In recent years, mental health and addiction struggles have shifted from being taboo topics to ones openly discussed by many musicians. Artists such as Billie Eilish, Demi Lovato, and Lewis Capaldi have been at the forefront, using their platforms to share personal experiences and help fans feel seen. The rise of a new musical genre, “bipolar pop,” is further amplifying these conversations.
Cheltenham-based singer lleo is one such artist. Known for her “bipolar pop” sound, lleo has received a remarkable response from fans since she began singing about her own mental health journey. As someone living with bipolar disorder, she says, “People reach out and say, ‘This song helps me so much’.” Her emotionally charged lyrics have resonated deeply with listeners, offering solace and understanding.
Similarly, Swindon-born singer-songwriter Athena Aperta, 26, has used her own experiences to inspire others. Athena, who has battled mental health issues, alcohol, and drug addiction, hopes her “honest lyrics” provide hope to those in similar situations. Her struggles intensified when she entered the London music scene, where substance abuse was rife. However, returning to her hometown helped her find stability and sobriety. She now works to share her recovery journey with her audience, using music as a tool for healing.
Athena, who has performed at festivals such as Boomtown Fair and London Pride, explained that the London music scene made it easy to lose herself. “I got sucked into city living and lost different parts of myself,” she said, recounting a time when she was offered drugs at 1 p.m. on a Tuesday, making her realise how deeply entrenched she had become in that lifestyle.
Mental health issues in the music industry are widespread. A 2023 census by Help Musicians found that nearly a third of musicians had experienced poor mental wellbeing. Grace Meadows, head of the charity’s mental health wing, Music Minds Matter, highlighted that the “normalisation of drugs and alcohol across the industry” often worsens mental health struggles rather than alleviating them. In addition, the pressures of job insecurity, performance anxiety, and erratic work patterns contribute to these challenges.
For lleo, music remains her most powerful outlet. After releasing her track Meds, which deals with her experiences with bipolar medication, the response from fans was overwhelming. “It was really crazy for people to want to open up about such a private thing,” she shared, adding that the emotional response from fans has been both humbling and empowering.
While more conversations around mental health in the music industry are happening, there is still a long way to go. Artists like lleo and Athena Aperta continue to lead by example, encouraging others to speak openly about their struggles. Athena hopes that by sharing her own challenges with anxiety, depression, and addiction, she can offer hope to those who feel isolated. “There’s a lack of hope in the world at the moment, and I just want to give that to people,” she said.
As mental health awareness grows, it’s clear that music is playing an essential role in breaking down barriers and helping people feel less alone.
