This World Music Day, reflect on the role music has played in supporting our mental health

This World Music Day, DICE reflects on the integral role music plays in our emotional stability and mental health, discussing their data on this as well as the genres that have best supported us here. The ONS have revealed data showing that 1 in 5 Brits have suffered acute depression during 2021; amongst a myriad of mental health and wellness aids such as meditation and nature walks, new research from global music discovery platform DICE shows that music has solidified itself as the top tool for Brits looking to reduce stress. With 31% citing music as their number one support to their mental health it remains one of the few mediums individuals can universally lean on when alone and feeling most isolated. As such, Brits have discovered new genres over the last year that have been their top support to their mental health, resulting in more than 15 million ready to attend events, artists, and festivals they would never have previously considered.

Top genres supporting mental health stats:

5,558,000 Brits say rock is their top support to their mental health
3,903,000 Brits say indie/alternative is their top support to their mental health
3,471,000 Brits say classical is their top support to their mental health
3,233,000 Brits say RnB is their top support to their mental health

Research from Mona Lisa Chanda (PhD) an expert in Psychology analyses the neurochemistry of music and our mental health. Chanda’s research shows direct correlations between music cognition and social neurosciences, allowing us to connect with the artists and messages in our favourite music, feeling less alone in our experiences and emotions. Festivals and music events are a top priority for a third of young people as we leave lockdown. One therefore sees just how much music has solidified itself in supporting our mental health and getting us back on track as we begin our return to live as Brits clamour for tickets to their old and new favourite festivals, gigs, and events.

To further evaluate the critical role music plays in the nation’s mental health, particularly over the past year, global music discovery and ticketing platform DICE has commissioned a one of a kind study, identifying the top artists, playlists, and genres to support our mental health.

Key stats:
31% (12,107,000) agree that music is their biggest support to their mental health
A third (33%) of young Brits agree that the number one thing they are looking forward to after lockdown is going to gigs and festivals
15, 964,000 Brits have discovered new genres over lockdown and are attending festivals, artists, and events they wouldn’t have done pre-pandemic
Having been at the centre of Brits’ discovery of new artists, genres, and playlists that have come out on top as our mental health support tools over the last year, DICE is eager to support fans in their return to live events, helping them attend the festivals they have discovered, and supporting as we rush to our top source of support and connection, music.

Global Head of Music at DICE, Andrew Foggin, comments:

“Throughout lockdown, music has played a vital role in alleviating feelings of isolation and boosting moods. Fans miss live music and their desire to get closer to their favourite artists hasn’t diminished. Although nothing will replace in-person live shows, streaming offers fans the chance to get closer to their favourite artists and experience all the joys that a live event has to offer from the comfort of their own home.”