In music, dissonance is a clash of notes that creates tension until it’s resolved. In the music industry, the same happens with people: the myths of “easy success”—global audiences, digital everything, fame, making money—clash with the reality of toxic stress, burnout, disconnection and financial insecurity. The message is if you just work hard enough and smart enough, you should have it all. This frank mistruth exacerbates our current mental health crisis.
The Hidden Struggles Behind the Spotlight
The Canadian music industry is grappling with a profound mental health crisis, as revealed by our Soundcheck Research (2024/25). We gathered insights from over 1,200 music professionals across the country, through a survey, focus groups and interviews. The findings are both alarming and illuminating.
Respondents overwhelmingly indicate that the common narrative of easy success in the modern music industry is simply not true. Mental health challenges, financial stress, job insecurity, and lack of support are pervasive realities—and pretending these issues don’t exist only exacerbates the crisis.
Here are some quotes from our survey respondents and focus group interviews:
“I feel invisible.”
“We’re supposed to be so connected, but I feel so isolated.”
“I feel like I’m the only one struggling in this new digital world.”
“I just can’t measure up.”
“All I hear is how easy it is to be successful in the industry now because of all the digital tools..but it’s not true. We’re still competing with all the money and power of the big labels.”
“I feel like a loser because I need two other jobs to make ends meet. Then I’m too tired to create and I feel even worse.”
“Everything seems fake and yet I buy into it and feel bad if I can achieve it!”
The Role of Collective Illusions and Cognitive Dissonance
Collective Illusions: Many professionals misperceive how others are coping, assuming that everyone else is managing fine. This prevents people from seeking help and reinforces unhealthy norms.
Cognitive Dissonance: The tension between the industry’s glorified narrative and the harsh realities of work creates inner conflict, manifesting as stress, burnout, and disengagement.
The Myth of Easy Success
The narrative that it’s “never been easier” to reach audiences, find a global fanbase, make money, and succeed is misleading. In reality:
84% of respondents report breaking into international markets is difficult.
79% experience financial stress impacting mental health.
Only 9% report getting enough sleep to feel and do their best.
The Power of Congruence and Belonging
Creating alignment between values, actions, and environment—or congruence—can dramatically reduce dissonance. When music professionals can work in ways that reflect their values and feel authentically seen, stress decreases and well-being improves.
Equally, a sense of belonging—knowing that one is part of a supportive community that shares similar challenges and aspirations—can counter the isolation reinforced by collective illusions. Belonging fosters resilience, encourages help-seeking, and helps uncover hidden consensus, making healthy cultural norms possible.
Moving Forward: Addressing the Crisis
To create a healthier industry, it’s crucial to:
- Acknowledge Reality: Recognize the widespread mental health challenges.
- Promote Open Dialogue: Dispel collective illusions and reduce stigma.
- Provide Support and Education: Implement formal mental health training and supportive policies.
- Foster Congruence and Belonging: Align values, actions, and culture; create communities where professionals feel safe, seen, and supported.
- Challenge Unrealistic Narratives: Offer a balanced view of opportunities and challenges.
By resolving the dissonance between perception and reality, and by promoting congruence and belonging, the Canadian music industry can cultivate a more sustainable, supportive, and authentic environment for all its professionals.
