Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi has admitted that he will quit the music industry if his mental health continues to deteriorate. The musician, who shot to fame in 2019 with his hit single “Someone You Loved,” has previously spoken openly about his struggles with anxiety and depression. He has now revealed that he will prioritize his mental wellbeing over his career if necessary.
Capaldi spoke about his decision in an interview with the Irish Times. “If my mental health worsened, I would definitely not continue doing this,” he said. “I don’t think anything is worth sacrificing your own happiness or your own mental health for.” The 24-year-old added that he has “never been more aware” of the importance of looking after his mental wellbeing.
Capaldi’s comments come amid growing concern about the impact of the music industry on artists’ mental health. In recent years, several high-profile musicians have spoken openly about their struggles with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. These include Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and Kanye West.
One factor that has been blamed for the industry’s impact on mental health is the pressure to succeed. As Capaldi pointed out in his interview, the music industry can be highly competitive and demanding. “It’s a cut-throat industry,” he said. “There’s no two ways about it.”
However, Capaldi also acknowledged that music can be a powerful tool for improving mental health. “Music is the thing that has saved my life,” he said. “It’s really important to remember that music is there as a tool for you, not just for people listening.”
Capaldi has been using his platform to raise awareness of mental health issues and to encourage others to seek help if needed. During the coronavirus pandemic, he launched a series of Instagram live streams called “Wit Wit Wednesday,” where he would discuss mental health topics with his followers.
Capaldi’s comments have been praised by mental health campaigners. “It’s refreshing to see a young artist talking so openly about the importance of prioritizing mental health over fame and success,” said Rebecca Hastings, a spokesperson for mental health charity SANE. “Lewis Capaldi is setting a great example for other artists, and for young people everywhere.”
Capaldi has had a hugely successful year, with his debut album “Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent” reaching number one in the UK charts. However, he has also faced criticism from some quarters for his emotional and often downcast song lyrics. In an article in Hot Press earlier this year, critic Danny Wilson questioned whether Capaldi’s music was allowing him to fully process his emotions or was simply “pallid pop brought to you by the algorithm.”
Capaldi has yet to respond to Wilson’s comments directly, but in an interview with NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, he defended his songwriting style. “It’s how I’ve always written songs,” he said. “I’ve always written about the way I feel, and that’s just how it is.”
