Spotify and Backline announce first-of-its-kind mental health for creators global initiative

SPOTIFY AND BACKLINE ANNOUNCE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND MENTAL HEALTH FOR CREATORS GLOBAL INITIATIVE

‘HEART & SOUL’ PARTNERSHIP INCLUDES:

FIRST EVER GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE HUB, 1:1 THERAPY ACCESS FOR ARTIST AMBASSADORS, GRANTS TO EXPAND ARTIST-CENTERED CARE, SUPPORT FOR SONGWRITERS, WELLNESS EVENTS, + MORE

Backline, a nonprofit organization connecting music industry professionals and their family members with mental health and wellness resources, has partnered with Spotify to announce a groundbreaking global initiative, Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators. As part of the initiative, they are launching the first-ever Global Mental Health Resource Hub, a comprehensive support platform for music industry professionals around the world.

This collaboration marks a major milestone for Backline, as the organization expands its services beyond the United States for the first time. With the mental health crisis continuing to impact artists, touring crew, and industry professionals at every level, this initiative brings critical support to an international audience, removing barriers to care and meeting the global music community where they are.

"Backline is honored to serve as a steward of Spotify’s investment into the creative community, " said Backline Executive Director & Co-Founder Hilary Gleason. “Bringing our work to scale is a meaningful way to uplift the well-being of artists all around the world. This collaboration is taking these invaluable mental health and wellness resources beyond borders. Music knows no bounds, and now people who make music happen have access to care and a compassionate community. Our work together will help ensure that artists have the resources, support, and stability they need to thrive both personally and professionally."

As part of this initiative, Backline’s programming will include:

A Global Expansion of Backline’s Resources: a first-of-its kind destination for mental health support. This international, multilingual database features trusted music industry and mental health support resources and crisis lines from around the world.
Concierge Support for the International Music Community: To provide more personalized pathways to care, Backline has also launched global@backline.care, a dedicated email concierge service that provides one-on-one support to help individuals navigate local care options and mental health systems in their countries.
Mind The Music: A Mental Health Guide for the Music Industry: A free digital guide designed for every role in the music industry. Complete with tools to stay grounded on the road, this guide offers strategies that can be used in real time along with practical resources to help music industry professionals feel their best.
Therapy Access for Ambassadors: Free support for EQUAL, GLOW, and RADAR ambassadors in the U.S. via Music’s Mental Health Fund, a joint program from Backline and Sweet Relief Musicians’ Fund that provides grants to cover the cost of therapy.
Support for Songwriters: Spaces for songwriters to discuss mental health and access support through studio residencies, dinners, panels, and more. May ‘25 Spotify Songwriting Studio residency program included: The Altons, Sinseers, and Iman Jordan.
Wellness Events: Backline, Spotify, and Noah Kahan's The Busyhead Project will be backstage at major festivals like All Things Go NYC, providing on-site wellness activations, self-care kits, and guided workshops.

For Spotify, this partnership underscores a long-standing commitment to mental health wellness and social impact within the music industry.

“It’s clear that the mental health challenges artists face are real, and that the current support systems often fall short. It’s on all of us in the industry to respond with action," said Spotify Head of Artist & Label Partnerships, Monica Herrera Damashek. “That’s why Spotify is expanding its Heart & Soul for Creators initiative by helping Backline scale its Mental Health & Wellness Global Resource Hub internationally for the first time, and by offering 1:1 therapy access to EQUAL, GLOW, and RADAR ambassadors in the US and UK. We know this is only one step but we look forward to building on this for a more supported, sustainable environment for the artists who shape culture every day.”

"Heart & Soul is our commitment to the creators behind the music. Artists and songwriters face immense pressure, and their mental health can’t be an afterthought,” said Lauren Siegal Wurgaft, Head of Social Impact, Spotify. “Supporting creators’ well-being is essential to sustaining a vibrant music ecosystem. By working closely with trusted partners like Backline, we’re not just offering resources, we’re helping drive lasting change in how the industry approaches mental health.”

This initiative is a statement of intent from both Backline and Spotify to build a healthier, more sustainable music industry for everyone.

To explore the Global Mental Health Resource Hub, visit: https://backline.care/global-resources/

About Backline

Backline is a national 501(c)(3) organization that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources. The organization provides a wide range of services to promote mental health, offering Case Management, wellness programs, and educational resources tailored to the music industry’s unique challenges.

To date, Backline has:

Provided 2,229+ individuals a custom mental health care plan
Supported 5,283+ people via weekly community meetings
Offered 3,123+ discounts to wellness apps and products
Vetted 1,348+ mental health providers in their clinical network
Provided $236,000+ worth of grants via Music’s Mental Health Fund

For more information, visit www.backline.care.

More information on Spotify’s Heart & Soul Programming:

As conversations around mental health take center stage in the music industry, Spotify is deepening its commitment to artist well-being through Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators. In partnership with leading nonprofits, this global effort aims to provide meaningful support, challenge cultural norms, and ensure artists, songwriters, and their teams can access the help they need - when they need it.

Additional Heart & Soul Mental Health for Creators programming includes:

1:1 Therapy Access: Free support for EQUAL, GLOW, and RADAR Ambassadors in the UK via Music Minds Matter.
Direct Funding: Grants to nonprofit organizations including MusiCares, Music Minds Matter, Mental Health Alliance, and Noah Kahan's The Busyhead Project to expand artist-centered care.
Editorial & Social Support: Across Spotify for Artists and Spotify Songwriting, mental health stories from the creative community, resources, and tools will be shared.
Tools for Everyday Care: Playlists, podcasts, audiobooks, and self-care tips; available on-platform and online.
Donation to WE GOT YOU! (Chappell Roan’s Backline Initiative)