Mental Health in Music: Free event in North Shields Cultural Quarter to discuss highs and lows of life in the industry

A panel of world-class guest speakers from across the music business are sharing a stage in North Shields later this month to talk about mental health. 

The Mental Health in Music event aims to strike a chord with performers, technicians, agents and managers. It will feature a dynamic panel discussion, a Q&A session with the audience, live music and a chance to network in the bar at the Exchange 1856 on 16 May.

Top of the agenda will be how to support mental wellbeing for people from all parts of the industry, now and for future generations.

It’s organised by Bernii Mac’s Becoming the Artist, a North Shields-based vocal coaching and mentoring agency, with funding from North Shields Cultural Quarter’s Projects and Events Fund.

The panel for this free evening event on Thursday 16 May includes: 

·        James Threfall of BBC Introducing, VICE, Ambassador for CALM; 

·        Eve Horne, founder of We Are The Unheard for equality in music, former artist and music producer;

·        Mo Pleasure, artist and instrumentalist for Michael Jackson, Regina Spector and Mary J Blige;

·        Tom New, sound for Counting Crows and Queen;

·        Geoff Kirkwood, music producer, DJ and composer; 

·        Event host Bernii Mac - vocalist, top liner, and founder of Bernii Mac’s Becoming The Artist.

There will be live music from L’Rockett and Tyneside duo Talk Like Tigers.

Bernii Mac said: “It’s important that we think about how we work as a whole system so that we can create a healthier industry.

“Although improved there can still be a stigma attached to mental health. People can be afraid to admit they need help, especially in a gig economy where you want to perform your best and get booked again in future. 

“Having higher-profile artists speaking out about their own mental health and experience in the business is good for everyone, because it continues important conversations. 

“I personally believe that the business as a whole would benefit from putting more protocols and signposting in place so that people have the means to take care of themselves and know exactly where to go for support when they’re struggling.

“Different roles in the business have their own challenges and pressures, such as performers, those behind the scenes, independent artists and those starting out. Each may need to find different routes to help and support depending on their situation.

“The industry can be a really tough place to operate.  A lot of us are self-employed. Some have managers. Some have labels. Some have booking agents.  Who do you talk to? Will they be supportive? Where does the duty of care fall? These are some of the grey areas that I see and one of the things I want to ask to the panel at this event.

“I hope this event will be informative and interesting but also inspiring! We have so much power as individuals and as a collective to make positive changes that will benefit us all.”

Resources like Music Minds Matter can support anyone who works in music, 24/7, run by the charity Help Musicians. The Musicians’ Union offers guidance and advice on mental health and self-care as well as healthcare services through its partners. 

Eve Horne, founder of We Are The Unheard for equality in music, former artist and music producer said: “I’m neurodiverse, I was diagnosed with ADHD and autism only last year at the age of 46. I’ve suffered badly with depression and I’m open about it.

 

“I was in girl groups from a young age and signed to a label at 18. I was thrown into the life of 90s pop girl-groups, performing at Wembley alongside huge names like the Backstreet Boys, travelling in limos and private jets, sponsorship deals on TV.

 

“When it ended in the 2000’s I found it hard to reintegrate myself into normal life. I was crying all the time, I didn’t know what was wrong with me and I couldn’t see a way out.

 

“I am now, coping with everything life throws at me. Getting there is a process of retraining your mind and learning how to manage and maintain your mental health. Being honest and open about it is crucial, and it’s the best medicine.”


Panel member Geoff Kirkwood, a music producer, DJ and composer from North Tyneside said: "I'm glad I can be involved in conversations like this that aren't just about something that needs to be spoken about, but which also manage to approach topics not only at a global level, but also with a regional and individual perspective too. 

“Our sense of wellbeing and worth is indelibly wrapped up in who we are, where we come from and where we find ourselves. It feels really positive to be able to get to talk about those things in my own hometown with people who might be able to resonate with some of my own experiences in ways that more international audiences perhaps cannot."

Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor for North Tyneside and cabinet member responsible for Regeneration, Economic Development and Culture said: “The creative industries in North Tyneside are thriving and North Shields Cultural Quarter is working hard to grow the creative economy.

“Helping look after people along the way will make sure their success is sustainable. The Cultural Quarter offers a broad package of mentoring and business advice and this event is a chance to show that we consider mental wellbeing to be a crucial skill. We want our creative community to be a healthy and happy one. 

“Having such a high-profile panel in North Shields shows the calibre of artists and agents we have in North Tyneside. Events like this, funded by North Shields Cultural Quarter, mean this is an exciting and inspiring time for the town.”

==========================================

CAPTION INFORMATION: Bernii Mac on stage

NOTES TO EDITORS

North Shields Cultural Quarter:

·       Helps the cultural and creative economy in the town to grow and gives it a sustainable future

·       Works with local artists and creative businesses to fund a programme of projects and events

·       Provides training and skills development

·       Offers bursary funding

·       Helps strengthen and support the creative community

·       Explores how culture and creativity can help drive place-based regeneration

·       Is closely tied to our Ambition for North Shields and our High Street Heritage Action Zone

·       Is one of three Cultural and Creative Zones funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, the other two in Newcastle and Berwick

·       At its centre are the newly-restored Exchange Theatre, Globe Gallery and North Tyneside Business Centre, the new home of Helix Arts.

 

This project is part funded by the by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the North of Tyne Combined Authority Investment Fund with the North of Tyne Combined Authority as the lead authority.

North Shields Cultural Quarter is part of the North of Tyne Culture and Creative Zone programme.  More details can be found here.

Ruth Holliday