Laufey Removes This Is How It Feels From Streaming Services

When news broke about Laufey pulling her deeply personal song “This Is How It Feels” from streaming platforms, the initial reaction was one of quiet surprise among indie music fans. But for those of us who track how art intersects with community well-being, the move resonated far beyond the charts—it echoed a growing, often unspoken tension in creative hubs nationwide: the pressure on artists to constantly perform vulnerability for public consumption, even as it takes a toll on their mental health. In cities like Austin, Texas—where live music isn’t just entertainment but a cornerstone of cultural identity and local economy—this incident sparked conversations in Sixth Street green rooms, at Moody Theater soundchecks, and in the quiet corners of SACI’s artist residencies about what it means to protect creative souls in a world that demands endless output.

Laufey, the Icelandic singer-songwriter known for her jazz-inflected pop and candid lyrics about anxiety and heartbreak, didn’t cite a specific controversy when she removed the track. Yet fans and critics alike noted the song’s raw exploration of emotional exhaustion—a theme that’s become increasingly prevalent in her work since her 2023 Grammy win. What makes this relevant to Austin isn’t just the city’s status as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” but how its music ecosystem operates. With over 250 live music venues and an estimated 1,900 performing musicians calling the city home (per the 2023 Austin Music Census), the pressure to tour relentlessly, churn out content for algorithms, and maintain a public persona has led to rising reports of burnout. Local organizations like Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) have documented a 40% increase in musicians seeking anxiety and depression support since 2020, a trend mirrored in national studies by the Music Industry Research Association.

This isn’t merely about one artist’s boundaries—it reflects a structural issue in how creative labor is valued. Austin’s music scene contributes over $1.6 billion annually to the local economy, yet many artists struggle to afford healthcare or housing. The city’s own Creative Space Assistance Program, launched in 2022, aims to alleviate displacement pressures, but waitlists for affordable rehearsal and recording spaces often exceed six months. Meanwhile, venues like The Continental Club and Antone’s—historic pillars of the scene—have begun partnering with HAAM to offer free wellness check-ins during SXSW, acknowledging that sustaining the city’s musical soul requires more than just filling seats; it requires sustaining the people who create the sound.

The second-order effects ripple outward. When musicians step back due to mental health strain, it affects not just their income but the cultural fabric of neighborhoods like East Austin, where genres from blues to Tejano converge in community-driven spaces. Schools report declining interest in music electives as students witness the precarity of artistic careers. Even tech companies in Austin’s Silicon Hills, which often collaborate with musicians for advertising or app development, are beginning to consult with groups like Austin Creative Alliance on ethical collaboration frameworks that prioritize artist well-being over exploitative “exposure” deals.

Given my background in cultural journalism and community impact analysis, if this trend hits close to home for you in Austin—whether you’re a musician feeling the weight of constant creation, a venue owner trying to support your team, or a fan wondering how to engage more thoughtfully with art—here are three types of local professionals you should know about:

• Music Industry Therapists Specializing in Creative Burnout: Look for licensed clinicians affiliated with HAAM’s referral network who understand the unique stressors of touring, irregular income, and public scrutiny. The best practitioners offer sliding-scale rates and have experience with performance anxiety, not just general counseling.
• Affordable Creative Space Advocates: Seek out organizers or nonprofits (like those working with Austin Creative Space Alliance) who specialize in navigating the city’s zoning laws for mixed-use spaces and can help musicians access subsidized rehearsal studios or live-work arrangements through programs like the Cultural Arts Division’s space grants.
• Ethical Music Business Consultants: These professionals help artists negotiate fair contracts, understand streaming royalties, and build sustainable careers without sacrificing mental health. Prioritize those with verified experience working with independent musicians and transparent fee structures—avoid anyone promising viral success or demanding upfront payment for vague “industry connections.”

Ready to find trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated austin texas music industry support experts in the Austin, Texas area today.