Musician and producer James Blake has hit out at his music being described as "sad boy", saying such terms contribute to "the ever disastrous historical stigmatisation of men expressing themselves emotionally".
Blake released his new single Don't Miss It on Friday and took to Twitter to share his feelings after the song was described as "sad boy" music in some reviews.
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"I've wanted to say this for a long time, and now seemed as good a time as any," wrote Blake.
While "overwhelmed" by the reaction to the track, Blake said: "But I can't help but notice, as I do whenever I talk about my feelings in a song, that the words 'sad boy' are used to describe it."
Please read. I've wanted to say this for a long time, and now seemed as good a time as any. pic.twitter.com/1fSPt7SJnx
— James Blake (@jamesblake) May 26, 2018
"I've always found that expression unhealthy and problematic when used to describe men just openly talking about their feelings.
"To label it at all, when we don't ever question women discussing the things they are struggling with, contributes to the ever disastrous historical stigmatisation of men expressing themselves emotionally," Blake continued.
"We are already in an epidemic of male depression and suicide. We don't need any further proof that we have hurt men with our questioning of their need to be vulnerable and open."
"It is only ever a good thing to talk about what is on your mind."
"Please don't allow people who fear their own feelings to ever subliminally shame you out of getting anything off your chest, or identifying with music that helps you," the 29-year-old urged.
"There is no great victory in machismo and bravado in the end. The road to mental health and happiness, which I feel so passionately about, is paved with honesty."
"Sorry for this 'sad boy' letter, but I've seen enough friends drown in this, and almost drowned in it myself because I bottled everything up, afraid of being seen as weak or soft," Blake concluded.
"I now see the great strength, and benefit for those around you in actually opening up."
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can contact the Samaritans Helpline 116 123 or the Pieta House 24/7 Helpline 1800 247 247.
