The Rising Cost of Performance: Lola Young and the Future of Artist Wellbeing
Nearly one in five adults experience mental illness each year, yet the entertainment industry often operates on a model that actively exacerbates these challenges. The recent health scare involving Lola Young – collapsing onstage at All Things Go festival after a history of openly discussing her struggles with ADHD, schizoaffective disorder, and addiction – isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a stark symptom of a systemic problem demanding urgent attention, and a harbinger of increasing pressure on artists to prioritize wellbeing or risk burnout and collapse.
Beyond the Spotlight: The Hidden Toll on Artists
Lola Young’s decision to postpone all future engagements to focus on her health, following a 2024 rehab stay and prior cancellations due to mental health concerns, highlights a growing trend. Artists are increasingly vocal about the immense pressure to maintain a public persona while battling internal struggles. The demands of touring, recording, and constant social media engagement create a perfect storm for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Young’s experience, including a concerning incident of vomiting onstage at Coachella attributed to nerves, underscores the physical manifestations of this stress. This isn’t simply about “nerves”; it’s about a body responding to unsustainable demands.
The Impact of Social Media and Constant Connectivity
The always-on nature of social media amplifies these pressures. Artists are expected to be constantly accessible, engaging with fans, and curating a perfect image. This relentless self-promotion can be deeply damaging to mental health, fostering feelings of inadequacy and isolation. The line between personal life and public performance blurs, leaving little room for genuine rest and recovery. The expectation of constant content creation, coupled with the potential for online harassment and criticism, creates a uniquely challenging environment.
A Shift in Industry Awareness – and Accountability
Fortunately, there’s a growing awareness within the music industry regarding artist wellbeing. Organizations are beginning to offer resources and support, but more needs to be done. The conversation is shifting from simply acknowledging mental health struggles to demanding systemic changes that prioritize artist health. This includes fairer contracts, access to mental health professionals, and a reduction in the relentless touring schedules that have long been the norm. The fact that Young felt comfortable publicly citing mental health as a reason for cancelling performances, while still a brave act, suggests a slow but positive change in societal acceptance and understanding.
The Future of Live Performance: Prioritizing Sustainability
The incident with **Lola Young** isn’t just a personal tragedy; it’s a wake-up call for the entire live entertainment industry. We’re likely to see a move towards more sustainable touring models, with fewer dates and longer breaks between engagements. Artists may also be more selective about the projects they take on, prioritizing those that align with their values and allow for a healthy work-life balance. Expect to see increased demand for mental health support staff on tour and a greater emphasis on preventative care.
The Role of Technology in Supporting Artist Wellbeing
Technology could also play a role in mitigating some of the pressures faced by artists. AI-powered tools could assist with social media management, reducing the burden of constant content creation. Virtual reality and augmented reality could offer alternative ways to connect with fans, reducing the need for extensive travel. However, it’s crucial to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and don’t further exacerbate the problem of constant connectivity.
The Rise of “Wellness Riders” and Contractual Protections
Inspired by the growing movement for artist rights, we can anticipate a rise in “wellness riders” – contractual clauses that stipulate specific requirements for artist wellbeing, such as access to mental health support, comfortable accommodations, and reasonable touring schedules. These riders will likely become standard practice, particularly for established artists who have the leverage to negotiate them. This represents a significant shift in power dynamics within the industry, placing a greater emphasis on the human cost of performance. For further information on artist rights and wellbeing resources, see MusicCares.
The future of the music industry hinges on its ability to adapt to the changing needs of its artists. Ignoring the warning signs, as exemplified by Lola Young’s experience, is not an option. Prioritizing artist wellbeing isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s essential for the long-term sustainability of the industry itself. What steps will record labels and festival organizers take to ensure artists aren’t pushed to their breaking point? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
