Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the biggest music companies in the world, has started a new program to help musicians take care of their mental health. This program, called the Music Industry Mental Health Fund, is a partnership with Music Health Alliance, a group that helps people in the music industry with healthcare.
This step comes after singer Chappell Roan spoke about the struggles of musicians during her speech at the Grammy Awards. Roan, who won the award for Best New Artist, shared that after being dropped by her music label in 2020, she found it difficult to afford healthcare. She urged record companies to provide fair wages and health insurance to their artists. She asked, “Labels, we got you, but do you got us?”
The new fund will provide support, advice, and money to help musicians get therapy and other mental health services. It is available not only for current musicians but also for those who have left the music industry.
After Roan’s speech, some people agreed with her, and some did not. Music business expert Jeff Rabhan wrote an article in The Hollywood Reporter arguing that record companies should not have to pay for musicians’ healthcare. He also suggested that Roan should spend her own money to help others.
In response, Roan donated $25,000 to help new musicians. Other famous artists, like Charli XCX and Noah Kahan, also gave money. Singer Ariana Grande also supported the idea and said that record companies should offer free therapy to young artists.
UMG’s new mental health fund is an important step in helping musicians stay healthy and supported. While it may not solve all the problems that artists face, it shows that big companies are starting to listen to what musicians need.
Many people hope that this will encourage other record companies to do the same and take better care of the artists who create the music we all love.
