Rachael Lander: Music, Recovery & Resilience
Episode Overview
Rachael Lander's music career highlights. Her journey of 16 years in recovery. Music Support UK's new family and friends service. The role of coping strategies in sobriety. Challenges and triumphs in the music industry.
"It's the reality, isn't it? Ups and downs, but I'm so genuinely pleased you've managed to sort things out and life looks good for you now."
In this episode of 'One For The Road', host Sober Dave is joined by the accomplished session cellist, Rachael Lander. Known for her performances with iconic artists like London Grammar, George Michael, and Elton John, Rachael shares her compelling journey through the music industry and her 16-year battle with addiction.
Her story is one of resilience and redemption as she opens up about the challenges of managing performance anxiety with alcohol and beta blockers, and how she found her path to recovery. Rachael's candid discussion brings to light the pressures that musicians often face and how these can lead to self-medication and addiction. She emphasizes the importance of community and support, highlighting her role as a trustee for Music Support UK.
The charity's new family and friends service aims to assist those close to individuals struggling with addiction, providing much-needed resources and support. Throughout the conversation, Rachael reflects on her personal experiences, including touring while pregnant and sober, and the coping mechanisms she has developed over the years. Her insights on the bespoke nature of recovery and the importance of not comparing oneself to others are both moving and informative.
Listeners are treated to an engaging narrative that not only delves into Rachael's professional achievements but also her personal growth and the ongoing journey of living a sober life. Sober Dave and Rachael's dialogue is filled with warmth and mutual respect, offering inspiration and hope to anyone facing similar struggles.
This episode is a testament to the power of music, community, and personal strength, and underscores the vital role organizations like Music Support UK play in the lives of those in the music industry.