Global Music Institute (New Delhi) and TATVA, in collaboration with Goldsmiths (University of London) and UK-based data firm Creative Empirical, have announced the launch of It’s Time to Talk — a large-scale, nationwide survey focused on mental health among musicians and music industry professionals in India.
The research aims to examine the scale and causes of mental health challenges faced by people in the music ecosystem. Drawing on data-driven insights, It’s Time to Talk seeks to help shape a more empathetic and sustainable industry environment. The team plans to host roundtables with key stakeholders to design mental health interventions tailored to the Indian context.
The initiative is supported by several partners including the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), Women in Music India, Amplify Music Incubator, and Aurora Collective. Cultural curator Shilpi Gupta (Co-Founder, Amplify Music Incubator) is serving as an advisor on the project.
Speaking about the initiative, Megha Balani, Executive Director of Global Music Institute, said:
“At GMI, we believe in nurturing musicians that goes beyond technical training, it includes supporting their emotional and psychological well-being. This research is an extension of that vision. It brings together diverse voices from music, psychology, and academia to address one of the most urgent yet under-researched issues in our industry.”
Kripi Malviya of TATVA added:
“For too long we have seen the myriad ways in which mental health shows up in the Indian music industry and this data will have powerful implications on policy and mental health service. This research hopes to shed a direct light on the lived experiences and struggles of this diverse group.”
Dr. George Musgrave of Goldsmiths, University of London, also commented:
“The opportunity to learn more about mental health in this dynamic and vibrant music economy, and drive change to make a difference through our global collaboration, is incredibly exciting.”
The conversation around mental health and the music industry is growing. Many are now
recognising what has been called a “growing mental health crisis” in the sector. The figures are stark. Musicians potentially suffer from anxiety and depression at rates up to three times higher than the general public, and have one of the highest suicide rates of all occupations according to mortality figures in the UK and US.
Musicians in India are increasingly speaking up about their experiences with mental health
challenges through their music and rallying behind the cause: from Kamakshi Khanna writing
about anxiety and self-doubt in ‘Breathe’, Hanita Bhambri sharing her experience of emotional burnout in her album ‘Shoharat’ and Swarathma advocating for greater inclusiveness towards those battling mental health challenges with their song ‘Main Unme Se Nahin Hoon’. With celebrated voices sharing their experiences, the conversation about mental health is growing in momentum. However, in spite of this, the music industry continues to grapple with stigma, inadequate infrastructure, and a significant lack of research in the field.
Eligibility criteria:
The survey is open to all musicians and music industry professionals aged 18 and above across India’s music industry, living and working in India. The online survey takes 10-12 minutes to complete, and participation is entirely voluntary, confidential, and anonymous.
The research team are particularly interested in how intersecting factors impact the mental health and wellbeing of those working in the non-film and/or independent scene. By sharing your voice, you are contributing to the future of the music industry.
Fill in ‘It’s Time to Talk’ anonymously by clicking here: http://itstimetotalk.in/
