Welcome to My Nerd Brain: A Dialogue on Musicians’ Health and Wellness

Rapper and National Alliance on Mental Illness Ambassador, Alfred Banks, talks about his own mental health journey following the death of his brother, breaking down the stereotypes in the hip hop world, and the steps that record labels can take to better support the mental health of their artists.

Artist manager and Owner/Co-Founder of MidCitizen Entertainment, Tavia Osbey, talks about getting started in the industry as the manager for Tank and the Bangas. She discusses their long friendship and the boundaries they have set to make a friendship and business partnership work. She also shares her experiences finding balance between her career and personal life while continuing to maintain a passion for the artists she represents.

Singer, instrumentalist, and entrepreneur, Cristina Perez Edmunds, is also a mom of two and a caregiver for her oldest son. She shares her thoughts on the changes that she will have to make to her career in order to best support her children and the steps she takes to care for herself, as well.

RERUN: Singer/songwriter Anders Osborne discusses mental health, his road to sobriety, and the ways in which the music industry can be more supportive of a healthy lifestyle. He also talks about his organization, Send Me A Friend, which provides support for musicians who are getting back to work in the early stages of their sobriety.

Mike Twillman shares his experiences in the world of event production and booking. He remarks on the ways in which the long hours and demanding jobs can lead to burnout, mental health struggles, and substance abuse; and he shares his hope that we will see more support for these industry workers post-quarantine.

Trombone player and educator, Jeff Albert, talks about the importance of mental health precautions for both students and teachers, and the gift of giving oneself a break when needed. We also talk about life as an improvisational performer, including, but not limited to….late night Taco Bell runs.

French hornist Mark Taylor talks about his diagnosis of focal dystonia, and his subsequent journey of recovery that has led to a career in music composition for television and film. He also discusses his time on the road with Max Roach, and how it shaped his approach to music.

In this episode, Kourtni Dale-Noll Mitchiner talks about her love for opera and singing, and the ways in which she has channeled those passions into a career as an AGMA Stage Manager for operas and other staged events.

World-renowned blues/funk artist, Jon Cleary, discusses his passion for learning new instruments, staying creatively motivated while at home vs. being on the road, and the ways in which he has adapted both his music and his business model during the pandemic.

Big Chief Bo Dollis, Jr. talks about his Mardi Gras Indian Tribe and Band, The Wild Magnolias, their decision not to mask for Mardi Gras this year, and the need to keep the Mardi Gras Indian tradition alive in our black communities. Tune into this episode for some great background and history on the Mardi Gras Indians and the formation of The Wild Magnolias.