In a recent interview with Mike Adam, Kate Hudson says that music and her mental health are intertwined, and that music has made her “feel seen.”

The field of music therapy has produced countless studies to show that music affects our mental health. After all, music easily triggers the release of endorphins, and as Elle Woods famously said, “Endorphins makes you happy!” There’s so much more to the relationship between music and mental health however, and Kate Hudson knows this first hand.

“I think there's a lot of people who relate to this and feel the same way, but I feel like I would die without music,” she told Audacy’s Mike Adam in her Audacy Check In. “You know, it's like the soundtrack to my life is so present for me.”

Though she’s written songs and been a music lover all her life, Hudson only recently dove into the music scene. Her debut album, Glorious, was released Friday and has already gained rave reviews. Hudson’s voice is weighty, raspy and yet suited for any genre she chose - perfect considering how she mixed Alternative, Folk, and Pop. What comes off most from the album, however, is her love for music itself.

The actress-turned-musician cites her "soundtrack" as equal parts love songs and heartbreak songs, saying that both "saved her." “They either helped me go deeper and be more depressed, which sometimes is really important, and they've also uplifted me and got me out of those places that can feel really, you feel really alone.”

And Hudson is right on target, as studies also show  that sad songs can be just as healing as happy songs. While upbeat songs may provide a positive mood and outlook shift, sad songs instead encourage emotional processing and eventual release. “By evoking deep emotions, sad music allows listeners to find solace, introspect, and effectively navigate their emotional states,” says psychologist Dr. Leigh Riby.

For Hudson, sad music gives her a sense of belonging and validation. “I think music is where we all meet each other and connect and it's the great connector,” she said. “And a lot of people don't feel so alone. So because they are connecting to something that makes them feel seen or like there are other people that feel the same way.”

“I think [connection’s] really important. I think music is the best place for it.”
You can hear more encouragement from Hudson by checking out the clip above, and be sure to check out Audacy’s I’m Listening initiative for more information and mental health resources.

Audacy's I’m Listening initiative aims to encourage those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there. Additionally, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 988. Find a full list of additional resources here.

Words by Isabella Eaton Interview by Mike Adam