Last year at the Grammy Awards, Chappell Roan issued a challenge to music executives. During the “Pink Pony Club” singer’s Best New Artist speech, Roan demands that labels provide signees with a livable wage and other resources, including health care services.
Backline heard Chappell Roan’s heartfelt outcry and has taken action. Today (January 27), the music industry-centered non-profit revealed its latest initiative, B-LINE.
B-LINE is a first-of-its-kind 24/7 mental health and crisis hotline aimed to support music industry professionals and their families. The phone (1-855-BLINE99) and text (254-639) line is operated by trained counselors who understand the unique pressures of working in and around music.
In a statement shared with ENVERT, Backline co-founder and Executive Director, Hilary Gleason, discussed the groundbreaking service.
“This has always been the dream,” said Gleason. “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. B-LINE changes that.”
Backline has received tremendous support from other entertainment-focused companies, including lead sponsor Spotify, Live Nation, AEG Presents, The Busyhead Project, Red Light Management, and Wasserman Foundation, as well as all-in-one payment solution entity Adyen.
Gleason outlined the importance of these partners’ early support, saying: “These are close partners that have been key in advancing our mission over the past six years. When we started to bring up B-LINE with them, it became more and more clear that this was the initiative that could change the industry for good.”
Spotify’s Global Head of Music, Charlie Hellman, raved about the initiative.
“Artists are the lifeblood of culture, but too often they and their teams don’t have the safety nets they need,” said Hellman. “That has to change. Spotify is proud to enable Backline to build B-LINE and expand access to this critical support.”
Live Nation’s Entertainment President & CEO, Michael Rapino, echoed Hellman’s statement.
“Live Nation was among the first to feature Backline resources in our venues, and it has become an essential lifeline for the people who make our industry run,” said Rapino. “B-LINE gives them something we’ve long needed: immediate help, anytime. Live Nation is proud to support this 24/7 resource and ensure it’s prominently featured across all our venues.”
B-LINE quickly earned the co-sign of a rather notable musician. Gramym Award nominated singer and songwriter Noah Kahan has advocated for the initiative during its development phase.
“I started working with Backline to provide mental health services for my touring band and crew in 2023,” said Kahan in a statement. “Support for the well-being of the incredibly hard-working artists and people that make the music industry function has long been neglected. A dedicated 24-hour hotline is the first step toward accessing critical mental health support. “
He closed, saying: “The Busyhead Project and I are proud to work with Backline to create a pathway toward a healthier future and an entry point for accessing resources.”
B-LINE, backed by Backline, is accessible now by phone at 1 (855)-254-6499 and text at 254-639. Data rates may apply. Please check your phone provider. For more information, click here.
