1 Million Strong music industry campaign is transforming addiction recovery [SIGN ON NOW!]
A Billboard op-ed penned by Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman and Colette Weintraub of Stand Together Music and an open letter signed by industry heavyweights are turning up the volume on the ‘1 Million Strong’ campaign to transform addiction recovery.
Addiction is a particularly acute problem in the music and touring community, with 56% of music industry professionals citing problematic substance use(1) and 34% of touring professionals report suffering from clinical levels of depression compared to just 7% of the general population.
Taking a page from the positive messaging surrounding “dry January,” the campaign unites the music industry, artists, and fans to create inclusive sober spaces, encourage open conversations about addiction, and offer support for recovery.
As part of the effort, 1 Million Strong created sober-supportive spaces at live music events, including partnering with Danny Wimmer Presents to erect a sober-supportive wellness tent at the Bourbon & Beyond festival (video below). Similar spaces have also been created at the Park City Song Summit and a recent The Chainsmokers concert at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley, CA.
Aloe Blacc, RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier, and Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino are among the many industry heavyweights that have signed the open letter.
“The music industry leads the pack when it comes to influencing what is cool,” said Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. “Unfortunately, a lot of destructive behaviors are celebrated. This harms artists and audiences. But the same power can be used to help and heal!”
“Our business is often conducted in environments that do not encourage sobriety,” added Richard Burgess, President & CEO of A2IM. “This can be alienating and uncomfortable for those who choose to pursue a sober lifestyle and dangerous for those who must. A2IM wholeheartedly supports this initiative to affirmatively embrace sobriety as an active choice in music culture.”
Read and sign the 1 Million Strong campaign open letter here.
Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot and MusicThinkTank, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a professor for the Berklee College Of Music.
(1) Source: Musicians Behavioral Health Research Summary, A partnership between Send Me a Friend and Tulane University School of Social Work
“1 Million Strong” music industry campaign aimed at transforming addiction recovery, but it’s encouraging to hear about initiatives that aim to support those struggling with addiction and promote recovery. Addiction is a complex issue that affects many individuals and families, and it’s important for society to come together and support those in need of help. A variety of resources and support systems exist for those seeking recovery from addiction, including therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment. It’s important for individuals to seek out the resources and support that work best for them in their journey towards recovery.