their hearing issues? In this episode, artist and producer Isobel Anderson shares how tinnitus halted her career, caused a breakdown and what helped her to a place of managing living with the condition, and Nic Wray of the British Tinnitus Association tells us about the different types of tinnitus, how it affects musicians and discusses BTA's latest research, as supported by the charity Help Musicians, into this topic. Isobel Anderson - htt...
Mar 08, 2021•26 min•Season 2Ep. 9
What can musicians do to revitalise their motivation? In this episode, Lucy Spraggan shares her experience of finding motivation while running a record label and being a full-time musician, and creative coach Auriel Majumdar helps break down what motivation really means and what to do when it's taken away. Lucy Spraggan: bit.ly/3dpubOw Auriel Majumdar: http://bit.ly/3bg76Ls BAPAM – Creativity and Motivation: bit.ly/3s0w9Jg Music Minds Matter: https://bit.ly/2O1mB1M Do It Differently: http://bit....
Feb 22, 2021•24 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode, we're tackling the topic of performance anxiety. Lockdown has meant many musicians have either found alternative ways of performing or haven't performed at all. What impact has this had on musicians? Host Lucy Heyman talks to musician Nik Kershaw and Professor of Psychology Dianna Kenny, to learn more about the cause of performance anxiety, how to overcome it, and how musicians might manage their return to live music performance once lockdown lifts. Sound Advice: WWW.bit.ly/3rri...
Feb 08, 2021•27 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode, we’re discussing women and ethnicity in the music industry. Host Lucy Heyman speaks to Ammo Talwar, Vick Bain and Lady Sanity who share some personal stories and broad overview around the progress the UK music industry has made in terms of diversity, the challenges it still faces and the importance of data, lived experience and how the industry benchmark Ten-Point plan came alive. UK Music Diversity Report: https://bit.ly/3sXXGwi Women in Music: http://bit.ly/3iDlbG6 Vick Bain’s...
Jan 25, 2021•36 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode, we’re discussing creativity. Host Lucy Heyman speaks to Dodie, Sarah Freestone and Martha Hill about their creative processes, overcoming creative blocks and what creativity means to them. Help Musicians Creative Programme: http://bit.ly/3hajVIx Help Musicians funding wizard: http://bit.ly/2B6IO8z Help Musicians Coronamusicians website for news on open creative funding and resources: http://bit.ly/3lPuXpq Help Musicians mailing list: http://bit.ly/37Kxe0t Arts Council - Developi...
Jan 11, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode we’re looking at burnout. Host Lucy Heyman speaks to singer-songwriter Fable about her experiences with burnout and depression, and psychologist Jake Lovelock describes the warning signs to look out for, as well as what to do if you you’re experiencing burnout. Help Musicians - Music Minds Matter 0808 802 8008 http://bit.ly/2LvVuZA Help Musicians Health & Welfare team 0207 239 9101 help@helpmusicians.org.uk Artsminds - https://bit.ly/3mEEsqZ BAPAM - http://bit.ly/2FTfRfH My B...
Dec 28, 2020•28 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode we’re looking at the challenges surrounding parenting in music. Host Lucy Heyman speaks to solo artist Juanita Stein about her experiences, and Cassie Raine from Parents in Performing Arts talks about the work they do and the support they can offer parents. Parents & Carers in Performing Arts - https://bit.ly/2Kidt6Z PiPA's research programme - https://bit.ly/3m6MZTu PiPA Facebook page - https://bit.ly/376dwMc PiPA LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/2Kd3SOX Juanita Stein - https://bit...
Dec 14, 2020•28 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode we’re looking at the specific problems songwriters and composers face in their work. Host Lucy Heyman speaks to Benji Morrison and Pete Glennister about their experiences as music creators, and Athena Pite from the PRS Members Fund describes the services they offer to support musicians Coronamusicians - https://bit.ly/3lPuXpq Music Minds Matter - http://bit.ly/2LvVuZA BAPAM self care tips for creatives - https://bit.ly/36R6r0M Composer Wellbeing Collective - https://bit.ly/33jMbU...
Nov 30, 2020•33 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this episode, Lucy speaks to rapper Nadia Rose about the difficult of navigating business relationships, and counsellor Denise Devinish offers advice on maintaining boundaries, staying true to yourself and protecting your mental health. Help Musicians: https://bit.ly/3iIYZdn Help Musicians Funding Wizard: http://bit.ly/2nYNveg Corona Musicians: https://bit.ly/3edu45j The Musicians’ Union: http://bit.ly/2XvV24U PRS Members Fund: http://bit.ly/2XLDQr8 Music Managers Forum: https://bit.ly/3njH7H...
Nov 16, 2020•31 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In our final Covid focused episode, we’re looking to the future - finding out how the industry landscape has changed, and discussing when musicians might be able to get back to performing. Host Lucy Heyman speaks to artist and G4 singer Mike Christie, along with artist-producer Rick Leon James to find out how they’ve been affected and how they feel about the future. Psychotherapist Whitney Showler offers advice on how to cope with uncertainty, and CEO of Help Musicians, James Ainscough discusses...
Jul 26, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In our second Covid special, host Lucy Heyman speaks to artists MIRI and Lauren Housley about how the pandemic has affected them financially. General Secretary of the Musicians Union, Horace Trubridge, discusses whether the latest Government investment will reach musicians, and industry expert Mike Burgess offers ways to maximise income streams, and make the most of royalty payments. Help Musicians Creative Funding - https://bit.ly/3hajVIx Financial assistance, benevolent and hardship funds - ht...
Jul 19, 2020•40 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Help Musicians - https://bit.ly/3iIYZdn Health and Welfare team- 0207 239 9101 // help@helpmusicians.org.uk Creative Programme - http://bit.ly/2EDHCIc Music Minds Matter 0808 802 8008 // MMM@helpmusicians.org.uk Anxiety UK - https://bit.ly/2Ze1Z9G BAPAM - http://bit.ly/2FTfRfH Calm - http://bit.ly/2XZbRjQ or call 0800 585858 Coronamusicians.info - https://bit.ly/3edu45j Let The Music Play campaign - https://bit.ly/323fgDP Mind - http://bit.ly/2M1QWu7 or call 0300 123 3393 Music Support - 0800 03...
Jul 12, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In our final episode of the series we talk to musician Aruba Red about mental health, external validation and motherhood. Psychotherapist Helen Brice then offers some exercises to help reduce anxiety and gives great advice on how to use social media mindfully in order to protect your mental health. Help Musicians - Music Minds Matter 0808 802 8008 // MMM@helpmusicians.org.uk Music Support - 0800 030 6789 // http://bit.ly/2YXuHcv MITC Collective - http://bit.ly/2JD4Hhd The MMF - http://bit.ly/2M4...
Jan 06, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Research has shown that pain resulting from playing can be a significant issue for musicians, but one that is preventable. In this episode we’ll hear from drummer Chris Polglase about his experiences with pain from playing and how he manages it. We’ll then hear from physiotherapist and researcher Dr Sarah Upjohn about her work in this area and what musicians can do to protect their musculoskeletal health. Help Musicians Health & Welfare team 020 7239 9103: help@helpmusicians.org.uk Help Musi...
Dec 30, 2019•29 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Research has suggested that transition points in a musician’s career can be intensely stressful and that good support at these times is key. In this episode we chat to musician and music industry executive Chris Sheehan about the transition points in his career and how he was able to successfully navigate them. We then speak to music publisher Stuart Ongley about the mentoring services he provides and he offers some great advice on how musicians can navigate through difficult periods. Help Music...
Dec 23, 2019•35 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode we speak to Imogen Heap about her career, how she has found it working as an artist and label owner, where she found support and how she manages now balancing music and motherhood. We also speak to label services owner Tim Ferrone who gives advice for musicians on how to build a good team around them and become a successful DIY artist themselves. Help Musicians Do It Differently Fund (opens April 2020): http://bit.ly/2PIriux MU Guide to releasing your own product: http://bit.ly/2...
Dec 16, 2019•33 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this episode we’ll be looking at wellbeing, finding out exactly what it is, how musicians’ experience it and learning how we can maximise happiness in our own lives. We’ll be hearing from Ayanna Witter-Johnson, who tells us how she keeps herself mentally and physically strong in her music career. We’ll then hear from wellbeing researcher Simone Willis who will be telling us her top tips on how to keep our wellbeing levels high, as well as discussing some of the research she has done in this a...
Dec 09, 2019•34 min•Season 1Ep. 11
After achieving world records and international success, SK Shlomo came off tour for the first time in years to record a solo album. In this episode we hear about how once he stopped, he realised how the incessant touring had affected his mental health. We also hear about his experiences of online abuse, and ultimately how social media became a force for good in his life. We are then joined by Stephen Buckley from the mental health charity Mind, who tells us about the services that Mind provides...
Nov 18, 2019•36 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this episode we speak to singer Sophie Garner about her experiences with vocal health issues throughout her career. Speech and language therapist Tori Burnay then tells us about her work in the voice clinic and gives advice on how to keep your voice healthy and strong. British Voice Association : http://bit.ly/32gIjjK Free Voice Care Literature : http://bit.ly/32eDeZh BAPAM : http://bit.ly/2NCrydH BAPAM Vocal Health Advice : http://bit.ly/2POAwqT Vocal Physiotherapy: http://bit.ly/2oGSccO...
Nov 11, 2019•31 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode we hear from musician and psychotherapist Chula Goonewardene about his experiences with addiction whilst working as a drummer. We then hear from therapist Adrianna Irvine about her work, substance use in the music industry and where musicians can go for support. Narcotics Anonymous (NA): http://bit.ly/2PCdL9p NA (links to virtual 24/7 NA meetings): http://bit.ly/324wYmV NA UK Helpline - 0300 999 1212 (10:00 – Midnight daily) Alcoholics Anonymous: http://bit.ly/2ptEfzp SMART Recov...
Nov 04, 2019•34 min•Season 1Ep. 8
A musical career can be intensely stressful and physically challenging even for those that are fit and healthy. In this episode we hear from musician Ruth Patterson about what it’s like managing a music career with a disability, and how the music industry could better support artists in her position. We then hear from Attitude is Everything’s Rich Legate about the research the charity has recently conducted, and how they are able to support disabled music makers. Next Stage Network: http://bit.l...
Oct 28, 2019•35 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Managing money can be an incredibly challenging issue for musicians, with the insecurity of income, gigs for ‘exposure’, a lack of support when you’re unable to work and more. In this episode we’ll be hearing from Hannah Peel about her experiences financially throughout her career, and finding out how she manages it today. We’ll then speak to Naomi Pohl from the Musicians’ Union to hear about how financial issues affect musicians generally, and what support is out there for them to access.
Oct 20, 2019•36 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode, we're going to be looking at Stage Fright, and the impact that it has on artists and their performance. We'll be speaking to Happy Mondays and Black Grape frontman Shaun Ryder about his experiences with stage fright. We will also hear from Professor of Performance Science Aaron Williamon, who will give advice and guidance on how musicians can manage stage fright during their performances. BAPAM performance anxiety factsheet - https://bit.ly/2KrBZAx Music Support - https://bit.ly...
Aug 11, 2019•29 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode, we’re going to be taking a look at Hearing Health in Music. We’ll hear from drummer Nigel Elliott, who will discuss the effects that over 40 years of playing music has had on his hearing, and the steps he’s taken to protect it. Audiologist Gladys Akinseye from the Musicians Hearing Services will give her advice on how to look after your hearing health, and will also tell us how you can access professional moulded ear plugs for a fraction of the price. British Tinnitus Associatio...
Aug 04, 2019•31 min•Season 1Ep. 4
