Dutch DJ warns of ‘dark side’ of stressful profession

A leading Dutch DJ has warned of the dangerous ‘dark side’ of the profession.

Armin van Buuren told Dutch talkshow Jinek that the ‘obsessive’ touring and lifestyle of a DJ take their toll, and that many performers are quietly seeking counselling or psychological support.

‘I’m really thankful for the life I lead….but there is a dark side that we are beginning to see more of,’ he said.

‘Everyone puts on a brave face and says it’s going fine, but then you hear on the grapevine that they are actually seeing a coach or psychologist.’

The Swedish DJ Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, committed suicide last year – sparking shock around the world – and a new charity in his name is campaigning for more openness about mental health issues.

A year ago, award-winning Dutch DJ Hardwell announced that he would stop all public performances to take some time off ‘to be me’. The DJ, whose real name is Robbert van de Corput, is active with his parents in a foundation supporting young performers.

Avicii – who featured in a 2017 documentary, True Stories – had been treated for health issues related to stress and excessive drinking, and Van Buuren said that while he doesn’t do drugs, the DJ jetsetting lifestyle doesn’t help.

He added that more should be done to help get DJs off their ‘own islands’ to be open about mental health and pressure issues and seek support.