Halifax-based musician Meaghan Smith is shedding light on the harsh realities of the music industry, sharing her struggles to paint an honest picture of life as an artist.
Smith has enjoyed a career many would envy—touring nationwide, having her songs featured in hit films like 500 Days of Summer, and winning the Juno Award for Best New Artist in 2011. However, behind the scenes, the journey has been far from easy, often taking a toll on her mental health.
“I don’t think people want to hear about the challenges and the struggles,” Smith told Information Morning Nova Scotia. “I think they just want to hear about the art and the dream … but I can’t really stay quiet about it anymore.”
Through social media, she has opened up about her struggles, including severe anxiety related to touring, being dropped by her label and management after becoming a mother, and pivoting to custom songwriting to sustain her career.
“I think a lot of people struggle in silence, whether or not they’re artists,” Smith said. “The more we talk about it, the less isolated we are, the less shame there is, the less stigma there is … that really helps.”
Smith also highlighted the financial insecurity many musicians face, emphasizing the constant hustle required to make a living—something that becomes increasingly difficult with age.
“How many artists do you know who used to be in a band and who aren’t?” she asked. “Now, I understand why people leave this industry … It’s hard to stay in it, and it’s hard to keep making things.”
She believes more support is needed, whether through government aid or fairer compensation from streaming platforms like Spotify. “We need support in order to keep continuing to make what we make,” she said.
Mental Health Survey in the Music Industry
Smith is also following an ongoing national survey focused on mental health in Canada’s music industry, led by musician and Revelios president Catherine Harrison, with support from SOCAN and The Unison Fund.
Harrison told CBC News that the survey aims to address a significant gap in research, gathering feedback from musicians across all provinces and demographics.
The study highlights the precarious employment, financial instability, and substance abuse issues prevalent in the industry, which often intersect with mental health challenges.
“I think there’s also a societal perception that working in the music industry is a fun job,” Harrison said. “But the people who are making the music … they’re human beings who are trying to have a … fulfilling life.”
So far, over 800 people have participated, but Harrison hopes for more responses, particularly from marginalized communities. Preliminary findings are expected to be released by the end of the month.
Source: Swifteradio.com
