When we started Backline five and a half years ago, it was with one goal in mind– making mental health care affordable and accessible for music industry families across the country. Even though we’ve now served thousands of individuals, it’s always felt like we’ve barely scratched the surface. We’ve been here– doing the work, seeing the need, and connecting with our community, but have struggled to make the industry pay attention.
But in the last two weeks, something shifted.
Chappell Roan, Noah Kahan, and Charli XCX stepped up in a way that is impossible to ignore.
While accepting the GRAMMY for Best New Artist, Chappell Roan used her platform to call on record labels to cover healthcare costs for their artists. Her bold statement sparked a conversation, and flagged an important issue that our music community faces.
And Chappell put her words into action.
She committed a seed funding pledge of $25,000 to Backline to establish We Got You, which will support the mental health of artists and look to create a more supported industry overall. Almost immediately, Noah Kahan—an artist who has been a steadfast advocate for mental health and a big supporter of Backline—matched her donation. Then, Charli XCX got on board. Next, Sabrina Carpenter.
And that was just the beginning.
Since launch, an outpouring of generosity has followed. Artists, industry leaders, and fans have rallied behind this cause and put their money where their mouth is.
A heartfelt thank you to those who matched Chappell’s $25,000 donation:
- Noah Kahan
- Charli XCX
- Sabrina Carpenter
- AEG Global Touring
- Wasserman Foundation
- Hinterland Music Festival
- Guy Oseary
- Ash Avildsen (Sumerian Records)
- Live Nation
- LAUV
To say we are grateful is an understatement. This level of visibility and support is game-changing for Backline.
We’ve always said Backline is a non-crisis organization, but the truth is, we operate in crisis every single day. Tragedy strikes all too often in this industry and when that happens, we are there—offering support, guidance, and direct access to mental health care.
This funding will change lives. It will allow us to provide Custom Care Plans for music professionals seeking therapy referrals. It will help us fund grants to cover long-term mental health care costs. It will ensure bands and crews on the road have direct access to wellness resources. Most of all, it will allow us to meet the industry where it is—so that the people who bring us joy through music are cared for in return.
Chappell, Noah, and Charli’s generosity is more than a donation. It’s a statement. A shift. A call to action. They are proving that we can change this industry together—not just by talking about mental health, but by investing in it. Their leadership is inspiring countless others to step forward, to do more, to care more.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. To the artists, the fans, and everyone who believes in this work: we see you, we hear you, and we are just getting started.
With gratitude,
Hilary Gleason
Executive Director, Backline
