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Is touring really the dream job everyone thinks it is?
When we think about life on the road, we picture sold out shows, backstage passes and incredible experiences. What we don’t see are the sleepless nights, the loneliness, the burnout, and the difficult transition back home after tour ends.
This week I’m joined by licensed mental health counselor and former Bedlight for Blue Eyes vocalist, Daniel Rinaldi, to discuss the hidden mental health struggles facing musicians, touring crew members and creatives working throughout the music industry.
We talk about artist burnout, anxiety, depression, maintaining relationships while on tour, why crew members are often overlooked, and the resources that every musician should know exist.
Whether you’re in a band, work on the road, or you’re simply someone who found a home in alternative music, this is one of the most important conversations we’ve had on OurSpace.
Timestamps
00:00 Touring isn’t a vacation
00:31 Introduction
01:55 What is Soundcheck?
03:33 Mental health services for touring musicians
06:18 Why touring crew members need more support
08:11 The conversation that changed everything
10:03 Why crew members are often overlooked
11:21 The hardest part of touring isn’t being on tour
12:30 Why coming home can be so difficult
13:19 Preparing yourself mentally for life after tour
16:01 Why mental health conversations matter in music
20:45 The music industry’s mental health problem
22:52 Why mental health shouldn’t be treated as a luxury
24:50 Mental health resources every musician should know
26:07 Finding the right therapist for you
31:36 Practical tools for grounding yourself while touring
34:02 Staying connected with family while on the road
36:18 What needs to change in the music industry?
37:58 Why concerts should remain safe spaces
41:37 What can fans do to help?
45:38 Underrated bands you should check out
49:04 Where to find Daniel Rinaldi
Have you ever struggled with burnout, anxiety or feeling disconnected after a major life transition? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.
If this conversation resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who might need it. Conversations like these are incredibly important, not just for musicians, but for everyone.
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