Spotify has partnered with industry mental health nonprofit Backline to launch a global hub of mental health resources as part of their nascent Heart & Soul initiative.
Officially dubbed ‘Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators,’ the new partnership sees Backline and Spotify joining forces to launch their Global Mental Health Resource Hub, which aims to serve as a comprehensive support platform for industry professionals around the world.
While Spotify first launched its Heart & Soul initiative in 2018 as a way of providing support and deepening understanding of emotional well-being amongst its employees, Backline first emerged in 2019 to connect industry professionals and their family with mental health and wellness resources.
The new partnership sees Backline now expanding their services beyond U.S. borders for the first time, serving as a response to the growing mental health crisis that affects industry workers – be it artists, touring crew and industry professionals – of all levels and locations.
“Backline is honored to serve as a steward of Spotify’s investment into the creative community,” Hilary Gleason, Backline’s Executive Director & Co-Founder, said in a statement. “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.”
The new initiative will see Backline’s expanding their resources worldwide, including an international, multilingual database of trusted music industry and mental health support resources and crisis lines from around the world; an email concierge service that provides one-on-one support to aid individuals in navigating care options and mental health systems in their countries; and access to their free digital guide Mind the Music: A Mental Health Guide for the Music Industry.
Additionally, support for songwriters, and access to wellness events are included, as is free therapy access for ambassadors of Spotify’s EQUAL, GLOW, and RADAR programs.
“It’s clear that the mental health challenges artists face are real, and that the current support systems often fall short. It’s on all of us in the industry to respond with action,” noted Monica Herrera Damashek, Spotify’s Head of Artist & Label Partnerships.
“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.”
Additionally, Spotify is also providing financial support to expand organizations such as MusiCares, Music Health Alliance, Music Minds Matter, and Noah Kahan’s The Busyhead Project; spotlighting mental health stories from the creative community across Spotify for Artists and Spotify Songwriting; and offering curated playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks to support creators’ wellbeing via the Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators hub.
“Heart & Soul is our commitment to the creators behind the music. Artists and songwriters face immense pressure, and their mental health can’t be an afterthought,” added Spotify’s Head of Social Impact Lauren Siegal Wurgaft.
“Supporting creators’ well-being 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.”
