‘A lot of people struggle in silence’: N.S. musician opens up about life in music industry

An acclaimed musician residing in Halifax is bravely sharing her struggles in the music industry to shed light on the harsh realities that artists face. Meaghan Smith, known for her successful career that includes touring the country, having her songs featured in popular TV shows and movies like “500 Days of Summer,” and winning a Best New Artist award at the Juno Awards in 2011, is opening up about the challenges she has encountered.

Despite her outward success, Smith has faced difficulties that have taken a toll on her mental health. In a recent interview with Information Morning Nova Scotia, she expressed her frustration with the industry’s focus on the glamour of artistry rather than the hardships that artists endure. Smith has been vocal on social media about her struggles, such as severe anxiety related to touring, being dropped by her label and management after having her first child, and having to shift her career to custom songwriting to make ends meet.

Smith’s candidness about her experiences highlights the often overlooked struggles that many artists face in the music industry. She emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence and destigmatizing mental health issues in the industry. The financial insecurity of a musician’s life, the constant hustle to earn a living, and the challenges of staying relevant as artists age are all factors that contribute to the stress and pressure artists face.

One initiative that Smith is actively involved in is a survey on mental health in Canada’s music industry. Catherine Harrison, a musician and president of Revelios, is leading the research, supported by SOCAN and The Unifar Group. The survey aims to gather national feedback on mental health challenges within the Canadian music industry, addressing issues like precarious employment, financial instability, substance abuse, and alcohol-related problems.

The survey has already received participation from over 800 individuals, but Harrison encourages more people, especially those from marginalized communities, to take part. Preliminary findings from the survey are expected to be released soon, providing valuable insights into the mental health struggles faced by music industry workers.

As Smith and other artists continue to speak out about their experiences, it is crucial for the industry to provide more support and resources for mental health issues. Government aid, fair compensation on streaming platforms like Spotify, and initiatives like the mental health survey are steps in the right direction to create a more supportive and sustainable environment for musicians. To contribute to the survey on mental health in the music industry, music industry workers can fill out the survey here.

By sharing their stories and advocating for change, artists like Meaghan Smith are paving the way for a more compassionate and understanding music industry that prioritizes the well-being of its creators.