In February 2025, Chappell Roan sparked a major conversation about healthcare for artists during her Grammy acceptance speech. This call to action led directly to a record-breaking donation for Backline, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the mental health of music industry professionals. Founder Hilary Gleason started the organization in 2019 to address the immense toll that touring and industry pressures take on performers and crew members.
The organization gained significant momentum following donations from major artists including Noah Kahan, Sabrina Carpenter, and Charli xcx. Corporate partners like AEG joined the effort, marking a shift in how the industry views mental wellness. Gleason, who has a background in global health, notes that mental health is a foundational piece of a sustainable career. Without it, artists struggle to navigate the practical requirements of the job, such as insurance or business management.
Backline has grown from a small collective into a vital resource. In 2025 alone, the team provided individualized care plans to over 740 people. Through a partnership with Spotify, they have expanded their reach to 29 countries, offering support in 23 languages. They also recently launched B-LINE, a 24/7 crisis support service that has already assisted hundreds of industry workers.
Artists like Billy Strings and Noah Kahan remain vocal supporters because they have experienced these challenges firsthand. Strings, who worked with Backline early in its existence, credits the organization with changing the culture of the music business. Gleason maintains that the ultimate goal is to provide a safety net that is easy to access. As the organization continues to grow, it focuses on helping individuals find the support they need to navigate the hardest moments of their professional and personal lives.