Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual

This book provides musicians and those working in live music with the tools they need to identify and cope with the physical and psychological difficulties that can occur during or as a result of touring. It offers robust clinical advice, cutting-edge research, practical strategies, resources, and detailed illustrations, with personal recollections from musicians and prominent touring personnel.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 640 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Omnibus Press

This comprehensive manual is a valuable resource for musicians and those working in the live music industry, providing guidance on identifying and coping with the various physical and psychological challenges that can arise during or as a result of touring. Covering a wide range of topics, the book offers robust clinical advice, cutting-edge research, practical strategies, resources, and detailed illustrations. Written by health and performance professionals, the book draws upon personal recollections from musicians and prominent touring personnel, 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.

The book is organized into chapters, each dedicated to a specific aspect of touring and mental health. The first chapter explores mental health, including the prevalence of mental health issues among musicians, the risk factors associated with touring, and the strategies for promoting mental well-being. The second chapter focuses on peak performance and performance anxiety, offering techniques for managing stress, improving concentration, and maintaining performance quality. The third chapter addresses addiction, providing insights into the prevalence of substance abuse among musicians and the strategies for overcoming addiction.

The fourth chapter explores group dynamics, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution among touring personnel. The fifth chapter addresses relationship problems, recognizing the challenges of maintaining personal relationships while on the road and offering strategies for maintaining healthy connections. The sixth chapter delves into dealing with the media, offering advice on how to navigate press interviews, social media, and other forms of media exposure while maintaining professionalism and privacy.

The seventh chapter focuses on physical health, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while on tour. The eighth chapter explores diversity and inclusion, recognizing the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the touring team. The ninth chapter addresses crisis management, providing strategies for responding to emergencies and crises that may occur during a tour. The tenth chapter focuses on post-tour recovery, offering insights into the challenges of transitioning back to everyday life after a long period of touring.

Throughout the book, personal anecdotes and experiences from musicians and touring personnel provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of touring. The book is designed to be accessible and engaging, with each chapter offering practical tips and strategies that can be applied to individual musicians and touring teams. Touring and Mental Health is a timely and essential resource for anyone involved in the live music industry, offering valuable insights and guidance on navigating the physical and psychological demands of touring.

Weight: 1198g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913172343