Backline launches first-ever 24/7 mental health hotline for the Music Industry
Backline, the nonprofit dedicated to supporting mental health in the music industry, has launched B-LINE, a 24/7 crisis support hotline designed specifically for artists, crew, and music professionals. The service, which officially went live earlier this week, connects callers and texters with trained counselors who understand the unique pressures of working in music—whether on tour, backstage, or navigating the industry offstage.
Music industry professionals and their families can now access confidential support at any time by calling 1-855-BLINE99 or texting 254-639.
The launch of B-LINE marks a major milestone for Backline, which has long advocated for industry-specific mental health resources. Co-founder and Executive Director Hilary Gleason called the hotline the organization’s “dream” from the beginning. “We’ve supported thousands of music industry professionals in their mental health and wellness journeys, but one critical piece was missing: real-time access to care,” she said. “B-LINE changes that.”
From Grammy Stage to Real-World Support
Momentum for the hotline accelerated after Chappell Roan’s 2025 Grammy Awards speech, where she challenged the industry to consider who is caring for artists beyond the spotlight. Roan followed up by launching a fundraising campaign for Backline, helping increase visibility and funding for initiatives like B-LINE.
The hotline is backed by major industry partners including Spotify, Noah Kahan, and Live Nation, with additional support from Adyen, AEG Presents, The Busyhead Project, Red Light Management, and the Wasserman Foundation.
“Artists are the lifeblood of culture, but too often they and their teams don’t have the safety nets they need,” said Spotify Global Head of Music Charlie Hellman. “That has to change.”
Kahan, who has worked with Backline to provide mental health services for his touring team, emphasized the need for accessible support while on the road. “A dedicated 24-hour hotline is the first step toward accessing critical mental health support,” he said. “We’re proud to help create a pathway toward a healthier future.”
Meeting the Industry Where It Works
Unlike traditional mental health resources that more commonly operate during standard business hours, B-LINE is built for the realities of the music industry such as late nights, travel, high-pressure environments, and moments of acute crisis. Backline is also partnering with Vibrant Emotional Health, a national leader in crisis support services, to provide trained counselors and pathways to long-term care.
According to Backline, suicide rates among male musicians are nearly 10 times the national average, and 73% of independent musicians report symptoms of mental illness. A 2025 poll also found that 8.3% of respondents experienced suicidal thoughts that year.
Since 2019, Backline has invested $3.5 million in mental health resources and served more than 84,000 people, but the organization has long recognized that real-time crisis intervention was a missing link.
A Step Toward a Sustainable Music Ecosystem
With B-LINE, Backline aims to build a more sustainable, supportive music ecosystem. One where artists, crew, executives, and family members can access immediate help without stigma. The hotline complements Backline’s existing services, including therapy grants, tour support, and wellness programs, all designed to meet professionals where they are, on or off the road.
As mental health conversations continue to gain visibility in the music world, B-LINE represents a tangible shift from awareness to infrastructure offering immediate, industry-specific care when it’s needed most.
For more information on Backline and its resources, visit backline.care.
