On January 27th 2026, Backline launched B-LINE, a 24/7 hotline for mental health and crisis support specialized for music industry professionals. Backline describes their mission as an initiative to “connect music industry professionals and their families with a trusted network of mental health and wellness providers.”
Support is available by calling 1-855-BLINE99 or texting 254-639.
Backline has been working to provide care for music industry professionals since late 2019, shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic. In an interview with NACPA (The North American Concert Promoters Association) executive director of Backline, Hillary Gleason stated that losses in the music industry due to suicide and substance abuse inspired her to launch Backline. Gleason has a background in both global health and non-profits; and according to the interview she wishes to provide music industry professionals with a one-stop shop for mental health resources and support. B-Line further supports this mission by making it even easier to get help through a simple phone call or text message.
The groundwork for B-LINE began in 2025, in response to Chappel Roan’s Best New Artist speech at the Grammy’s where she posed the question “Who is caring for the artists, if the industry isn’t?”
The following week, Chappel Roan, Charli XCX and Noah Kahan stepped up to join Backline in launching the We Got You fundraising campaign. Roan donated $25,000 to establish We Got You, soon after others in the music industry matched her donation. We Got You covers the cost of mental health care for those in the industry who can not afford it alone.
The increased visibility from the We Got You campaign helped set the stage for B-LINE which Gleason says was the missing piece. Now, industry professionals can access real time care via the 24/7 hotline. To raise funding for B-LINE, Backline was sponsored by Spotify, as well as garnering additional support from Noah Kahan and Live Nation.
Spotify’s Global Head of Music Charlie Hellman, in the press release said,, “Artists are the lifeblood of culture, but too often they and their team don’t have the safety nets they need.” Hellman continues stating that, “Spotify is proud to enable Backline to build B-Line and expand access to this critical support.”
Also in the press release, Noah Kahan, who has worked with Backline since 2023 to provide support to his touring brand stated he believe that a “dedicated 24 hour hotline is the first step toward accessing critical mental health support.” Kahan goes on to share that he is proud to be working with The Busyhead Project in helping Backline create “a pathway toward a healthier future and an entry point for accessing resources.”
Micheal Rapino, CEO of Live Nation shares: “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. B-LINE gives them something we’ve long needed: immediate help, anytime.” Other contributors to B-LINE include Adyen, AEG Presents, Red Light Management and Wasserman Foundation.
Backline recognizes that music industry professionals require care outside of typical working hours. B-LINE meets professionals where they are at, whether it be outside of the 9-5 schedules of traditional therapy, on the road, or in times of crisis. By partnering with leading organizations in the mental health sphere such as Vibrant Emotional Health.
In the years following its founding in 2019 Backline has invested $3.5 million into mental health and wellness, as well as helping 84,000 people find the support they need. Through their work the 8.3% of music industry professionals experiencing suicidal thoughts won’t continue to suffer in silence. B-LINE provides a way out of crisis, and paves a path towards a future with a safe and more supportive music industry.
