Revelios Founder Catherine Harrison Presents SOUNDCHECK Mental Health Survey

At the inaugural edition of Departure Festival + Conference — in Toronto, Catherine Harrison, President and Founder of Revelios [Mental Health Works], presented preliminary findings from SOUNDCHECK: A Survey on Mental Health in the Canadian Music Industry, the first large-scale national survey of its kind. Focused exclusively on the mental health of Canadian music workers, including artists, crew, producers, managers, and other industry professionals, Soundcheck was developed exclusively by Revelios and launched in September 2024 in collaboration with community partners Unison and SOCAN. The study aims to provide an evidence-informed understanding of the systemic stressors affecting the industry and to lay the groundwork for meaningful reform.

View the Urgent Mental Health Challenges infographic – READ HERE
View the Soundcheck Preliminary Results Report – READ HERE

The initial results, gathered from more than 800 music industry professionals across Canada, reveal an industry in crisis:

• 94% agree that mental health issues are widespread in the Canadian music industry.
• 86% report personally experiencing mental health challenges, with 95% having witnessed others struggling.
• 79% say financial stress directly impacts their mental health, while only 6% feel any sense of job security.
• Alarmingly, 52% have felt life wasn’t worth living, and 43% have considered taking their own life.

Catherine Harrison in 2023, photo by L Howe

Catherine Harrison’s presentation sheds light not only on the emotional cost of working in music but also the systemic barriers that prevent individuals from accessing support. Among the findings:

• 81% say their work environment is not conducive to mental health, and 94% believe industry leaders could be doing more.
• Only 10% strongly agree that leaders actively support mental health in the workplace.
• 84% report stigma around substance use, and 58% experience stigma even around sobriety or recovery.
• Only 9% of respondents report getting enough sleep to perform at their best.

Harrison comments:

“These findings are a call to action. The Canadian music industry is grappling with profound and systemic mental health challenges. Without coordinated leadership, better education, and meaningful structural support, we risk losing the creative heart of our industry to burnout, distress, and disillusionment.”

SOUNDCHECK also revealed a critical gap in resources:

• 96% agree that mental health education is critical, yet 81% have never received formal training.
• 85% want better tools to manage their own mental health, and 95% want education on supporting peers.

The survey will continue collecting responses until September 30, 2025, with a comprehensive final report and set of recommendations expected in early 2026.

Next Steps:

Music industry workers are encouraged to participate in the confidential, anonymous survey at www.revelios.com/soundcheck and to share these early findings to amplify awareness and drive change.