This is an opinion column. The thoughts and viewpoints expressed are those of the author, Dr. Sunni Lampasso, a psychologist, executive coach and the founder of Shaping Success, where she helps EDM artists and industry professionals elevate their careers while prioritizing wellness.
As the author of “Level Up Your Influence: A Self-Awareness Guide to Maximizing Your Growth and Unlocking Your Inner Leader,” she empowers artists to overcome mental roadblocks, avoid burnout and build a lasting legacy in the music industry.
Loneliness is a modern epidemic—30% of young adults in America feel lonely daily or several times a week, according to the American Psychiatric Association. For EDM fans, raves and festivals offer a place to connect, belong and feel alive. However, the experience can have the opposite effect for the DJs who bring us together.
As a psychologist who coaches DJs, I’ve seen how isolation impacts artists beyond what fans see. They constantly juggle creative demands, business pressures and expectations without the support system many professionals take for granted.
Before working closely with DJs, I didn’t fully grasp their lifestyle’s physical and emotional intensity. But I now see how deep the struggles run, from the small stage to the main stage. DJs need support, clarity and guidance to navigate the highs and lows while building a sustainable and fulfilling career.
Fans experience the art—the energy of the DJ’s performance and the music they produce—but they don’t see the hidden side: the loneliness, the stress and the intense pressure DJs experience behind the scenes. The very stages that unite us can isolate them and amplify loneliness, which causes an increased risk of anxiety, depression and physical health issues if not addressed.
Constant screen time and political divides contribute to a growing sense of isolation for both fans and artists. EDM events provide fans with community, but touring DJs often experience grueling travel, separation from loved ones and the pressure to consistently perform. The festival experience allows fans to recharge. However, many artists leave feeling drained and isolated as they rush to their next show.
Touring schedules can be brutal. Some DJs play around 300 shows each year, often with limited support and schedules that don’t include much time for wellness. Combined with a lack of self-care, loneliness further increases the risk for burnout, substance use and mental health struggles.
We’ve seen it firsthand. Avicii’s tragic death in 2018 was a wake-up call, and more recently, Alesso canceled shows due to health concerns and exhaustion. Many industry giants, including Armin van Buuren and Zedd, have spoken about using alcohol to push through performances.
The conversation about mental health in the music industry isn’t new, but real change has been slow. The recent release of the intimate Netflix documentary I’m Tim, which chronicles Avicii’s life and career, has reignited the mental health conversation, but more needs to be done. If we want our favorite artists to thrive, we need to rethink how the EDM industry supports its talent.
Some artists, labels, fans and festival organizers are beginning to recognize and address the challenges of artist loneliness, but we need more widespread action. Real change requires a collective effort from the entire EDM community:
Labels and managers
Prioritize sustainable careers over non-stop touring. Mandate rest periods and provide mental health, wellness and coaching resources. And always remember to treat artists as people first.
Festival organizers and club owners
Create backstage wellness spaces, normalize breaks and offer resources like therapists or performance coaches.
Artists
Build strong support networks inside and outside the industry, and prioritize staying connected when on the road. Speak openly about struggles to help break the stigma and push for better conditions. Try to limit traveling alone. Build a team that cares about you as a person and doesn’t just view you as a brand.
Fans
Recognize that DJs are human. If an artist cancels a show for health reasons, show empathy and support rather than criticism and judgment. Show support beyond the music—treat artists as you would treat a friend.
EDM is built on a foundation of respect. And that respect must extend to the artists who create the music that fuels our best moments.
