Moby on touring: "It's an incredibly dangerous profession"

After hearing stories from Moby's memoir, we've got more insight from him into the life of a performer.

Speaking to the Guardian for a feature exploring electronic musicians, the man behind 'Play' has cited depression and anxiety as reasons for not touring anymore.

"I’ve never gone on a tour and not experienced anxiety, depression and insomnia. In the early days, it seemed like a small price to pay. But at this point in my life, I can’t in good conscious punish myself and my body and my mental health out of obligation to go on tour."

Describing planes and tour buses as "unhealthy, toxic spaces", he added that extensive touring can result in tragic circumstances as no amount of success or wealth guarantees happiness and good health.

"To pretend otherwise is why so many touring musicians become alcoholics and addicts and eventually die. If you look at the mortality rates of people who tour, it is an incredibly dangerous profession – people die really young.”

The impact of touring led Avicii to announce his retirement earlier this year, with UK producer Ben Pearce recently doing the same due to a battle with depression.

Steve Aoki, Tony McGuinness of Above & Beyond and Borgore also feature in the Guardian's article.

Dave Turner is Mixmag's Digital News Editor, follow him on Twitter