‘New artists get trolled – but we have no support’

Up-and-coming musicians are often subjected to online trolling but do not have support networks in place to help them cope, a singer-songwriter has said.

Madi Saskia, an RnB and soul singer from Birmingham, said she received awful comments online after releasing a song inspired by an experience of sexual assault.

“There was just a lot of horrible things like: ‘If this situation is so bad, then just kill yourself’,” she said.

Ms Saskia and fellow artist Lleo, from Cheltenham, were speaking to charity Youth Music about the mental health struggles often faced by young musicians.

Ms Saskia said she removed her song “On the Streets” from the internet and streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, after the comments.

She recognised the derogatory language was affecting her and said: “I’m going to make my art more impactful than what you’re doing”.

Ms Saskia said she had been on a therapy waiting list as she was unable to pay for the sessions privately.

“We’re struggling a lot and there’s not structures in place for us to thrive in the way that we probably would want to and need to, to keep the industry thriving,” she said.

Youth Music aims to support grassroot musicians in being able to make a wage through music and break down barriers for underrepresented communities.

During their discussion with BBC journalist Jameel Shariff, the artists also raised the taboo of having to work another job outside of the industry while pursuing music careers.

Lleo, who brands her music as “bipolar pop”, admitted she struggled to tell people she needed to work as it could reduce her credibility as an artist.

Elton John has described Lleo as “one of the most exciting new artists around”, but despite her promising future, she said: “Musicians need support, they need money, they need advice and they need help that they’re not getting right now.”

Ms Saskia added that she also faced “uncomfortable vibes” when recording in bedroom studios with “older gentlemen”.

She referred to “so many bad experiences” and how she had to “gauge intentions” when those around her had ulterior motives aside from making music.

Madi said: “This journey that you put yourself on is nothing that you expect it to be”.