Article research

The role of mental health in the music industry

Florence + The machine - Florence Welch has been open about her struggles with anxiety, alcoholism, and the pressure of fame. She frequently speaks on the importance of mental health, encouraging fans to seek the help they needed.

Sam Fender - Known for his anthemic sound and socially conscious lyrics, Sam Fender addresses mental health struggles with sincerity and grit. His song 'Dead Boys' sheds light on male suicide, a topic he felt wasn't discussed enough. Fender has also spoken about his own battles with mental health and advocates for more support for young men dealing with similar issues.

Matty Healy (The 1975) - Matty Healy has been candid about his battles with addiction and mental health. Through interviews, social media, and the band's lyrics, he explores themes like depression, anxiety, and self-destructive behaviour.

Why is this topic so significant?

The public eye may see artists/stars as living a 'perfect life' - but when they reveal their vulnerabilities it encourages their fans to break the stigma around speaking about the topic and normalise it 

Creates a large and supportive community so people can understand each other and bring them together - and then also they can inspire social change due to their large platform as many people would see/hear them

This is also significant for the artists - because if they write songs about personal struggles, it could be therapeutic for them, and could feel as though they're getting it off their chest

What are the current issues?

Large stigma around speaking about mental health - especially in men

Among young people aged 17-19 in the UK, 18.7% are reported to have a probable mental health disorder, according to the NHS Digital's Mental Health of Children (2023) - risen significantly in recent years, driven by factors such as social media use, academic pressure and lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.