Live Loud 2026 Returns to Massey Hall with Star-Studded Lineup Supporting Mental Health and Recovery
Music has always had the power to connect, inspire, and heal, and few events embody that spirit quite like Live Loud. Returning to Toronto’s historic Massey Hall on September 10, 2026, the annual benefit concert once again unites some of Canada’s biggest artists in support of mental health and substance use recovery through Matthew Perry House and Make Music Matter. Ahead of this year’s event, we spoke with hip-hop pioneer Michie Mee and Darcy Ataman, founder and CEO of Make Music Matter, about the importance of Live Loud, the healing power of music, and how this growing movement is helping break the stigma surrounding mental health.
First off, care to introduce yourselves to our readers?
Darcy Ataman: My name is Darcy Ataman, Founder and CEO of Make Music Matter. Our Healing in Harmony model of therapy helps people heal from their own trauma in order to regain their agency.
Michie Mee: Hi there, readers! My name is Michie Mee. I’m a hip hop artist, actress, and writer currently working on my memoir, which I’m very excited about, here in Toronto! I love music and am in the process of writing and creating new music as well. I was recently featured on a Canadian stamp alongside my hip hop peers Maestro Fresh Wes and Muzion! Performing and recording are my favourite things to do!
Live Loud returns after a successful inaugural event in 2025. What did you learn from that first experience, and how has it influenced what audiences can expect from this year’s concert?
Darcy Ataman: We learned last year that the public has a substantial need to talk about these issues, which was a pleasant surprise. I don’t think we, as a nation, have yet culturally put mental health on par with our physical health.
The audience can expect an unforgettable evening of music, community, and inspiration expressed through the lens of our amazing artists and performers. While Live Loud is a celebration, it’s also an opportunity to open up conversations about mental health and be inspired to take both individual and collective action.
They’ll also get plenty of laughs and levity from our hosts, Lauren Ash and Bruce McCulloch! To our delight, we learned last year just how open and ready these iconic artists were to lead by example by sharing their own mental health journeys. It was really special.
The mission behind Live Loud is to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, trauma, and substance use. What conversations do you hope people are having as they leave Massey Hall after the event?
Darcy Ataman: My hope is that people leave feeling more comfortable talking about these issues in their everyday lives and become part of this growing, universal movement to make mental health as open and accepted as the conversations we have about our physical health.
I’ll share an example. I was recently presenting our Healing in Harmony music therapy model in Ukraine at a hospital in Kyiv for wounded soldiers. During the question-and-answer period, one of the soldiers said to me, “We are soldiers. We don’t talk to therapists, we don’t trust them, and we don’t trust therapy. What do you say to that?”
I replied that while you can’t pass down your physical injuries—your missing limbs—to your children, you can pass down your trauma.
He then got up from his wheelchair, balanced on his prosthetics, and gave me a hug.
That moment reminded me that all of us, regardless of circumstance, want to be seen, understood, and connected. Live Loud is an opportunity for all of us to reconnect.
This year’s lineup brings together artists from a wide range of genres and backgrounds. How important is that diversity in helping the message of Live Loud reach new audiences?
Darcy Ataman: We wanted to create an evening that takes the audience on a meaningful emotional journey, and the range of artists, along with our iconic hosts, represents a collective vision.
Regardless of background or genre, we are bound together just the same when it comes to the importance of mental health and the need to support one another. Music connects us all.
Matthew Perry’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world. How does Live Loud help carry that legacy forward in a meaningful and lasting way?
Caitlin Morrison, Executive Director, Matthew Perry House and sister of Matthew Perry: Matthew never shied away from having the tough conversations. He was open about his struggles because he wanted people to know they weren’t alone, and he believed those conversations could save lives.
Live Loud carries that spirit forward by encouraging people to be loud about mental health and substance use health. Through the power of music, we’re bringing people together to challenge stigma, spark honest conversations, and remind people that asking for help is a sign of strength.
It’s more than a concert. It’s a continuation of Matthew’s belief that when we speak openly, we create hope and inspire change.
Beyond raising funds, Live Loud aims to create lasting awareness and change. What does success for this initiative look like five or even ten years from now?
Darcy Ataman: NGOs and civil society exist to fill gaps that governments or the private sector are not addressing at scale. In a perfect world, there would no longer be a need for organizations like Make Music Matter or Matthew Perry House because accessible, effective support would be available to everyone who needs it.
In reality, in ten years’ time I hope, as a society, we can talk about mental health issues as part of our daily dialogue—as openly as talking about going to the dentist for a toothache—and understand how all of these issues are intrinsically tied to our physical health.
If Live Loud moves us even a little closer to that future, where people feel less alone and stigma continues to fade, then we’ll know it’s making a lasting difference.
Music has long been a source of comfort and healing for many people. From your own perspective, why do you think music is such a powerful tool for opening conversations around mental health and recovery?
Michie Mee: Music is the perfect outlet! It’s personal and unique in expression. It’s letting your thoughts and ideas go unjudged, which in some cases can lead to unreleased lol, but you certainly feel the healing and find the humour!
For many people, asking for help can still feel like the hardest step. What message would you share with someone who may be struggling but isn’t sure where to turn?
Michie Mee: Find your faith! Whatever you believe in, let it increase your faith.
Water and walks, quiet time—there are many options, and they can present a path or person to reach out to if needed… or dig deeper into your music bag and have fun!
Moms, aunties, and grandmas work well too! Go dancing! Music is there too!
Looking ahead to September 10, what are you personally most excited for, and what are the moments you are hoping audiences will remember long after the final performance ends?
Michie Mee: I am super excited and triple honoured to be a part of this lineup of Canadian artists and talent! I just want to meet everyone I can!
I have only dreamed of performing at Massey Hall! This is where school trips came, and where musicians came alive. I played the clarinet in my school’s band and soloed every chance I got in the classroom lol. My teacher would let my energy go all out. I wanted the saxophone, but I lost the class draw.
But now I’m here!
I can’t wait to touch the Massey Hall stage! I can’t wait to watch everyone perform. It will do good for my mental health. 😉
I hope I get remembered too, because this is one show I will never forget.
Salute.