Corinne Bailey Rae and Ravyn Lenae are opening up about the emotional realities of navigating careers in the music industry and the importance of mental wellness. Billboard magazine announced on Monday, March 16th, that therapy platform BetterHelp has partnered with them as their first Official Mental Health Partner, launching a new video series titled “Like Minded.”
A Year-Long Initiative on Music and Mental Wellness
The inaugural episode features the 47-year-old British singer and the 27-year-old R&B star in conversation about their personal mental health journeys. This partnership is set to unfold as a year-long initiative, focusing on the intersection of music and mental wellness. Conversations are strategically timed with major editorial moments and original storytelling throughout 2026.
The series aims to provide a platform for artists to reflect on how the pressures of the industry have evolved across different generations, genres, and stages of fame. The goal is to offer an intimate look at how artists process mental health challenges, fostering understanding and connection.
Insights from SXSW and Expert Guidance
Filmed during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival on Saturday, March 14th, the conversation between Rae and Lenae was led by BetterHelp’s Vice President of Clinical Quality and Innovation, Dr. Russell DuBois, alongside Billboard moderator Delisa Shannon. The discussion offered valuable insights into managing mental well-being amidst the demands of a music career.
Rae shared advice on seeking support: “If you do have people in your life…whether they’re in the family or whether they’re friends or a professional, I think it’s so useful to be able to let these feelings out in a real healthy way.” Lenae spoke about the unexpected loneliness that can accompany success, admitting, “What you don’t expect is the loneliness of it. I remember being on tour and I remember crying one day in my hotel room and being confused about why I’m crying because everything’s going so well.” She also noted the importance of maintaining connections and pursuing personal interests, even amidst a packed schedule.
The Spectrum of Artist Life
Lenae mentioned previously seeking therapy but plans to return after a recent break. Rae echoed similar sentiments about the transient nature of fame, advising, “The idea your life is changing and it will never change back. I wish somebody said to me that all these things are for a season. They’ll be a season where you’re the hottest thing on the planet. But guess what? It won’t last forever.” The “Like Minded” series aims to capture the full emotional spectrum of an artist’s life, using music as a lens to explore the human experiences behind the spotlight. The debut episode is expected to premiere across Billboard’s digital platforms later this month.
What are your thoughts on the ‘Like Minded’ series? What advice do you have for maintaining mental health in demanding careers? Share your insights in the comments below!
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