With over three decades working as an agent in electronic music, CAA’s Maria May has seen burnout up close — and she’s done waiting for the industry to catch up. Writing for IQ Magazine during Mental Health Awareness Week, May makes a compelling case for why the conversation around mental health in music must shift from crisis response to early, preventative support.
May is direct about the cost of inaction. When talented, committed people leave the industry due to burnout, exhaustion or loss of confidence, it isn’t just a personal loss — it’s a loss of experience, creativity, relationships and future leadership. She’s particularly focused on entry- to mid-level professionals, who often face the heaviest pressure with the least power to change their conditions.
The data backs her up.
Research from the Musicians’ Census found that 30% of musicians report negative mental wellbeing — rising to 35% among those working in electronic music specifically.
Her response is a collaboration with MITC: The Electronic Music Executive Stress Management Programme, a fully funded six-month pilot for five entry- to mid-level electronic music professionals. Combining one-to-one psychotherapy, performance psychology, career mentoring with May herself, Vedic meditation training, and psychoeducation around stress and resilience.
“If we want this business to keep evolving, we have to look after the people who make it work.” – Maria May
