Introducing Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual, published by Omnibus Press on 23 March 2023 in paperback and eBook. Available to pre-order now.
‘[it’s] like having a therapist in your back pocket. It helped deepen my understanding of myself as a performer and how the demands of the music business can take a toll’ Siobhan Donaghy, Sugababes.
This comprehensive manual, edited by Tamsin Embleton (MA, MBACP), aims to help musicians and those working in live music to identify and cope with the various physical and psychological difficulties that can occur during, or as a result of, touring. Touring and Mental Health – The Music Industry Manual – is supported by Live Nation.
Covering topics including: emotional intelligence, depression, trauma, crisis management, anger and conflict, stress, addiction (substance & process; sex & porn), eating disorders, anxiety (performance; flight; general), group dynamics, mindset, exercise, physical health (hearing; vocal; sexual; general), optimal performance, dealing with the media, diversity and inclusion, romantic relationships, nutrition, sleep science, breathwork, meditation, duty of care, mental capacity, psychological safety and post-tour recovery, Touring and Mental Health – The Music Industry Manual is written by health and performing arts medicine professionals to provide robust clinical advice, cutting edge research, practical strategies and valuable resources.
Each chapter is also underpinned with personal recollections from artists and professionals including Nile Rodgers, Justin Hawkins, Philip Selway, Charles Thompson, Katie Melua, Kieran Hebden, Jake Berry, Tina Farris, Taylor Hanson, Trevor Williams, Lauren Mayberry, Pharoahe Monch, Jim Digby, Will Young, Angie Warner and Dale ‘Opie’ Skjerseth, among others.
Written by health and performance professionals this timely and essential book provides robust clinical advice, cutting edge research, practical strategies, resources and detailed illustrations.
Editor Tamsin Embleton is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist and ex-music industry booker based in London, UK, and working internationally online. She is the founder of the Music Industry Therapist Collective (MITC).
Michael Rapino, CEO & President, Live Nation: “Artists and crews spend their lives on the road, bringing shows to life for fans around the world. But that dedication can come with sacrifice. It’s critical that we provide support to ensure that everyone can maintain sound mind and body while on the road. Live Nation is proud to join the Music Industry Therapist Collective in providing new resources for mental health and wellness for the behind-the-scenes heroes who make it all happen.”
James Ainscough, CEO Help Musicians UK: “This book can add decades to a career, give wisdom to the most exhausted mind, and offer encouragement to every burdened heart.”
Marty Hom, Tour Manager Fleetwood Mac, Shakira, Beyoncé: “The perfect book at the perfect time.”
Professor Brett Kahr, Senior Fellow, Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology: “A remarkable encyclopaedia of wisdom… This impressive book needs to be read by every single artist and every single psychological worker as well.”