East Coast Musicians Aim to Decouple Alcohol from Industry Culture

The East Coast Music Association (ECMA) has initiated a 'Dry January' campaign this year, marking the first time it has encouraged members to abstain from alcohol for the month. This move reflects growing discussions within the music community about the deep-rooted association between alcohol and the music scene.

ECMA's Pledge to Pause Program

Canadian musicians, often performing in bars where alcohol is prevalent, have historically found their work environment saturated with alcohol. This includes green rooms stocked with free drinks and payment for gigs sometimes coming in the form of drink tickets. Nicole Ariana, a decade-long performer, chose to forego alcohol during a recent performance, aligning with ECMA's 'Pledge to Pause,' which aims to highlight and potentially shift the industry's embedded alcohol culture.

The Health Guidelines Shift

Recent health guidelines from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction have advised that no alcohol is safe, suggesting a maximum of two drinks per week, a stark contrast to the previously recommended 15 for men and 10 for women. These new guidelines signal a shift in recognizing the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Challenges in Embracing a Sober Industry

While the 'Dry January' initiative has seen support, only a small fraction of ECMA's members officially participated. Social worker Errin Williams, who leads ECMA's wellness programs, notes that for some, the pressure to drink is linked to performance environments or contractual obligations, indicating a need for further conversation and change within the industry.

Insights from an Industry Veteran

Séan McCann, a founding member of the party-centric band Great Big Sea, reflects on his own journey towards sobriety and sees the industry as an 'enabler' of alcohol use. After more than 12 years of sobriety, he advocates for systemic changes, such as diversifying performance venues and empowering smaller spaces to operate without alcohol as a financial crutch.

Artists Explore Alternatives and Solutions

The rise in popularity of non-alcoholic beverages indicates a cultural shift, with younger generations showing different attitudes towards drinking. Artists are increasingly using techniques such as meditation to cope with performance anxiety without alcohol. Producers and musicians are also adopting no-alcohol policies while on tour, hinting at a possible industry-wide standard in the future.

Aiming for Long-term Change

Despite the challenge of aligning with 'Dry January,' artists like Nicole Ariana are committed to leading by example and fostering a shift in industry norms. The ECMA plans to continue the initiative, focusing on awareness and education to support artists in navigating their careers without relying on alcohol.

music, culture, health