Safe Spaces Series: A Focus on Mental Health in Nightlife

Steven Klavier is one of the key architects behind New York City’s modern nightlife and he unpacks what it really takes to build culture, sustain a career, and stay grounded in an industry that never stops moving. From his early days throwing parties at downtown Manhattan to shaping institutions like House of Yes and Brooklyn Mirage, Steven shares the evolution of his 15+ year journey through the...

In this deeply personal and expansive conversation, Toribio — Dominican-American musician, producer, DJ, and sonic architect — explores the intersection of music, spirituality, and personal evolution. Rooted in his upbringing in his grandfather’s church and shaped by his studies at the Berklee College of Music, Toribio shares how rhythm became both his language and his compass. From jazz drumming...

Veronique de Leon , a seasoned music industry professional turned health coach, shares her firsthand experience. Having worked across various roles in the Netherlands’ music scene, from being an artist liaison, stage manager and booker at Amsterdams De School , she observed how demanding this world can be on physical and mental health. Her journey from industry insider to founder of SolSync , a co...

I sat down with Juan MacLean for a thoughtful conversation about aging, the wellness industry, and the changing world of music and DJ culture. He reflects on how getting older has actually left him with fewer answers, not more, and why he’s skeptical of wellness trends that promise quick fixes like cold plunges. Instead, he talks about the value of personal experience and figuring out what actuall...

Are you feeling lost in your own identity amid the chaos of a demanding industry? Wondering how external validation influences your sense of self? You're not alone. Sofia Ilyas is a seasoned figure in the electronic music scene, her latest work being the Chief Community Officer at Beatport . Now she transitioned her work into coaching and defines her identify beyond the music industry and shar...

In this conversation, Storm Mollison shares her journey from being a singer-songwriter to a DJ and music producer. She discusses the challenges of balancing creativity with the pressures of the music industry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation delves into the impact of social media on artists, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need to reconnect with joy in the c...

In this conversation, Gigi shares her journey from Brooklyn to Berlin, discussing the cultural shifts and challenges she faced in the nightlife scene. The dialogue explores the importance of language, community, and mental health, as well as the need for awareness teams and better communication within creative collectives. Gigi emphasizes the significance of finding personal happiness amidst the c...

In this conversation, live performer Felix Raphael discusses the impact of the pandemic on his creative process, his preference for live performances, and the importance of mental health in the music industry. Felix emphasizes the need for authenticity and vulnerability in art, and how his experiences have shaped his latest album " DO YOU ", which focuses on mental health themes and is i...

Julia Fugazy shares her inspiring journey of sobriety, celebrating four years of recovery while navigating the challenges of working in the nightlife industry. Born and raised in New York, she’s been in the music industry since she was fifteen and now manages Bedouin , recently being honored as Manager of the Year at The Femmys . She discusses the impact of sobriety on her personal and professiona...

In this episode Raphael Pujol aka The Checkup , discusses mental health, burnout, and the journey of healing through holistic practices. Raphael shares his experiences of balancing a demanding career in music as a DJ, label owner of Heattraxx and his job at Beatport with personal well-being, emphasizing the importance of intention, self-care, and reconnecting with music from a place of passion rat...

In this conversation, Michelle Galleta aka Shelly Boo shares her journey in the music industry, discussing her role as a manager and agent at Cura , a booking agency she took over. She reflects on the challenges of navigating the nightlife scene, the importance of community, and the impact of the pandemic on her career. Michelle emphasizes the significance of mental health, gender dynamics in the...

This series sheds light on mental health within the nightlife and music industry. By sharing individual experiences, I hope to help others realize they are not alone in their struggles. This is a safe space for openness and vulnerability. We are not doctors or mental health professionals - just people sharing their stories. follow on IG: @safespacesseries

In this conversation, Rocío Flores, a prominent music journalist and PR consultant from Mexico, shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities within the music industry, particularly focusing on mental health, diversity, and the evolving landscape of journalism. She discusses her experiences at international music events, the cultural differences in professionalism, and the importance of...

In this engaging conversation, DJ and producer MASCHA shares her journey through the music industry, discussing her experiences in Berlin and Mexico, the challenges of mental health in nightlife, and the impact of toxic masculinity. She emphasizes the importance of empowerment among women in music and the need for support within the community. MASCHA also reflects on the realities of drug use in t...

In this conversation, DJ, label owner of Razor-n-Tape and musician JKriv shares his journey through a cancer diagnosis and recovery, discussing the emotional and physical challenges he faced. He reflects on the importance of community support, the lessons learned from his health struggles, and how sobriety has transformed his life. J emphasizes the significance of self-care, gratitude, and the nee...

I had an awesome chat with The Juan Maclean about the right intentions when it comes to navigating a career as a DJ, how nightlife and wellness can be more similar than not, getting comfortable in discomfort and so much more. He also shared his journey through the music industry, discussing the evolution of his career, the impact of social media, and the importance of mental health. He reflects on...

In this conversation, Eluize, a DJ and producer from Adelaide, shares her journey through the challenges of music production, mental health, and navigating the music industry. The discussion touches on the importance of community, the role of music in emotional healing, and the impact of neurodivergence on creativity. Eluize emphasizes the need for self-care and authenticity in the face of industr...

With a decade of experience in the the music industry, Cristiana is the managing director and artist manager at Alegria Agency LLC and represents artists like Black Coffee and THEMBA. Cristiana is also a passionate advocate underrepresented groups in the industry and an active mentor and role model for aspiring music industry professionals. She also shares her journey in the music industry, emphas...

Niamh is a wonderful young artist, broadcaster and journalist from the North East of England and we connect over the fact that we both live with chronic illnesses that are invisible. In this episode we talked about how this is affecting Niamh's personal and work life. Accessibility for people with disabilities is a very important subject that is not being discussed enough and a lot of awarenes...

In this conversation, Christina and Bobby from Awarehouse share their journey of integrating sound meditation and visual arts with their backgrounds in nightlife. They discuss the importance of creating inclusive spaces for wellness that resonate with the community, bridging the gap between nightlife and healing practices. Their personal experiences with chronic illness and the quest for happiness...

Neil Davis, a holistic therapist and coach, shares his journey through the music industry and wellness. His 20+ years of wellness and music industry knowledge brought him to found Future Vibes and his clinic where people from the music industry can get mental, physical and spiritual care. He discusses the intersection of music and wellness, the importance of mental health support for artists, and...

In this conversation, Joanna Barber, DJ agent and life coach discusses the Six Zero Experiment, a program designed to support individuals in the music industry who are exploring sobriety. She delves into the challenges of parenting in the music industry, the unique pressures faced by mothers, and the importance of community support in recovery. Joanna shares her personal journey of sobriety, the l...

In this conversation, Kelly Clake discusses her journey in the music industry and the founding of SafeTour.org, a non-profit organization aimed at creating a safe environment for touring staff. She highlights the lack of training and protocols in the touring industry, the importance of bystander intervention, and the need for open communication and community support. The conversation also touches...

In this conversation, Jordan, also known as Black Light Smoke, discusses his journey as a musician and parent. He shares insights on balancing family life with his music career, the challenges of the local music scene, and the importance of mental health and sobriety in the nightlife industry. Jordan reflects on his personal sobriety journey, the role of community in recovery, and how he has redis...

Trigger Warning: Suicide In this conversation, Josh Donaldson, a mental health advocate and founder of the nonprofit 'When the Music Stops', shares his journey through the music industry, highlighting the loneliness and mental health challenges faced by artists. He discusses his personal experience with a suicide attempt and the subsequent recovery process, emphasizing the importance of li...