{"id":2054931,"date":"2026-07-21T11:54:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T08:54:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2054931"},"modified":"2026-07-21T11:54:07","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T08:54:07","slug":"dubstep-producer-and-dj-rusko-announces-indefinite-hiatus-from-music-and-touring-it-became-clear-i-was-having-a-breakdown-mentally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2054931","title":{"rendered":"Dubstep producer and DJ Rusko announces indefinite hiatus from music and touring: \u201cIt became clear I was having a breakdown mentally\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/rusko@2000&#215;1270.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"template-id-2749694\" class=\"post-2749694 tdb_templates type-tdb_templates status-publish post\">\n<div id=\"tdi_65\" class=\"tdc-zone\">\n<div class=\"tdc_zone tdi_66  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div id=\"tdi_67\" class=\"tdc-row stretch_row_1400 td-stretch-content\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_68  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_70  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_breadcrumbs tdi_71 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-breadcrumbs \" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_71\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span>News<\/span><i class=\"tdb-bread-sep td-icon-right\"><\/i><span>Music News<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_title tdi_72 tdb-single-title td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_72\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Dubstep producer and DJ Rusko announces indefinite hiatus from music and touring: \u201cIt became clear I was having a breakdown mentally\u201d<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_subtitle tdi_73 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_73\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>\u201cI had simply been ignoring my brain and body for far too long\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_author tdi_75 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-post-meta\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_75\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-author-name-wrap\"><span class=\"tdb-author-by\">By<\/span> Liberty Dunworth<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_date tdi_76 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-post-meta\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_76\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><time class=\"entry-date updated td-module-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-21T12:54:07+01:00\">21st July 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- .\/block --><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tdi_77\" class=\"tdc-row stretch_row_1400 td-stretch-content\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_78  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_80  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span8\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_featured_image tdi_81 tdb-content-horiz-left td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_81\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<figure>\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"696\" height=\"442\" class=\"entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/rusko@2000x1270-696x442.jpg\" alt=\"Rusko performs live\" title=\"rusko@2000x1270\"><figcaption class=\"tdb-caption-text\">Rusko performs live. CREDIT: Tim Mosenfelder\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_row_inner tdi_83 article-content-row vc_row vc_inner wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column_inner tdi_85  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-inner-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_content tdi_86 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 td-post-content tagdiv-type\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_86\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>Dubstep producer and DJ Rusko has announced that he is taking an indefinite hiatus from music and touring, saying that it \u201cbecame clear I was having a breakdown mentally\u201d.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>READ MORE: \u201cPressure cooker\u201d impact of touring on mental health \u201cneeds addressing\u201d \u2013 but help is at hand<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The UK dubstep giant made the announcement over the weekend, citing that he wanted to put a focus on his mental health and wellbeing after \u201cignoring\u201d the warning signs for too long.<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad0 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sharing a statement on social media, the producer said: \u201cWhen I first decided to call it a day on music and shows I really wasn\u2019t sure how, or even if, I wanted to share it more publicly. The truth is, I simply couldn\u2019t have found the words.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI had simply been ignoring my brain and body for far too long, I finally hit a serious breakdown point,\u201d he added, saying that it \u201cbecame clear I was having a breakdown mentally\u2026 and so needed to dip out of the game for the foreseeable future.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He went on to apologise to fans for being unable to play his scheduled shows, and added that their \u201csupport over the years has meant everything to me\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor now, I have to follow my instincts for healing and recovery. While I can\u2019t guarantee any kind of return, I hope in my heart one day this is not goodbye, but more \u2018see ya later, alligator,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Da5WlxIJE16\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad1 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"taboola-mid-article-title\">Recommended<\/h5>\n<div id=\"taboola-mid-article\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Rusko took a step back from music in 2017 too, when he revealed that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and was undergoing treatment.<\/p>\n<p>At the time, his peers rallied round with support, with Kill The Noise tweeting \u201cending positive vibes ur way my man much love\u201d, Laidback Luke writing \u201cvery sorry and shocked to hear this. Get well man! Positive vibes your way,\u201d and Netsky sharing: \u201cSo sorry to hear this.. Glad you got back home for the treatment. I\u2019ll be keeping you in my thoughts\u201d.<br \/>\nHe announced later that year that his treatment had been successful and that he was officially cancer-free.<\/p>\n<p>The bass music pioneer came to prominence in 2007, and released his first solo album \u2018O.M.G.\u2019 in 2010. A second solo record followed in 2012 with \u2018Songs\u2019, and both of those releases reached the Top 20 in the Top Dance Albums charts upon their release.<\/p>\n<p>His latest release was a collaboration track with Marco Strous, \u2018Professor X\u2019, which arrived in March.<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad2 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-2\" class=\"lazy-ad\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Responding to the post announcing the indefinite hiatus, fans and fellow artists showed support for Rusko. \u201cThey say never meet your heroes \u2013 but you changed that for us! Once a legend always a legend,\u201d wrote Modestep, while Ahee shared: \u201cIt was an honor to meet and play some shows with you\u2026 I know this career brings about pressures and challenges most do not understand, I wish you a healing journey that brings you joy and satisfaction, you deserve it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Koven wrote: \u201cWell done for listening to your mind and your body. Sending you big love mate\u201d, and Shming added: \u201cSo much love Rusko!! You are an absolute icon that helped shape the scene in so many ways. Take all the time you need to heal, health comes first.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>There has been a growing awareness for the mental health struggles that affect musicians, and in 2023 mental health charity Mind highlighted that research found that people working in the music industry are \u201cmore prone to mental health problems than the general population\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The study concluded that \u201cmusicians [are] up to three times more likely to suffer from depression\u201d, mostly due to financial pressures, isolation, lifestyle, hectic schedules and addiction.<\/p>\n<p>That year, Tamsin Embleton \u2013 a psychotherapist and former tour booker, as well as the author of Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual \u2013 spoke to <em>NME<\/em> about the need for awareness and support across the music industry.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking about how being on the road in itself can lead to people battling with anxiety, depression and burnout, the author told us: \u201cTo be on tour is really intense, it\u2019s a bit of a pressure cooker. Underneath the surface, what you\u2019re already struggling with is going to intensify. You\u2019ve got no personal space, and it hits you biologically, psychologically and socially.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Citing a chapter in her book by Peter Robinson from Pop Justice \u2013 also a therapist and a coach on dealing with the media \u2013 Embleton advised artists to have \u201cboundaries in place in order to feel separate from the online self and the real self\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>To try and provide more support for artists, there was a 24-hour mental health support service launched last year, set up by the Music Industry Therapy Collective (MITC).<\/p>\n<p>It offers round-the-clock, expert-led coaching sessions intended to help to tackle depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia and burnout among individuals working in the high-intensity sphere of the live music business. The service will also offer help for addiction recovery, domestic conflict, loneliness and other physical and mental health issues.<\/p>\n<p>Sessions can be booked from anywhere in the world at any time of day \u2013 find out how here.<\/p>\n<h2><b>For further help and advice on mental health:<\/b><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>\u201cAm I depressed?\u201d \u2013 Help and advice on mental health and what to do next\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>MITC \u2013 A collective of musician industry therapists\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>TONIC Rider \u2013 Bespoke training and support for music industry professionals\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>Help Musicians UK \u2013 Around the clock mental health support and advice for musicians\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>Music Support Org \u2013 Help and support for musicians struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or mental health issues\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>YOUNG MINDS \u2013 The voice for young people\u2019s health and wellbeing\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>CALM \u2013 The Campaign Against Living Miserably<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>The Samaritans \u2013 Confidential support 24 hours a day\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap 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class=\"vc_column_inner tdi_102  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-inner-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper td_block_wrap vc_raw_html tdi_104 \">\n<div class=\"td-fix-index\">\n<h3>More Stories<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap td_flex_block_1 tdi_105 td-pb-border-top td_module_flex_1--card td_module_flex_1--card--highlight td_block_template_2 tdc-no-posts td_flex_block\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_105\">\n<div class=\"td-block-title-wrap\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"tdi_105\" class=\"td_block_inner td-mc1-wrap\">\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Arca-Music-2026-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Arca-Music-2026-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Arca announces new album \u2018XXXXX\u2019 and ambitious Daniel Sannwald-directed livestream<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Didier_Messens_Scott_Olson-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Didier_Messens_Scott_Olson-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Watch The Edge join Martin Garrix at Tomorrowland to debut new U2 collaboration \u2018Fireflies\u2019<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NMEAR_NME-GLASTO-2025-BIFFY-CLYRO-LIVE-ANDY-FORD-15@2000x1270-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/NMEAR_NME-GLASTO-2025-BIFFY-CLYRO-LIVE-ANDY-FORD-15@2000x1270-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Biffy Clyro team up with mental health charity CALM to launch \u2018Mountains\u2019 T-shirt for suicide prevention<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/live-cage-the-elephant-1-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/live-cage-the-elephant-1-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Cage The Elephant kick off \u201cnew chapter\u201d with \u2018Beaches in Tennessee\u2019, their first new music in two years: \u201cWe realised there\u2019s still room to&#8230;<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/mad-cool@2000x1270-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/mad-cool@2000x1270-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Features<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Mad Cool Festival 2026 Day One in photos: Foo Fighters, Wolf Alice and more<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/reading_site_change_comp-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/reading_site_change_comp-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music Interviews<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Reading &amp; Leeds boss talks biggest-ever arena overhaul and \u201cstrength of UK and Irish music\u201d on line-up: \u201cWe\u2019re buzzing with ideas for the future\u201d<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>                    <span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span>                <\/article>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_content tdi_86 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 td-post-content tagdiv-type\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_86\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>Dubstep producer and DJ Rusko has announced that he is taking an indefinite hiatus from music and touring, saying that it \u201cbecame clear I was having a breakdown mentally\u201d.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>READ MORE: \u201cPressure cooker\u201d impact of touring on mental health \u201cneeds addressing\u201d \u2013 but help is at hand<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The UK dubstep giant made the announcement over the weekend, citing that he wanted to put a focus on his mental health and wellbeing after \u201cignoring\u201d the warning signs for too long.<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad0 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sharing a statement on social media, the producer said: \u201cWhen I first decided to call it a day on music and shows I really wasn\u2019t sure how, or even if, I wanted to share it more publicly. The truth is, I simply couldn\u2019t have found the words.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI had simply been ignoring my brain and body for far too long, I finally hit a serious breakdown point,\u201d he added, saying that it \u201cbecame clear I was having a breakdown mentally\u2026 and so needed to dip out of the game for the foreseeable future.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He went on to apologise to fans for being unable to play his scheduled shows, and added that their \u201csupport over the years has meant everything to me\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFor now, I have to follow my instincts for healing and recovery. While I can\u2019t guarantee any kind of return, I hope in my heart one day this is not goodbye, but more \u2018see ya later, alligator,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/Da5WlxIJE16\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad1 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"taboola-mid-article-title\">Recommended<\/h5>\n<div id=\"taboola-mid-article\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Rusko took a step back from music in 2017 too, when he revealed that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and was undergoing treatment.<\/p>\n<p>At the time, his peers rallied round with support, with Kill The Noise tweeting \u201cending positive vibes ur way my man much love\u201d, Laidback Luke writing \u201cvery sorry and shocked to hear this. Get well man! Positive vibes your way,\u201d and Netsky sharing: \u201cSo sorry to hear this.. Glad you got back home for the treatment. I\u2019ll be keeping you in my thoughts\u201d.<br \/>\nHe announced later that year that his treatment had been successful and that he was officially cancer-free.<\/p>\n<p>The bass music pioneer came to prominence in 2007, and released his first solo album \u2018O.M.G.\u2019 in 2010. A second solo record followed in 2012 with \u2018Songs\u2019, and both of those releases reached the Top 20 in the Top Dance Albums charts upon their release.<\/p>\n<p>His latest release was a collaboration track with Marco Strous, \u2018Professor X\u2019, which arrived in March.<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad2 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-2\" class=\"lazy-ad\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Responding to the post announcing the indefinite hiatus, fans and fellow artists showed support for Rusko. \u201cThey say never meet your heroes \u2013 but you changed that for us! Once a legend always a legend,\u201d wrote Modestep, while Ahee shared: \u201cIt was an honor to meet and play some shows with you\u2026 I know this career brings about pressures and challenges most do not understand, I wish you a healing journey that brings you joy and satisfaction, you deserve it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Koven wrote: \u201cWell done for listening to your mind and your body. Sending you big love mate\u201d, and Shming added: \u201cSo much love Rusko!! You are an absolute icon that helped shape the scene in so many ways. Take all the time you need to heal, health comes first.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>There has been a growing awareness for the mental health struggles that affect musicians, and in 2023 mental health charity Mind highlighted that research found that people working in the music industry are \u201cmore prone to mental health problems than the general population\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The study concluded that \u201cmusicians [are] up to three times more likely to suffer from depression\u201d, mostly due to financial pressures, isolation, lifestyle, hectic schedules and addiction.<\/p>\n<p>That year, Tamsin Embleton \u2013 a psychotherapist and former tour booker, as well as the author of Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual \u2013 spoke to <em>NME<\/em> about the need for awareness and support across the music industry.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking about how being on the road in itself can lead to people battling with anxiety, depression and burnout, the author told us: \u201cTo be on tour is really intense, it\u2019s a bit of a pressure cooker. Underneath the surface, what you\u2019re already struggling with is going to intensify. You\u2019ve got no personal space, and it hits you biologically, psychologically and socially.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Citing a chapter in her book by Peter Robinson from Pop Justice \u2013 also a therapist and a coach on dealing with the media \u2013 Embleton advised artists to have \u201cboundaries in place in order to feel separate from the online self and the real self\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>To try and provide more support for artists, there was a 24-hour mental health support service launched last year, set up by the Music Industry Therapy Collective (MITC).<\/p>\n<p>It offers round-the-clock, expert-led coaching sessions intended to help to tackle depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia and burnout among individuals working in the high-intensity sphere of the live music business. The service will also offer help for addiction recovery, domestic conflict, loneliness and other physical and mental health issues.<\/p>\n<p>Sessions can be booked from anywhere in the world at any time of day \u2013 find out how here.<\/p>\n<h2><b>For further help and advice on mental health:<\/b><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>\u201cAm I depressed?\u201d \u2013 Help and advice on mental health and what to do next\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>MITC \u2013 A collective of musician industry therapists\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>TONIC Rider \u2013 Bespoke training and support for music industry professionals\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>Help Musicians UK \u2013 Around the clock mental health support and advice for musicians\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>Music Support Org \u2013 Help and support for musicians struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or mental health issues\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>YOUNG MINDS \u2013 The voice for young people\u2019s health and wellbeing\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>CALM \u2013 The Campaign Against Living Miserably<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1277\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\"><strong>The Samaritans \u2013 Confidential support 24 hours a day\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/news\/music\/dubstep-producer-and-dj-rusko-announces-indefinite-hiatus-from-music-and-touring-it-became-clear-i-was-having-a-breakdown-mentally-3958197&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/rusko@2000&#215;1270.jpg&#8221;] NewsMusic News Dubstep producer and DJ Rusko announces indefinite hiatus from music and touring: \u201cIt became clear I was having a breakdown mentally\u201d \u201cI had simply been ignoring my brain and body for far too long\u201d By Liberty Dunworth 21st July 2026 Rusko performs live. CREDIT: Tim Mosenfelder\/Getty Images Dubstep producer and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,78],"class_list":["post-2054931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-nme-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2054931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2054931"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2054931\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2054931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2054931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2054931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}