Sound Check - February 2025
Welcome back to your bi-monthly mental health check-in!?
In this edition of Sound Check, Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Bec Sykes shares her story of healing from germaphobia and her experience with anxiety, with a focus on taking things at your own pace in this fast moving industry.
Session drummer Freyja Hooper shares her thoughts on the recent news of more of Australia’s much-loved festivals being either cancelled or postponed, and the harsh reality that these closures bring to the forefront for many Aussie music workers.
Thank you for all of your support, if you have any suggestions or would like to share your story, please feel free to reach out!
Best wishes,
Clive Miller, CEO
Inside the Mind Of...
“Every cough, sniff or audible bodily function sent me into a state of dysphoria, so I learned to mute the household’s evening song with Rain Sounds. It wasn’t just the big C. What about all the other viruses and bacteria? What about the ones we didn’t even know existed yet?"
Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Bec Sykes opens up about her experiences with her anxiety around health and germs in the latest edition of Inside the Mind Of. Bec’s musical journey has been heavily influenced by her experience with anxiety, with it being one of the reasons she hasn’t released much music since her debut single “Edithvale” in 2020.?
“The studio, with its confined space and bacteria-laden microphones, was a house of horror for a germaphobe. I pushed through the fear and recorded another song at the end of 2020. Then I ghosted the producer for months, unable to send mix notes.”
Bec’s story highlights how setting yourself boundaries and taking your career at your own pace can help clear a busy brain. Take a deep dive into Bec’s story and find out more about the challenges and realisations she had along the way.?
A thought on festival closures with Freyja Hoopers
“Music festivals are an institution in the Australian industry, invaluable in bringing international artists to Australia and supporting and creating regular work for Australian artists.”
As we all know, the recent news of more of Australia’s most loved festivals having either been cancelled or taking a break has taken a toll on many Aussie musicians and music workers. This includes session drummer Freyja Hooper, who has worked across several festivals since living in Victoria.
"As an artist, it’s incredibly hard? to see these festivals come to an end. It’s not just a work opportunity, or a steady source of income, but the beautiful sense of community that is linked to each festival. Festivals are kind of like an extended chosen family, everyone working together for a greater experience."
Freyja highlights the weight that these closures can hold for many music workers, reflects on the magical moments that festivals hold for both performers and attendees, and shares the support available.
Have some “me time” in February
With the Summer months coming to a close, it’s time to make the most of the beautiful weather and have some “me time”. Have you ever thought of taking yourself out for a coffee date? How about heading to the beach for the day??
Hanging out with yourself is a great form of self-love and care, and what better way to accompany your adventure with a new book or podcast? The team at Support Act have put together a list of their favourite music and mental health and wellbeing picks to join you on your solo adventures.?
Whether you’re looking for guidance on something you’re going through, or wanting to hear in depth interviews from some of your fave artists, we’ve got you covered.
Check out some of our top picks to help you see out the rest of February in the sunshine below.
News
Sound NSW info session
Sound NSW is hosting an online info session for their Contemporary Music Development Grants at 2pm, Wednesday 19 February.?
These grants aim to support sustainability for artists and acts to create and promote new music, assist music organisations deliver sector development projects and offer dedicated programs to support First Nations artists, acts and organisations.?
So, if you’re part of a music organisation, an artist or part of the industry, register now for this free session to learn more.
Programs
Wellbeing Check-Ins
We’re excited to be offering both a free and online Managers and Music Workers Wellbeing Check-In this month!
If you’re a manager or team leader in the music industry, join us on Monday 24 Feb, 10am-11:30am (AEDT), where you can learn more about identifying risk factors for workplace stress and how you can contribute to fostering a mentally healthy workplace.
Register now here.?
Musicians, composers, producers, crew and sole traders, come along for a check-in on Wednesday 26 Feb, 3pm - 4:30pm (AEDT), and find out information around how music workers can access free ongoing support and mental health resources and much more.?
Register now here.
Mental Health First Aid
Kick off your 2025 mental health training goals with our free and online Mental Health First Aid session on Tuesday 25 February 10am-4pm (AEDT)!
Delivered in partnership with EventCare, this session is available for people working in the music industry and can help you better understand the prevalence and impact of mental illness, risk factors and treatments and supports available.
Why Mental Health Matters
First Nations Mental Health First Aid? is a nationally accredited training program that empowers you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to recognise, connect and effectively support First Nations people who may be experiencing mental health issues or a mental health crisis.
The course ensures participants are grounded in social and emotional well-being from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective, equipping them with the skills to provide mental health first aid in a culturally safe and informed way.
Here’s a testimonial from someone who has attended one of our sessions:
“Really insightful and relaxed approach to an intensive training module. I’m looking forward to having more confidence, and more extensive culturally relevant knowledge when put in situations where I might be needed in the future”
Tools & Tips
Looking to learn more about wellbeing? Support Act’s Mental Health Resources, specifically curated for those who work in music,
is the perfect place to start!
With tips on how to tackle common mental health issues, free mental health resources, video series featuring some of your favourite artists and past mental health events, this is a great place to explore and support yourself through not so easy times.?
Administration Officer at NDS Victoria
2 周I sing in a multicultural choir in Melbourne’s western suburbs & since the start of the pandemic there have been little to no opportunities to sing at festivals, which I think is a real shame. There are so many reasons why music is so good for people’s mental health, whether they are the people who are involved in the making of the festival or the audience. For the sake of everyone, I hope this changes & soon!