Matt Thomas, who co-founded the charity Music Support in 2016 after two decades as a record label executive and artist manager, said he had seen “massive changes” in recent years.
“I actually think the music industry has got so much better and has made so much progress,” he told News.
“What I’ve noticed in the last 10 years is the awareness that it’s [about] human beings rather than commodities. But we’ve still got a long way to go.”
More support is now out there, but not everybody knows where to find it, he said.
“One of the biggest issues is lack of awareness of the help that’s available, and lack of clear signposting and official recognised pathways.”
He also backed Chambers’ suggestion that under-18s should be given much more protection.
“There’s a massive difference between duty of care to artists and duty of care to children. Duty of care to children should be dealt with completely separately,” he said.
Talent manager Jonathan Shalit also said things had changed since 2010.
“Fortunately… a lot of lessons have been learned. The duty of care back then wasn’t what it could have been [on reality shows in general]. Now the duty of care is considerable.
“I think it’s very important to separate the emotions and the terribleness of what’s happened to Liam… That is many years after he left One Direction… On the flip side, some members of One Direction have gone on to have great success and great enjoyment in the lives. It’s not black and white.”
He acknowledged that “fame is not what it seems to be… you’ve got a million friends but you’ve got no friends”.
“I always say, artists are the most sensitive people in a very hard business.”
The BPI, the trade body representing record labels, said there’s now “so much more focus” on the wellbeing of artists, and understanding of the pressures they face.
Labels take “an active role” in their artists’ welfare, and there is “a range of support” from managers as well as organisations like Music Support and Help Musicians, which offer “a breadth of pastoral support”, a BPI spokesman told News.
“The music community is continually thinking what further care can be provided. The BPI is committed to supporting its members and the wider industry in ensuring that artist wellbeing remains a priority.”
Music management consultant Marcus Anthony told 5 Live on Sunday: “The music industry is aware that these thing need to be addressed, and big music events and conventions hold seminars and discussions about artist welfare and things are getting better.
“But some managers and labels will always prioritise the pound over the artist.”
