Canadian indie musician Hannah Judge is navigating the physical demands of touring while managing Crohn’s disease [1].
Judge, who performs under the name fanclubwallet, rose to prominence after her music went viral during the COVID-19 lockdown period between 2020 and 2021 [1]. The transition from digital success to live performance presents a significant hurdle because of her health condition, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the digestive tract [1].
Based in Ottawa, Judge's journey was highlighted in a documentary by the CBC Creator Network [1]. The physical toll of traveling and performing live is often at odds with the stability required to manage a chronic illness. For Judge, the viral success of her music created a professional opportunity that requires her to confront the limitations imposed by her diagnosis [1, 2].
Crohn's disease is characterized by inflammation that can lead to severe abdominal pain and fatigue, making the rigorous schedule of a touring artist difficult to maintain. Despite these challenges, Judge continues to pursue her career in the indie music scene [1].
Her experience reflects a broader struggle for artists with invisible disabilities who must negotiate the gap between their public personas and their private health needs. The demands of the music industry—long hours, irregular sleep, and constant travel—often clash with the medical requirements of chronic disease management [1].
“Her music went viral during lockdown.”
Judge's situation highlights the intersection of the modern 'viral' creator economy and chronic health management. While digital platforms allow artists to build massive audiences from home, the traditional industry requirement for physical touring remains a barrier for those with chronic illnesses, necessitating a shift in how the industry views accessibility and performance schedules.
