Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual (audiobook)

Now available as an audiobook, this comprehensive manual will help musicians and those working in live music to identify and cope with the various physical and psychological difficulties that can occur during, or as a result of, touring.

Written by health and performance professionals and edited by Music Industry Therapist Collective founder Tamsin Embleton, this timely and essential book provides robust clinical advice, cutting edge research, practical strategies, resources and detailed illustrations.

It covers topics including mental health, peak performance and performance anxiety, addiction, group dynamics, relationship problems, dealing with the media, physical health, diversity and inclusion, crisis management and post-tour recovery.

Each chapter is underpinned with personal recollections from musicians and prominent touring personnel, including Nile Rodgers, Justin Hawkins, Philip Selway, Charles Thompson, Katie Melua , Kieran Hebden, Jake Berry, Tina Farris, Taylor Hanson, Trevor Williams, Lauren Mayberry, Pharoahe Monch, Jim Digby, Will Young, Angie Warner, Dale ‘Opie’ Skjerseth and many more.

About the audiobook

Following the hardback publication of the book by the leading UK music book imprint Omnibus in 2023, this new audiobook features an array of special new features including an epigraph by Nick Cave and meditation exercises by Rob Da Bank.

The audiobook is narrated by actor and voiceover artist Laura Howard (Midsomer Murders) and directed by Jeremy Hindmarsh (Swervedriver) and Peter Morris (Soho Voices). Music by Edward Butler.

The audiobook makes this essential resource significantly more accessible, especially for those who are neurodiverse, time-poor, or too stressed to sit and read a 600+ page manual. Now touring artists can access the manual anywhere, whether in a bunk, walking around the venue or on long drives.

Praise for the book

"Having what is effectively a mental health wellness manual to keep yourself in check is a wonderful initiative.”
Nile Rodgers

“I wish this book had been around when I first started touring … It should be the first thing we all pack when we head out on the road.”
Philip Selway, Radiohead

“I’ve never seen anything like this before - and as someone who’s been on the road for 30-plus years it feels long overdue.”
Andy Bell (Ride/Oasis)

“Honestly, it’s a masterpiece. So useful and helpful, it’s kept me grounded and aware.”
Neil Barnes (Leftfield)

“It’s like having a therapist in your back pocket. It helped deepen my understanding of myself as a performer and how the demands of the music business can take a toll."
Siobhan Donaghy, Sugababes

“This book is a must-read for the modern musician wanting to create longevity and meaning in their career.”
Madame Gandhi