Chappell Roan ignites a mental health movement within the music industry
Image credits: Kevin Winter
Following her Grammy acceptance speech, the music industry is now taking note.
Chappell Roan sparks a vital conversation on mental health in music
The pressure of the music industry has long taken a toll on artists, yet mental health has often been overlooked in industry discussions. In 2025, that conversation is finally gaining momentum- thanks in part to Chappell Roan’s powerful call to action at the 67th Grammy Awards.
During her speech on February 3rd at the awards, Roan addressed the harsh realities that artists face, calling out record labels for profiting from musicians while failing to provide them with basic support. She urged the industry to offer a “liveable wage and healthcare,” especially for developing artists. “We got you, but do you got us?” she asked, demanding that labels treat artists as “valuable employees.”
“Sharing my personal experience on the Grammy stage wasn’t meant to be a crowdfunded bandaid but a call to action to the leaders of the industry to step up, help us make real change and protect their investments in a sustainable way.”
Chappell Roan via Instagram Stories
Other artists quickly echoed her sentiments. Ariana Grande suggested that therapy should be included in contracts when signing with record labels, film studios, or TV networks, acknowledging the mental toll of a life-changing role in entertainment.
We Got You! campaign
Inspired by Roan’s speech, the We Got You! campaign was launched in partnership with US nonprofit Backline, an organisation that provides mental health resources for musicians. The initiative aims to “raise funds and provide vital resources for artists who need access to mental health care.”
The campaign has already gained significant industry support, with artists like Noah Kahan, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX, and Chappell Roan herself donating $25,000 each. Contributions have also come from industry professionals and organisations, further cementing mental health as a priority.
UMG and Music Health Alliance: A major industry initiative
Beyond grassroots efforts, major industry players are also stepping up. Universal Music Group (UMG) has expanded its partnership with the Music Health Alliance (MHA) to launch the Music Industry Mental Health Fund. This initiative builds on a four-year healthcare program, offering comprehensive mental health support to music professionals across the US.
Services include:
- Personalised recommendations for appropriate mental health counselors and psychiatrists.
- Grants to help offset mental health care costs.
- Funding resources for long-term mental health support.
UMG clients and industry professionals, both current and former, will have access to MHA’s services, with initial inquiries receiving a response within 24 hours. All services will be open to current and former music professionals. The program has already assisted nearly 1,000 clients and saved them over $12.5 million in healthcare costs.
“We have been working on ways to establish a streamlined pathway for mental health access, funding and care planning. Growing and continuing our partnership with… the Music Health Alliance was the most natural way to ensure continuous and effective mental health support for anyone working in our industry.”
Susan Mazo, UMG’s Chief Impact Officer
Need support
If you or someone you know in the music industry is struggling with mental health, resources are available:
Final thoughts
Perhaps long overdue, the music industry is finally beginning to acknowledge the mental health crisis affecting artists and professionals. Chappel Roan’s speech was a catalyst for much-needed change, but the fight for better mental health support in the music industry is far from over.
With initiatives like We Got You! and UMG’s partnership with MHA, the momentum is there. Now, it’s about ensuring these efforts translate into meaningful, lasting support for all music professionals.